Trusts

Trusts are recognised by federal legislation through Federal Decree-Law No. 31/2023 Concerning Trust, applying to mainland United Arab Emirates (UAE) but not to the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) or the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Trusts are also recognised in the common law jurisdictions of the DIFC and ADGM. The statutory framework for trusts was introduced in DIFC Law No. 11/2005 DIFC Trust Law but significantly revised in DIFC Law No. 4/2018 Trust Law. The ADGM Trusts (Special Provisions) Regulations 2016 governs ADGM trusts alongside the common law.

A waqf is also recognised in the UAE under Shariah law and can, for tax purposes, be considered a type of trust.

Private foundations