Dubai’s DIFC Foundations Gain Relevance for Global Wealth Planning As international families build wealth across multiple countries, asset protection and succession planning are becoming more complex. Many families now hold real estate, investment portfolios, private company shares and business interests across several jurisdictions. Without a proper structure, transferring these assets between generations can become costly, fragmented and difficult to manage. This is where DIFC Foundations are becoming increasingly relevant. A DIFC Foundation is a separate legal entityestablished within the Dubai International Financial Centre. Unlike a traditional trust, the Foundation can own assets directly in its own name, offering families clearer governance, better transparency and a structure that is easier to administer. For globally mobile families, this structure can help consolidate ownership of international real estate portfolios, private company shares, investment assets, intellectual property and other family assets under one vehicle. Why Families Use DIFC Foundations The main appeal lies in succession planning, asset protection and long-term family governance. By using a DIFC Foundation, families can reduce probate and inheritance complications while creating a clearer framework for preserving wealth across generations. For Muslim families, DIFC Foundations can also support Sharia-sensitive succession and governance objectives. The Foundation Charter and By-Laws can be tailored to reflect the family’s values, wishes and inheritance philosophy, while still benefiting from DIFC’s internationally recognised legal framework. Typical setup costs may range from USD 8,000 to USD 20,000, with annual administration and maintenance costs often ranging between USD 3,000 and USD 10,000. These structures are generally most suitable for families with investable assets of at least USD 1 million, with stronger value for portfolios above USD 3 million to USD 5 million. Outlook In 2026, wealth preservation is no longer only about investment returns. For global families, the priority is structure, continuity and control. DIFC Foundations are likely to remain an important planning tool for families seeking long-term certainty across multiple markets and generations. Download to see insights from other country marketsDownload

As global uncertainty, inflation concerns, and geopolitical risks continue shaping investment decisions, cross-border real estate is becoming a core wealth-building strategy for UAE residents. Rather than focusing solely on domestic markets, investors are increasingly using international property portfolios to diversify risk, preserve wealth, and secure long-term financial stability. This trend is placing Dubai at the centre of global real estate investment activity. Dubai Leads the Cross-Border Investment Trend Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's most active international property markets. Real estate transaction values approached AED 500 billion in 2025, supported by sustained double-digit annual growth and increasing participation from overseas buyers. Indian investors remain the largest foreign buyer group, followed by investors from the UK, China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. More importantly, many of these purchases are being made as long-term wealth and residency strategies rather than short-term speculation. Real Estate as a Wealth Preservation Tool For many UAE-based professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals, cross-border property ownership offers more than investment returns. It provides protection against currency concentration, reduces dependence on a single market, and supports long-term family wealth planning. Real estate's combination of rental income, inflation protection, and tangible asset ownership continues to make it a preferred asset class during periods of uncertainty. Recent data also highlights growing institutional confidence in the sector. According to Knight Frank's Global Wealth Report, 44% of family offices worldwide plan to increase their real estate exposure, reinforcing the view that property remains a key component of long-term wealth strategies. Outlook As global investors become more focused on diversification and resilience, Dubai is expected to remain a major gateway for international property investment. While market conditions continue evolving, demand for cross-border real estate is likely to stay strong as investors prioritise wealth preservation, geographic diversification, and stable long-term returns. For UAE residents, building a globally diversified property portfolio may become an increasingly important part of future wealth planning. Download to see insights from other country marketsDownload

Dubai’s property market has long been driven by location, but in 2026, investors are looking beyond the address. With rapid development cycles and a strong off-plan market, developer credibility has become one of the most important factors in deciding whether an investment succeeds. Buyers are not only purchasing a property. They are trusting a developer to deliver the project, quality and long-term value promised. Off-Plan Demand Raises the Stakes Dubai recorded strong activity, with over 17,000 transactions and around AED 70 billion in sales recently. More importantly, around 70% of activity came from off-plan units. This makes execution risk a major consideration. Delays, redesigns, cost pressure and poor finishing can affect final returns, even when the location is attractive. Developer Quality Shapes Property Value In areas such as Business Bay and JVC, nearby towers can achieve very different rental and resale values. The difference is often not location, but build quality, finishing, maintenance and brand trust. This is why investors are increasingly willing to pay a premium for developers with a proven delivery record. Investors Are Buying Promises In an off-plan-heavy market, the product is not fully visible at the time of purchase. Investors are effectively buying a promise that the project will be completed well, on time and to the expected standard. That makes due diligence more important. Track record, financial strength, contractor network and post-handover management are no longer secondary details. They are part of the investment case. Outlook Dubai will remain a strong real estate market, but investor behaviour is becoming more selective. Established locations will continue to attract demand, but the gap between strong and weak projects may widen. For buyers and investors, the key is no longer just choosing the right area. It is choosing the right developer, the right product and the right execution strategy. Download to see insights from other country marketsDownload