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Estate Planning in the UAE: Protect What Matters Most
Estate planning is more than just writing a will. It’s about protecting your legacy, making life easier for your loved ones, and ensuring your assets are distributed exactly as you intend—whether you're in the UAE or planning to return to Canada. At Bassem Fawzy Wealth Advisory, we help Canadian expats in the UAE build smart, compliant estate plans with the guidance of trusted legal, tax, and trust professionals across both regions.
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What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of organizing your personal and financial affairs in advance, so that if something happens to you, your loved ones are cared for, and your wishes are respected.
An effective plan can include:
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Wills and trusts
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Guardianship instructions
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Beneficiary designations
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Tax planning
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Business succession
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Cross-border legal and financial coordination
It’s not just for the wealthy. If you have children, own property, run a business, or live in a country where inheritance laws differ from your home country, estate planning is essential.
Why It’s Crucial for Canadian Expats in the UAE
Inheritance laws in the UAE follow a very different legal system than Canada’s. Without the right documents and structures in place, local courts may decide how your estate is distributed—even if it goes against your wishes.
We help ensure:
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Your estate passes to your chosen heirs
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Canadian and UAE legal systems are aligned
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Your plan respects Shariah law where necessary (if applicable)
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You reduce tax exposure for your beneficiaries
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You have a step-by-step estate planning roadmap that’s easy to follow
Estate Planning Trusts and Wills: What’s the Difference?
Many people ask, “Is estate planning the same as a will?” Not quite. A will outlines how your assets are distributed after your death. A trust allows you to manage and protect assets during your lifetime and beyond, offering more control, privacy, and in many cases, tax efficiency.
The Benefits of Estate Planning
There are many reasons to start your plan early, even if you’re still years away from retirement:
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Peace of mind for you and your family
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Clear instructions to avoid disputes
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Lower legal costs for your heirs
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Faster asset distribution
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Potential tax advantages
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Protection of family wealth across generations
The true benefit of estate planning is that you remain in control—across borders and across time.
Estate Planning in Canada vs UAE
If you're a Canadian expat, your plan needs to be valid in both countries. We work with Canadian estate lawyers and tax experts to ensure your documents and structures are recognized in Canada—and don’t create unexpected tax issues when transferring assets or repatriating.
