Dubai and Abu Dhabi have long been attractive destinations for international real estate investment. With strong economic growth, a booming property market, and a favorable lifestyle, the UAE is increasingly drawing the attention of family offices and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). However, new regulations on taxation, compliance, and ownership structures are reshaping the way international and francophone investors must approach the market.
- Why the UAE attracts family offices
– Strategic location: between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
– Favorable taxation: no personal income tax and competitive corporate tax.
– Political and economic stability: secure environment for long-term wealth management.
– Lifestyle: high-end infrastructure, safety, and international education.
👉 Family offices are increasingly setting up in Dubai to manage multi-generational wealth and diversify portfolios.
- Key regulatory and fiscal evolutions
– Corporate tax (9%): impacting property holding structures and investment vehicles.
– Beneficial ownership transparency: mandatory disclosure of ultimate beneficiaries.
– AML/CFT compliance: real estate transactions are under stricter monitoring to prevent money laundering.
– Golden Visa and residency: linked to property investments above certain thresholds.
👉 Investors must now balance opportunity with compliance to remain secure and credible.
- Risks for international investors
– Over-reliance on promoters without due diligence.
– Using outdated offshore structures not aligned with new UAE substance rules.
– Ignoring double taxation risks with the investor’s home country.
– Exposure to reputational risks if compliance obligations are not met.
- Opportunities in the current market
– Diversification: combining residential, commercial, and alternative assets.
– Institutional credibility: UAE compliance standards reassure international banks and co-investors.
– Family governance: establishing family constitutions, trusts, or SPVs for sustainable wealth management.
– Real estate as a residency strategy: securing Golden Visas through property holdings.
- The role of a strategic advisory partner
Family offices and HNWIs entering the UAE need more than real estate brokers. They require:
– Regulatory and tax structuring of property holdings.
– Due diligence on assets and partners.
– Governance frameworks for family wealth transfer.
– Operational support in managing compliance and reporting.
👉 A francophone advisory partner helps secure investments and align real estate strategy with long-term family objectives.
The UAE real estate market remains one of the most attractive in the world. For family offices and francophone investors, the opportunity is real – but it requires structuring, compliance, and governance to turn property into a sustainable asset class.
👉 Success in UAE real estate is no longer about quick gains – it is about long-term strategy and trust.