Family Office Setup in the UAE 2026 – DIFC & ADGM Wealth Structuring
A family office brings a wealthy family’s investment management, governance and succession planning under one coordinated structure. As families grow across generations and jurisdictions, informal arrangements often become difficult to manage. The UAE, through the common-law frameworks of DIFC and ADGM, has become a leading regional hub for establishing family offices that protect and organise long-term family wealth.
What a family office does
A family office centralises functions that would otherwise be scattered across separate advisers and institutions. Typically it coordinates:
- Investment management across asset classes and markets.
- Governance, including family charters and decision-making frameworks.
- Succession planning so wealth passes smoothly between generations.
- Tax, legal and reporting coordination.
- Philanthropy and charitable giving.
Assets are commonly held through structures such as foundations, special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and prescribed companies, which help separate ownership, control and administration.
Single-family and multi-family offices
A single-family office serves one family exclusively, offering the highest degree of control and privacy. A multi-family office serves several families and shares professional resources and costs among them. The right choice depends on the size of the family’s wealth, the complexity of its affairs and how much dedicated infrastructure it wants to maintain.
What DBS handles
We help families choose between DIFC and ADGM, decide on a single-family or multi-family model, and design the holding structure using foundations, SPVs or prescribed companies as appropriate. We coordinate the legal, governance and reporting elements, and work alongside your existing advisers so that investment, tax and succession planning fit together within one coherent framework.
Why families choose the UAE
The DIFC and ADGM offer internationally recognised common-law systems, established regulatory frameworks and structures purpose-built for private wealth. This combination lets families manage global assets from a stable, well-regarded base while keeping governance and succession firmly under their own control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a single-family and multi-family office? A single-family office serves one family and offers maximum privacy and control. A multi-family office serves several families and shares resources and costs, which can be more efficient for some.
How are the family’s assets actually held? Commonly through foundations, SPVs and prescribed companies. These structures separate ownership from control and support succession, asset protection and clear reporting.
Why set up a family office in DIFC or ADGM? Both offer common-law frameworks, strong regulation and structures designed for private wealth, making the UAE a leading hub for family offices in the region.
Can a family office help with succession planning? Yes. A core purpose is to organise how wealth and responsibilities pass between generations, often alongside foundations and governance documents such as a family charter.