Understanding Trust Structures in the UAE: An Overview

July 30, 2024by Kartik Shetty0

The concept of trusts, a longstanding fixture in common law jurisdictions, has been steadily gaining traction in the UAE’s legal landscape. With the introduction of specific regulations and the increasing acceptance of trust structures, the UAE offers a robust framework for both domestic and international clients seeking to utilize trusts for various purposes. This article delves into the intricacies of trust in the UAE, exploring their establishment, regulation, and benefits.

Historical Context and Legal Framework

Historically, the UAE did not recognize trust as they are understood in common law jurisdictions. However, with the growth of international business and the need for sophisticated financial planning tools, the UAE has adapted its legal framework to accommodate trusts. Key milestones in this evolution include the enactment of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Trust Law.

This blog is related to our UAE Business Setup Guide: Mainland and Freezone Pillar article

DIFC Trust Law

The DIFC, a financial free zone established in Dubai, introduced its Trust Law in 2005. This law provides a comprehensive framework for the creation and administration of trusts within the DIFC, aligning closely with international standards. The DIFC Trust Law allows for various types of trusts, including discretionary trusts, charitable trusts, and purpose trusts, making it a versatile tool for wealth management and asset protection.

Establishing a Trust in the UAE

Establishing a trust in the UAE involves several key steps, each governed by the relevant legal framework of the jurisdiction in which the trust is to be established (DIFC). The following sections outline the general process:

Choosing the Type of Trust

The first step in establishing a trust is determining the type of trust that best suits the settlor’s objectives. Common types of trusts include:

  • Discretionary Trusts: Provide trustees with the discretion to distribute assets to beneficiaries.
  • Charitable Trusts: Established for philanthropic purposes.
  • Purpose Trusts: Created for a specific purpose rather than for the benefit of individuals.

Drafting the Trust Deed

The trust deed is the foundational document of the trust, outlining its terms and conditions. It specifies the settlor’s intentions, the trustee’s powers and duties, and the rights of the beneficiaries. Legal expertise is crucial in drafting a trust deed to ensure compliance with UAE regulations and the settlor’s objectives.

Appointing Trustees

Trustees are responsible for managing the trust’s assets in accordance with the trust deed. In the UAE, trustees can be individuals or corporate entities. The choice of trustee is critical, as they play a central role in the administration of the trust.

Registering the Trust

In the DIFC and ADGM, trusts must be registered with the relevant regulatory authority. This process involves submitting the trust deed and other required documents, along with the applicable registration fee. Registration provides legal recognition and protection for the trust.

Benefits of Trusts in the UAE

Trusts offer a range of benefits, making them an attractive option for individuals and businesses seeking efficient wealth management and asset protection solutions. Some of the key benefits include:

Asset Protection

Trusts provide a robust mechanism for protecting assets from creditors, legal claims, and other risks. By transferring assets to a trust, the settlor can shield them from potential liabilities, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Estate Planning

Trusts facilitate efficient estate planning by allowing individuals to dictate the distribution of their assets upon their death. This can help avoid probate proceedings and ensure that the settlor’s wishes are carried out.

Confidentiality

Trusts offer a higher degree of confidentiality compared to other legal structures. The details of the trust, including the identity of the beneficiaries and the nature of the assets, can be kept private.

Flexibility

The UAE’s trust laws provide significant flexibility in the creation and administration of trusts. This allows settlors to tailor trusts to their specific needs, whether for wealth management, business succession, or charitable purposes.

Regulatory Compliance and Administration

Compliance with regulatory requirements is crucial for the proper administration of trusts in the UAE. Trustees must adhere to the following obligations:

Record-Keeping

Trustees are required to maintain accurate records of the trust’s activities, including financial transactions, distributions, and correspondence. These records must be readily available for inspection by the regulatory authorities.

Reporting

Regular reporting to the regulatory authorities is mandatory. This includes submitting annual accounts and providing updates on any significant changes to the trust’s structure or administration.

Fiduciary Duties

Trustees are bound by fiduciary duties, which require them to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and manage the trust’s assets with care and diligence. Breach of fiduciary duties can result in legal consequences.

Challenges and Considerations

While trusts offer numerous benefits, there are also challenges and considerations that must be addressed:

Legal Complexity

The legal framework governing trusts in the UAE is complex and requires specialized knowledge. Professional legal advice is essential to navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure compliance.

Jurisdictional Issues

For individuals with assets in multiple jurisdictions, it is important to consider the compatibility of UAE trust laws with those of other countries. Cross-border legal advice may be necessary to address potential conflicts.

Our Recommendation

We would like to provide some information regarding registering a Trust in the UAE. The process for registering a Trust in the UAE must adhere strictly to the country’s rules and regulations. It is important to note that not every application for Trust registration will be successful, as it requires fulfilling all the requisite documentation and compliance standards as stipulated by UAE laws.

Given the complexity of registering a Trust, we recommend considering the option of registering a Foundation instead. Setting up a foundation in the UAE is generally more straightforward and can meet similar objectives, provided all requirements are met as per the UAE’s regulatory framework.

Conclusion

The UAE has made significant strides in accommodating trusts within its legal framework, offering a viable option for asset protection, estate planning, and wealth management. With the DIFC providing comprehensive regulations, the UAE is well-positioned to attract both domestic and international clients seeking the benefits of trust structures. However, navigating the complexities of trust law in the UAE requires expert legal guidance to ensure compliance and maximize the advantages offered by this flexible and powerful financial tool.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the respective authors. ATB Legal does not endorse these opinions. While we make every effort to ensure the factual accuracy of the information provided in our blogs, inaccuracies may occur due to changes in the legislative landscape or human errors. It is important to note that ATB Legal does not assume any responsibility for actions taken based on the information presented in these blogs. We strongly recommend verifying information from official sources and consulting with professional advisors to ensure its accuracy and relevance to your specific circumstances.

About ATB Legal

ATB Legal is a full-service legal consultancy in the UAE providing services in dispute resolution (DIFC Courts, ADGM Courts, mainland litigation management and Arbitrations), corporate and commercial matters, IP, business set up and UAE taxation. We also have a personal law department providing advice on marriage, divorce and wills & estate planning for expats.

Please feel free to reach out to us at office@atblegal.com for a non-obligatory initial consultation.

by Kartik Shetty

Kartik is a legal consultant at ATB legal, with a unique blend of skills for civil, corporate and commercial matters. He is a law graduate from Shivaji University, Mumbai and postgraduate from Pune University. He writes about family law and corporate and commercial matters.

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