Obediah Ayton has built his reputation as one of the leading voices in Middle East venture capital and family office investments.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, a hub of luxury and innovation, offers an ideal environment for family offices with its favourable tax regime, streamlined business processes, and skilled workforce. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) provide robust and internationally recognised regulatory frameworks. Combined with the country’s political stability, economic resilience, and strategic location, these factors have made the UAE one of the fastest-growing family office ecosystems globally, supported by a steady rise in DIFC and ADGM registrations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Evaluation categories
Resources
Key numbers
FAQ

Introduction
An oasis in the Middle East
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), comprising seven emirates including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has emerged as one of the world’s leading destinations for affluent families to manage and preserve wealth.
The discovery of oil in the late 1950s transformed the UAE into a cosmopolitan hub of innovation, finance, and luxury. Today, the country is home to world-renowned skyscrapers, luxury resorts, and a thriving cultural and recreational landscape that appeals to global families.
Beyond its lifestyle advantages, the UAE provides structural benefits for HNWIs and family offices, including the absence of personal income tax, a competitive corporate tax regime, streamlined business processes, and access to a highly skilled workforce.
Notable
The UAE has successfully attracted HNWIs and family offices from across the globe, largely due to the regulatory and infrastructure advantages offered by its two key international financial centres: the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). These hubs have become central to the region’s family office ecosystem, providing trusted legal frameworks for private wealth management, succession planning, and tax structuring.
People to know
These are experts from our network who deeply understand specific topics or subject matter, but can also help navigate the local ecosystem with network, connections, insights, services, and more.
For bespoke advisory services, Simple’s family office solutions combine best-practice knowledge with the latest thinking to deliver solutions that solve the most complex challenges. Our senior advisors have decades of experience, enabling us to advise across all areas and family office themes.
Enquire NowEvaluation categories
1. Tax regulations & incentives
The UAE has been a preferred destination for family offices due to its favourable tax regime: there is no personal income tax, and for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023, a federal corporate tax of 9% applies to business profits above AED 375,000.
The UAE has implemented a federal Corporate Tax (CT) regime across all Emirates for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. The tax applies to juridical persons (companies and other legal entities) and to individuals engaged in business activities, excluding the extraction of natural resources, which remains subject to Emirate-level taxation. Family offices and investment companies generally fall within the scope of the CT. A flat 9% rate is levied on taxable profits above AED 375,000, while profits up to that threshold remain taxed at 0%.
Companies and branches registered in a Free Zone are subject to the same filing and compliance obligations as other UAE entities. If they meet the conditions to qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP), they may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income (such as transactions with other Free Zone entities or certain overseas activities). Any non-qualifying income earned by a QFZP is taxed at the standard 9% rate.
2. Legal & regulatory structures
Through the DIFC Family Wealth Centre (DFWC), the UAE provides a supportive and dynamic legal framework for global and regional family-owned businesses, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and private wealth. Recently, the DFWC introduced new regulations, marking a significant step forward in their commitment to setting the standards for excellence in the industry. With a focus on transparency, accountability, and stability, the new Family Business Law provides a comprehensive framework that allows family offices to operate confidently, knowing that the highest level of legal and regulatory oversight protects their interests.
The New Family Business Law is designed to help family businesses plan for the future and continue to thrive across generations. The law makes it easier for businesses to be transferred between family members by allowing for different types of shares and any number of shareholders. The law also provides an exception to certain rules that previously made it difficult for family members to take over the business.
The regulations establish certification and accreditation programs for family businesses and their advisors in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The purpose of these programs is to educate family businesses about the benefits and incentives available in the region while also ensuring that they adhere to good conduct and governance principles. Additionally, the accreditation program aims to equip advisors with high levels of quality and expertise in advising families.
3. Economic & political climate
The UAE occupies a strategic geographic position at the crossroads of trade, commerce, and diverse cultures that have co-existed and interacted for centuries. Additionally, the country is located at the centre of the world's fastest-growing markets, connected by world-leading airlines, seaports, data centres, and telecommunication infrastructure. The UAE has achieved economic diversification through careful planning and investment, making it a preferred destination in the region for global business and investment. The region continues to enable business, enhance competitiveness, and create an environment that attracts investments, tourism, and talent.
Global economic and political uncertainties are prompting UHNWIs to diversify their geographic footprint. The UAE’s stability and neutrality make it an attractive alternative to traditional family office locations. The UAE leadership has a clear vision for the future, with a focus on diversification and building a knowledge-based economy. Its commitment to stability and long-term growth ensures that the country prioritises economic growth and takes a neutral position in political matters. Additionally, the region provides a strategic platform for accessing the vast opportunities presented by emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa, which is useful for family offices looking to diversify their portfolios.
Despite the economic uncertainties, the UAE’s economy continues to grow, even outperforming economic metrics set by the IMF. The country’s strategic initiatives to diversify into non-oil GDP growth demonstrate its economic dynamism and potential for long-term growth. The Ministry of Finance’s commitment to national development as a primary objective creates an environment that is favourable for investments. Family offices can benefit from the UAE’s prosperity and resilience by investing in various sectors, such as real estate, technology, healthcare, and tourism. The UAE government has also introduced various initiatives and policies to support foreign investors and promote entrepreneurship.
The UAE has made significant efforts to create a business-friendly environment where family offices can operate. The country has made starting and running a business easy with streamlined processes and free zones that offer tax exemptions and customs benefits. The government also has a stable regulatory environment and has introduced laws aimed explicitly at family businesses. Additionally, the UAE provides access to a large and growing market and a strategic location that serves as a gateway to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The UAE offers world-class infrastructure and a range of professional services, including legal, accounting, and financial services, which are essential for family offices. Finally, a growing community of family offices in the UAE provides networking opportunities and access to knowledge and expertise.
4. Services & talent access
The UAE is a popular destination for expats and executives due to the abundance of professional opportunities, tax-free earnings and a unique work-life balance. Dubai's thriving business economy and technology-driven industries offer diverse career growth prospects for executives seeking new challenges. The UAE's tax-free income system allows executives to retain their entire earnings, ensuring financial advantages and savings opportunities. Additionally, with its urban landscape, beautiful beaches, and mountains, the region provides a perfect mix of city life and seaside tranquillity.
The DIFC offers two programs to support family offices – the DIFC Talent Network and the DIFC Family Wealth Centre. The DIFC Talent Network connects job seekers with job opportunities within the DIFC ecosystem. Job seekers create profiles, follow companies are matched with open roles. For hiring managers, the platform provides a system to source, engage, and hire candidates based on various criteria such as skills, experience, and location. This program is particularly useful for family offices who want to streamline their hiring process and find candidates that fit their specific needs.
The UAE has progressive visa policies to attract global talent, investors, and visitors. The following are the major changes made to the visa policies:
Visit Visa Extensions: 90-day visit visa holders can get a one-time 30-day extension, and all tourist visas are eligible for a 30-day extension. The extension process can be completed digitally.
Golden Visa: This visa is being offered to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, exceptional talents, and outstanding students. It is a 10-year renewable visa.
Green Visa: This visa allows highly skilled individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, and top students and graduates to reside in the UAE without being anchored to an employer.
Remote Work Visa:
This visa permits holders to live in the UAE while working remotely for employers based outside the country.
5. Culture & lifestyle considerations
The UAE is a sought-after destination for family offices due to its multicultural society, high living standards, safety, cleanliness, and world-class amenities. The region is home to just under 10 million people, with almost 90% of the population being foreigners, resulting in a diverse cultural landscape. This diversity has made the UAE one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East, where different cultures and beliefs are generally accepted. The presence of a multicultural society provides a broad perspective on global affairs and investment opportunities, making it an ideal location for family offices that operate internationally.
Ranked 15th globally in terms of quality of life, the UAE offers high living standards, combining modernity with traditional elements. This ranking, up nine places from previous years, underscores the country’s commitment to providing a high-quality life for its residents, including those involved in managing and investing wealth through family offices.
With world-class amenities, including state-of-the-art infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and educational institutions, as well as luxury lifestyle and leisure options, the UAE stands out as a premier destination for family offices. These facilities not only cater to the professional needs of family offices but also ensure a comfortable and enriched lifestyle for families.
Resources
Service Providers

Clarity AI
United States of America
Impact & ESG
Clarity AI uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide investors and advisors with insights to make sustainably informed decisions.

8topuz
United Arab Emirates Trading8topuz Wealth Fintech is an award-winning artificial intelligence and machine learning provider, based in Cyprus and in the UAE, offering automated and audited investment solutions

Asora
Ireland
Data Aggregation
Asora is a SAAS solution for single and multi-family offices to track and oversee assets, automating data capture and providing digital on demand reporting on web and mobile.

Eton Solutions
United States of America
Fully Integrated Platform
Eton's platform, AtlasFive, reimagines each intricate process of a family office into one integrated platform that optimizes efficiency, increases transparency, and maximizes accuracy.

Veltracon Lifestyle
Switzerland Lifestyle & ConciergeVeltracon Lifestyle is a 24/7 VIP service provider and lifestyle concierge. Their slogan 'anything, anytime, anywhere' says it all about Veltracon.
Family Offices

Taurus Wealth
Taurus Wealth, established in 2008, is a global wealth management firm with offices in Singapore, Dubai, and Zurich.
Key numbers
At a glance
Evaluate key statistics to compare the UAE with other regions
Comparison | United Arab Emirates |
---|---|
Corporate Income Tax Rate |
9% |
Henley Passport Index 2023 Rankings |
8 |
Articles related to United Arab Emirates
Related Insights

The largest family offices in the UAE
JurisdictionsFrom a desert landscape to a thriving metropolis in just a few decades, the UAE has transformed into a land of opportunities for family offices. Our latest insight explores the UAE's family office landscape, discusses current trends, and highlights well-established family offices in the region.

Opportunities & obstacles for African family offices
JurisdictionsAfrica marches to her own rhythm. Besides her unrivalled natural beauty, the continent is blessed with numerous natural resources and knowledge power. Despite these riches, even the wealthiest African cities are home to the greatest numbers of people living in poverty worldwide. The emergence of a healthy Family Office ecosystem remains lacklustre.

The 20 largest family offices in the world
StrategyAs family offices continued to grow steadily across the globe over the past decade, so did their investment strategies, leading them to become more successful over time. Here is a list of the 20 best-performing family office organisations, based on their assets under management.

Middle East Family Offices: A Moment In Time
OperationsIn this insight, Simple Expert Besarta Dani shares why now is a unique time of opportunity for the Middle East and why family offices should take advantage.
Latest News
Scores of rich individuals have relocated from the UK to wealth hubs such as Milan, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.
Author The Business Times
Angel Versetti's Lifelong Mission for Human Longevity. For Angel Versetti, investing is more than a financial pursuit—it's a deeply personal mission to dramatically extend both lifespan and healthspan. From his earliest days, Angel envisioned a future where science and technology could unlock true human longevity, and today, he has built Versetti Family Office into a global vanguard for innovation in this space through his Longevity Venture Builder that supports longevity moonshots with funding and entrepreneurship. Pioneering the Frontier: Targeting Aging With Biotech. At the heart of the Versetti Family Office strategy is a focus on trailblazing startups and transformative R&D designed to slow down and ultimately reverse aging. The Office invests in breakthrough longevity moonshots and R&D projects—from gene therapy and cellular reprogramming to cutting-edge diagnostics and personalized medicine platforms. Recent highlights include platform trials for telomerase and follistatin gene therapies, and next-generation tools for tracking biological age in real time. Angel's philosophy is simple: "If someone gets a life-threatening or terminal disease, they put all efforts to save themselves and survive. Why we do not do the same for the slow-motion process of dying, which is ageing, is beyond my comprehension." His team backs ventures at pre-seed stage helping them scale and secure partnerships; Versetti Family Office is offering funding, operational support, and strategic insight to founders who dare to imagine a world without the constraints of aging. Leadership & Global Recognition. Angel Versetti's expertise is respected by leaders and policymakers around the world. In summer 2025, he was invited to speak at the UK Parliament as a Roundtable speaker, sharing his insights on innovation, longevity, and the future of healthtech with government officials and top industry figures. This autumn, he will address the Longevity Summit in China and has recently spoken at the AIM Summit in the UAE alongside the former Prime Minister of the UK Boris Johnson and the Minister of Economy of the UAE. These high-profile engagements signal how Angel's opinions are valued across continents by the world's leading governments and experts in longevity and deeptech. He believes governments, especially in most developed and advanced countries, have imperative to assure healthy lifespan of their citizens: "Imagine the economic value for the country, if wise and seasoned 100-year-olds had the youthfulness, sharpness of mind, and energy of 30-year-olds—how much the society would benefit; how much stress would be taken from the hospitals and social security networks." Angel believes that even if lifespan extension is beyond our current scientific possibilities, we could at the very least solve lifespan: "The very least longevity could do is to enable people to reach old age not unlike the society in Brave New World, even if people cannot live longer, at least they can die fit and beautiful, not in misery and slow decay; after all, the biggest argument of the general population against longevity is that they would not want to extend the miserable old years of their lives—let's focus on that, while we seek answers to how to expand lifespan!" A Future-Oriented Vision. What sets Angel Versetti and Versetti Family Office apart is not only a remarkable track record as biotech and AI investors but a sense of possibility and "moonshot" thinking at the heart of every venture. Angel himself is a serial entrepreneur having exited multiple successful startups in AI and Web3 domain. He brings his entrepreneurial skillset and passion, as well as that of many of his prior ventures' early employees to his investments. Versetti Family Office maintains an open call to founders working on longevity and AI: bring your boldest ideas and let's shape the future together. Versetti Family Office has earmarked 50 million USD to invest in the boldest commercially viable longevity moonshots. Angel's conviction is unwavering—the pursuit of longevity is the defining endeavor of our era. With vision, courage, and radical collaboration, the dream of living longer and living better can become a reality for all.
Author By: ACCESS Newswire
You should at least get enough stories to keep you afloat for decades.
Author Daniel Davies
FAQ
What people are asking
What is the financial regulatory authority in the United Arab Emirates?
In the UAE Mainland, the regulator for financial services is the CBUAE, which stands for the Central Bank of the UAE. However, the UAE has several free zones with independent financial regulators, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
How many family offices are there in the United Arab Emirates?
As of 2024, an estimated 55 single-family offices are based in the UAE.
What are some prominent family office industry events and conferences in the United Arab Emirates?
The UAE hosts several family office events, including the ME Family Office Summit, which is held annually in Dubai, and the Abu Dhabi Family Office Summit (ADFO).
What is Simple?
Simple is a next-generation platform dedicated to providing comprehensive insights, tools, and services specifically designed for family offices, single family offices, multi-family offices, wealth owners, banks, and service providers within the ecosystem of family offices.
We stands out for our commitment to delivering high-quality, actionable content and solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities in wealth management and preservation.