Foundation Setup

Clear legal support for foundation setup in the UAE, helping you protect your rights, family, assets and future. With senior legal guidance.

Shariah-Compliant Foundation Setup

We set up Shari’ah-compliant Foundations in DIFC/ADGM, providing a powerful, faith-aligned vehicle for asset protection and family succession.

In-depth description

For clients seeking a succession planning tool that aligns with Islamic principles, we specialize in setting up Foundations. Often established in the DIFC or ADGM, a Foundation acts like a trust for asset protection and succession but is structured to be fully compliant with Shari’ah law, providing a powerful, flexible, and faith-aligned planning vehicle.

Scope of work

  • Conduct a detailed consultation on using a Foundation for asset protection and succession in compliance with Islamic principles.
  • Advise on the optimal jurisdiction (e.g., DIFC, ADGM).
  • Draft the Foundation’s Charter and By-Laws to reflect the founder’s wishes and Shari’ah compliance.
  • Manage the entire registration process with the chosen authority.
  • Assist with the transfer of assets into the newly established Foundation.

Price range

AED 40,000 and hourly rate (Fixed Fee for the set-up and hourly rate for the advisory services)

Deliverables

  • A bespoke, Shari’ah-compliant Foundation Charter and By-Laws.
  • The officially registered Foundation.
  • Assistance with the initial asset transfer.

Is a Foundation the right structure for your succession?

Do you want assets held outside your personal name?

A Foundation creates a legally separate entity that holds assets for beneficiaries, reducing personal and legal exposure.

Are you planning wealth transfer across generations?

Foundations are designed for long-term, multigenerational wealth management with governance rules you set from day one.

Are you unsure whether a Trust or Foundation suits you?

Trusts and Foundations have different legal characteristics. We advise on which structure best fits your specific goals.

Do you need a Shariah-compliant Foundation structure?

A Shariah-compliant Foundation in DIFC or ADGM protects assets and manages succession within Islamic principles.

Frequently asked questions

A Shariah-compliant foundation is structured so that its asset distribution rules align with Islamic inheritance principles, respecting prescribed shares for heirs and excluding interest-bearing instruments. An independent Shariah board or scholar typically certifies the structure and the underlying instruments.
Yes. While designed to address the needs of Muslim clients, Shariah-compliant foundations are legally available to anyone. Some non-Muslim clients use them to access Islamic finance structures, invest in Shariah-compliant assets, or operate alongside business partners who require Shariah-compliant vehicles.
 
The charter specifies distribution in accordance with Islamic inheritance law: fixed shares for spouses, children, parents and other relatives. Unlike a standard Will or foundation, the Shariah distribution formula is built into the structure from the outset, reducing the risk of disputes among heirs.
DIFC foundations are recognised as legal entities under DIFC law, which operates as a separate legal system within Dubai. UAE courts generally respect DIFC structures, but interactions with the national court system for assets outside DIFC jurisdiction require additional legal planning.

Both are common law jurisdictions with strong international recognition. DIFC has a deeper foundation track record and is often chosen for Dubai-based assets. ADGM offers a more flexible charter and is increasingly used for family offices. The right choice depends on your asset location and governance preferences.

Key contacts:

Romain Astruc

Managing Partner – Generalist, Advisory & Litigation

Mehdi Al Ghafari

Associate – Corporate, Commercial & Litigation

David Dutruc-Rosset

Associate – Family, Individuals & Litigation

Get in touch

Other services you might need

A Shariah-compliant foundation works best within a broader succession and asset protection strategy. These services are closely connected.

Estate Planning - Wills, Foundations & Trusts

Your foundation should sit within a complete estate plan. We integrate both for full succession coverage.
Learn more

Transgenerational Wealth Transmission Planning

Design the governance and succession framework that will guide your family enterprise across generations.
Learn more

Asset Protection & Tax Planning for Individuals

A Shariah-compliant structure must also account for cross-border tax exposure. We handle both dimensions together.
Learn more

WHAT SET US APART

Why ASTRUC & Co

A Shariah-compliant foundation requires specialist expertise across Islamic finance principles and UAE legal structures.

1.

Shariah & DIFC fluency

We combine expertise in DIFC and ADGM foundation law with an understanding of Shariah compliance requirements – producing structures that are legally robust and faith-aligned.

2.

Senior counsel only

Shariah-compliant structures require careful drafting. Every element of the charter must align with Islamic principles and UAE law simultaneously – handled by senior

3.

Cross-border fluency

Shariah foundations often hold assets in multiple jurisdictions. We ensure the structure is recognised and effective across the UAE and internationally

More than legal counsel

With you, all the way

Life in the UAE brings extraordinary opportunities — and equally complex legal realities. Whether you’re relocating your family, navigating a divorce across jurisdictions, or structuring an inheritance that spans continents, you deserve a legal partner who understands both the technicalities and the human side of what you’re going through. At ASTRUC & Co, we treat every client’s situation as if it were our own.

From our offices in Dubai to our network spanning Riyadh, Paris, and Luxembourg, we bring senior-level attention to every matter — personal or financial. We believe the best legal advice is honest, clear, and delivered by someone who genuinely cares about the outcome. That’s why our clients stay with us, and why they come back when life presents its next chapter.

Ready to move forward?

Talk to our team about your situation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you move forward with clarity.

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