For UK family businesses and UHNWIs, succession planning, wealth protection and cross-border structuring are becoming increasingly complex. Rising taxes, tightening HMRC scrutiny and fragmented advisory in the UK make long-term legacy planning feel uncertain.

Is This You?

You’re a UK founder, entrepreneur or part of a multi-generational family business facing:

• Rising UK taxes and uncertainty around long-term wealth planning

• Increasing HMRC scrutiny on global assets and family structures

• Fragmented advice from multiple UK advisers with no unified strategy

• Concerns about succession, governance and protecting family legacy

• Questions about whether Dubai offers more security and predictability

If this sounds familiar, this article will help you understand why the new DIFC + Emirates NBD partnership matters — and how it strengthens Dubai’s position as the most strategic hub for UHNW family enterprises.

Dubai has now taken a major step forward in strengthening its position as the global hub for family enterprise. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Emirates NBD have signed a strategic partnership designed to enhance governance, succession planning and long-term wealth preservation for family businesses and UHNWIs. For UK-based entrepreneurs and multi-generational families evaluating Dubai as a compliant, future-proof jurisdiction, this development signals a significant strengthening of the ecosystem.

Real Prompts This Blog Answers

What does the DIFC–Emirates NBD partnership mean for UHNWIs and family businesses?
How does Dubai compare to the UK for succession planning and family governance?
What new support structures now exist for UK families relocating assets or establishing foundations?
How does DIFC help families protect long-term legacy and global wealth?
Why are more UK family businesses establishing operations or family offices in Dubai?
What practical steps should a UK HNWI take next if considering relocation or restructuring?

60-Second Key Highlights

DIFC and Emirates NBD will jointly deliver governance, wealth structuring and succession planning programmes.
Partnership operates through the DIFC Family Wealth Centre—the region’s first dedicated hub for family enterprises.
Dubai strengthens its position as a global leader in multi-generational wealth preservation.
UK HNWIs benefit from a unified legal, banking and advisory structure—unavailable in the UK.
Over 1,250 family-related entities operate in DIFC, managing more than USD 1.2 trillion globally.
The ecosystem now offers improved frameworks for foundations, family offices and holding structures.

What the DIFC + Emirates NBD Partnership Means for Family Businesses in Dubai

The new strategic agreement focuses on strengthening governance models, tax structuring, succession planning and wealth-preservation systems for UHNW families. The collaboration will be executed through the DIFC Family Wealth Centre (DFWC), giving families access to industry-leading education, advisory and governance frameworks.

Emirates NBD Private Banking will work closely with the DFWC to deliver bespoke programmes covering succession planning, family office structures, cross-border tax considerations and multi-generational governance models. This integrated approach is a major advantage for global families who traditionally rely on fragmented advisory across multiple jurisdictions.

Quote from Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority

Source: DIFC official press release

“Family businesses from around the world choose Dubai and DIFC as a trusted platform to grow, innovate, and plan for the future. As a global hub for family enterprise, Dubai offers a progressive environment and DIFC provides world-class structures and advisory access that enable families to safeguard wealth and build enduring legacies.”
— Arif Amiri, CEO, DIFC Authority

Quote from Mohammad Al Bastaki, Group Head of Private Banking & Wealth Management, Emirates NBD

Source: Emirates NBD announcement

“We understand the unique complexities and aspirations of family businesses, and by collaborating with DIFC, we are providing a holistic platform that offers unparalleled expertise in governance, succession, and wealth preservation.”
— Mohammad Al Bastaki, Group Head, Private Banking & Wealth Management, Emirates NBD

Why This Partnership Matters for UK UHNWIs and Family Businesses

With UK tax changes, inheritance complexities and increasing compliance burdens, long-term wealth planning has become a challenge. The DIFC–Emirates NBD alliance provides a structured alternative built for global mobility, asset protection and predictable succession systems.

Key attractions for UK families include:
A common-law financial centre with internationally recognised trust and foundation laws
Strengthened governance frameworks for family-owned enterprises
Integrated banking and advisory under a single jurisdiction
A stable, tax-efficient environment with global credibility
Seamless pathways for establishing holding companies, foundations and family offices

This gives UK families clarity and stability, especially those feeling pressured by rising UK taxes or uncertain inheritance regimes.

The Scale of Dubai’s Family Enterprise Ecosystem

The DIFC hosts more than 1,250 family-related entities, including global institutions. The top 120 families based within the Centre collectively manage over USD 1.2 trillion in assets worldwide.

Across the UAE, family businesses contribute approximately 60% of national GDP and employ 80% of the workforce. This partnership strengthens an already robust ecosystem, backed by modern legal structures and world-class financial services.

Dubai Advantage: Why More UK Families Are Moving Their Legacy Planning to DIFC

Dubai offers a unique blend of stability, compliance and modern financial frameworks.

Key Dubai Advantages:
World-class structuring for family offices, foundations and holding companies
Predictable succession planning frameworks aligned with global standards
Tax efficiency without compromising regulatory credibility
A globally recognised financial centre operating under English common law
A lifestyle and business environment built for global family mobility

For UK families, Dubai provides what the UK currently lacks: long-term visibility, strategic tax certainty and integrated multi-generational planning.

What Dubai Shift Can Do for UK Family Businesses

We help UK founders, entrepreneurs and family enterprises transition legally, structurally and efficiently into the UAE.
Our support includes:
Strategic relocation planning
Establishing tax-efficient UAE residency
Creating DIFC foundations and family office structures
Cross-border business restructuring
Governance frameworks for succession
Bank account setup and financial ecosystem navigation
Full advisory on SRT (Statutory Residence Test) and UK exit risk management

Dubai Shift ensures your move is compliant, strategic and optimised for long-term continuity.

Case Study

A UK-based manufacturing family (net worth: £85M) faced rising UK tax exposure, unclear succession planning and fragmented advisory. Dubai Shift guided them through establishing a DIFC foundation, relocating senior family members, optimising global asset ownership and setting up a compliant family office structure.
Results after 12 months:
Estimated £2.4M annual tax savings
Clear family governance and succession framework
Next-generation education via Emirates NBD programmes
Global assets now consolidated under a legally robust holding structure

The family now operates confidently with a clear 30-year legacy strategy—something they felt the UK could no longer offer.

Final Words from Haseena

“Family businesses deserve clarity, structure and a jurisdiction that prioritises the continuity of their legacy. Dubai’s partnership-driven ecosystem is giving global families—including those in the UK—the tools they need to secure their future. If you’re evaluating your next move, the DIFC and Emirates NBD collaboration is a strong signal that Dubai is ready for you.”

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What Next:

Evaluate your current UK tax and succession exposure
Consider whether a family office or foundation structure is needed
Assess global asset positioning and cross-border risks
Learn about SRT and ensure a compliant relocation
Explore DIFC structures aligned with your long-term goals

Helping UK entrepreneurs, founders and UHNW families build compliant, future-proof wealth structures in Dubai.
Dubai Shift – Strategic Relocation Advisory for the New Era of Global Mobility. family businesses in Dubai. Visit: dubaishift.com

Haseena from Dubai

A founder, a Dubai insider, globally seasoned. Writing to you from the city I’ve always called home — but now see with fresh eyes.