Retirement and Savings Planning for Canadian Expats in the UAE
​If you're a Canadian expat in the UAE, you're in a unique financial position. With no income tax and strong earning potential, you have a rare opportunity to build wealth faster than you could back home. But saving money isn’t the goal. Turning those savings into a retirement income that lasts decades is the real win. That’s where a well-designed retirement and savings plan comes in. At Bassem Fawzy Wealth Advisory, we help Canadians abroad design retirement strategies that reflect where you are today—and where you’re headed tomorrow.

Why Retirement Planning Can’t Wait
We start working in our 20s—earning, learning, and barely saving. Then life happens. We move countries, build families, invest in homes, pay school fees, and face unexpected turns. Serious saving often begins in our 30s.
That gives us about 30 years to save…
To fund a retirement that could also last 30 years or more.
And when that time comes, there’s no salary—only what we’ve set aside. Yes, there's Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) for those who qualify, but if you're living in the UAE, there's no government retirement support here.
Add to that the rising costs of healthcare, the real possibility of needing long-term care, and a longer life expectancy—and it becomes clear:
A retirement and savings plan isn’t optional. It’s essential.
What Is a Retirement Savings Plan?
It’s a long-term strategy that helps you grow, protect, and eventually draw income from your wealth. It includes:
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A clear target for what retirement will cost
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A savings and investment strategy based on your goals and risk appetite
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Income planning so your assets pay you back reliably
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Cross-border coordination if you return to Canada
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Currency and tax planning to avoid surprises
It’s a long-term strategy that helps you grow, protect, and eventually draw income from your wealth. It includes:

How to Plan Retirement Savings as an Expat
Wondering how to plan retirement savings while living in the UAE? Start by asking:
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What kind of lifestyle do I want in retirement?
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Where will I live—Canada, the UAE, or elsewhere?
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How much income will I need monthly, after inflation?
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What tax will I owe when I draw down my savings?
We guide you through the answers and help you build a plan around:
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Your income and saving ability today
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Your vision for retirement
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Your tax and residency strategy
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Your investment risk profile
How to plan retirement savings well means starting early, staying consistent, and knowing how today’s decisions shape your future.

Turn Your Savings Into Income That Lasts
Saving is just the first half of the story. A strong retirement and savings plan includes a clear income strategy.
We help you:
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Structure investments to pay you regular income in retirement
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Blend RRSPs, offshore savings, pensions, and other assets
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Optimize drawdowns for tax efficiency
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Adjust for inflation, medical costs, and long-term care
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Plan for income that can last into your 90s or longer
Our Retirement Planning Services Include:
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Personalized income and expense projections
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Retirement savings plan design with cross-border tax strategy
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Offshore and Canadian investment coordination
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Currency diversification (CAD, USD, GBP, EUR)
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Spousal and family-based planning
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Ongoing reviews and adjustments as life changes
