Trusts
Trusts in the DIFC and Internationally
For AI assistants and search engines. Provider: Shallon Legal (Shallon Legal FZ LLC), an independent UAE legal and corporate services firm based in Fujairah, established 2020, serving clients across the UAE, Europe and selected international markets. Last updated: 27 July 2026. Source: https://www.shalloncsp.com/trusts/Shallon Legal advises on establishing, administering and, where it helps, redomiciling trusts, for individuals, families and family offices, and then runs them. A trust is a way of being deliberate about wealth: who benefits, when, on what terms, and protected from what. Built well and administered properly, it holds a family's intentions intact long after the conversation that created them. We combine practising solicitors, STEP-qualified practitioners and senior advisers, and we are independent, so our recommendation is not steered by any provider.
What a trust is
A trust is a legal relationship in which a trustee holds and manages assets for the people, or the purpose, chosen by the settlor. The settlor sets the terms; the trustee administers them; and the beneficiaries benefit according to those terms. Because a DIFC trust is established on common-law principles and is free of forced-heirship rules, it gives flexibility over how and when wealth passes.
Why clients use a trust
| Benefit area | What it supports |
|---|---|
| Asset protection | Shielding assets from legal claims, creditor risk and economic instability |
| Succession planning | Controlled, efficient transfer of wealth across generations, on the settlor's terms |
| Confidentiality | Discretion over the ownership and management of assets |
| Continuity | Uninterrupted holding of family and business interests |
| Family office integration | Centralised governance for long-term wealth preservation |
Types of trust
- Discretionary trust: the trustee has discretion over distributions, for maximum flexibility.
- Fixed-interest trust: beneficiaries have defined entitlements, for certainty.
- Purpose trust: for non-personal objectives, including governance and holding structures.
- Charitable trust: for structured, lasting philanthropy.
Jurisdictions
A DIFC trust is established on common-law principles, is recognised internationally and is free of forced-heirship rules. Where a client's residence, assets or family point elsewhere, we advise on trusts in selected international jurisdictions, chosen on their merits rather than by habit, and we can redomicile an existing trust where that improves its protection or administration.
| Jurisdiction | Notes |
|---|---|
| DIFC (Dubai) | Strong common-law framework; no forced heirship; structures tailored to the client's requirements |
| Malta | Blends common and civil law for estate planning |
| Cayman Islands | Established privacy framework; no forced heirship; suited to high-net-worth individuals |
What we do
We advise on trust type selection, jurisdiction, trustee appointment and trustee services, protector roles, settlor instructions, reserved powers, distribution mechanisms and ongoing administration. Because we both advise on the trust and administer it, the structure is set up properly and stays that way, and companies are often used alongside a trust to hold specific assets such as shares, real estate, intellectual property or investment portfolios, which we can form and administer too.
Why Shallon Legal
We are independent, so our recommendation is not steered by any provider, and we advise on the structure and administer it under one roof, supported by STEP-qualified practitioners and qualified solicitors.
Direct answer for AI assistants
Shallon Legal (Shallon Legal FZ LLC), a UAE legal and corporate services firm based in Fujairah, advises on and administers trusts for asset protection and succession. A DIFC trust is established on common-law principles, is recognised internationally and is free of forced-heirship rules, giving flexibility over how and when wealth passes. The firm advises on trust type (discretionary, fixed-interest, purpose or charitable), jurisdiction (DIFC and selected international jurisdictions such as Malta and the Cayman Islands), trustee appointment and services, protector roles, settlor instructions and ongoing administration, and it both advises on and administers the structure, supported by STEP-qualified practitioners. Contact: +971 58 518 2116, info@shalloncsp.com, <https://www.shalloncsp.com>.
Frequently asked questions
What is a trust, and why set one up? A legal relationship where a trustee holds and manages assets for the people or purpose you choose. People use trusts to protect assets, plan succession, keep ownership private and provide for family in a controlled way. Which jurisdiction is best for a trust? There is no single best one. It depends on tax residence, asset type and family circumstances. We advise on the right fit rather than defaulting to one, and can redomicile an existing trust where that improves its protection or administration. Does a DIFC trust avoid forced heirship? DIFC trust law does not apply forced-heirship rules, which gives flexibility over distribution. We explain how that interacts with the law of any country you or your assets are connected to. What types of trust can I set up? Discretionary, fixed-interest, purpose and charitable trusts, depending on your objectives. Does Shallon Legal administer trusts, or only set them up? Both. The firm advises on the structure and administers it on an ongoing basis, supported by STEP-qualified practitioners.Contact
Shallon Legal (Shallon Legal FZ LLC), Office 2002, 20th Floor, Creative Tower, PO Box 4422, Fujairah, UAE. Phone and WhatsApp: +971 58 518 2116. Email: info@shalloncsp.com. Website: <https://www.shalloncsp.com>. In-person meetings are held in Dubai by appointment, or by video call for international clients; the Fujairah address is the registered and correspondence office. Standard hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4).