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5/1/24, 2:40 PM DIFC emerges as premier global hub for family businesses
DIFC Family Wealth Centre, which is built for innovation, succession planning, and future
prosperity.”

With more than 440 registered foundations and over 600 active entities affiliated with top

family businesses and individuals, DIFC has seen a surge in interest for family wealth
management. Primarily driven by interest for prescribed companies, or private companies

which can be established by a qualifying applicant or for a qualifying purpose, the Centre’s

commitment towards regulatory transparency and family confidentiality supported an 81
percent surge in single family offices, followed by a 12 percent increase in holding

companies, year-on-year in 2023.

To further support this growth DIFC also announced its new comprehensive guide

‘Prosperity Across Generations: Unlocking the Power of DIFC for Families’ to empower

families with access to knowledge and expertise on structures, governance, wealth
management, succession and estate planning in Dubai and DIFC.

Innovative and future-forward jurisdiction

Aligned with the UAE’s vision to help family businesses maximise their contribution to the
economy, the DIFC Family Arrangements Regulations were introduced on 31st January

2023 to replace or repeal the Single Family Office (SFO) Regulations. Benefits under the
new regulations include a private registry option, which provides families and their

Ultimate Beneficial Ownership’s (UBOs) with the highest levels of privacy and

confidentiality. The same regulations also provide certification for family businesses in
DIFC to support benefits and incentives planned for family businesses in the UAE under

UAE Family Business Law.

DIFC Family Wealth Centre – A global knowledge hub for family wealth

In addition to the revised regulatory framework for family businesses, the launch and

development of DIFC Family Wealth Centre in 2023 has helped empower families

preserve their wealth and legacies for the future, through best-in-class tailored solutions
including asset allocation and portfolio management, governance, succession planning,

Sharia compliance as an option, Will registration and philanthropy.

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