Lifestyle Financial Planning
How Skybound Wealth Supports the Modern Expat Investor
As featured in Gulf News: Mike Coady, CEO of Skybound Wealth, on how cross-border planning is transforming the lives of expats.
July 29, 2025
UAE Financial Advice
Expat Investment Advice for the UAE
Build something bigger than a career. Build the life you came here for.
Living and working in the UAE is more than just a career move, it’s a unique opportunity to take control of your financial future. The UAE offers tax-free earnings, world-class infrastructure and access to both local and global markets. That’s why thousands of expats in Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah and across the Emirates are using their time here to invest smarter and secure a better future for themselves and their families.
Whether your goal is to retire early, generate passive income or protect your assets while in the UAE, the right investment strategy could bring those goals within reach. But with so many options, knowing where to start isn’t always simple.
As investment advisers in the UAE, that’s where we come in. Skybound Wealth provides tailored investment advice for expats, built around your goals, lifestyle and residency. Whether you’re new to investing or looking to optimise an existing portfolio, we’re here to help you turn your time in the UAE into something that sets you up better for the future
Book a Free Expat Investment Consultation
Explore effective investment plans for expats with a Skybound Wealth manager
Investment Options for Expats in the UAE
Investing as an expat comes with unique opportunities, and unique challenges. From understanding tax efficiencies to navigating international markets, choosing the right investment strategy can make all the difference in securing your financial future.
At Skybound Wealth, we don’t just look at where to invest, we focus on how to make your money work harder for you. Whether you’re building a new portfolio or optimising an existing one, our advisers take into account your residency status, long-term goals, and risk appetite to create a strategy that fits your life abroad.
So if you’re looking to grow your wealth, preserve capital, or generate steady income, we’ll guide you through your options and design a plan that keeps you on track for lasting financial success.
Talk to an Investment Specialist
Investment Options for Expats in the UAE
If you're new to investing in the UAE, you're not alone. Many expats who contact us aren't sure where to start or how local and offshore investments fit into their financial plan. Here's a breakdown of the most common expat investment options, including the risks, benefits and suitability for long-term, safe wealth growth.
Investing in Property in Dubai and Ras Al-Khaimah
- One of the most popular investment routes for expats
- High rental yields and long-term growth potential
- Ideal for those seeking a physical asset and passive income
Low-Risk Options: UAE Bonds and Sharia-Compliant Sukuk
- Sukuk are Sharia-compliant investments, similar to bonds but structured to meet Islamic finance principles
- Generally lower risk, with fixed income potential
- A popular option for conservative investors
Offshore Investments
- Includes funds, ETFs and bonds held outside the UAE
- Offers global diversification and access to high-performing markets
- Often used for tax optimisation and long-term growth
Portfolio Bonds
- Wrap multiple investments into one flexible, tax-efficient structure
- Allows for diversification and active or passive management
- Often used for retirement or legacy planning
Savings and Investment Plans
- Regular contributions or lump sums
- A structured approach to growing wealth over time
- Can be customised to suit income, goals and timelines
International Mutual Funds
- Professionally managed and diversified across industries and geographies
- Suitable for medium to long-term goals
- Accessible through trusted investment advisers like Skybound Wealth
Understanding Your Investment Considerations
Many expats come to us with existing portfolios. Some are working well. Others need restructuring to unlock their full potential. Even small changes to your portfolio structure or fee strategy could lead to major long-term gains.
If you already have investments, we can help you:
Identify Underperforming or Risky Assets
We start by analysing your current portfolio to uncover assets that may be dragging down performance or exposing you to unnecessary risk. Our advisers use detailed performance metrics and market insight to help you make informed decisions about what to hold, adjust, or replace.
Restructure Your Portfolio for Better Returns and Reduced Fees
Even small tweaks can have a major impact. Skybound’s experts review your holdings, fee structures, and allocation strategy to help you build a more cost-efficient portfolio designed to deliver stronger, more consistent returns over time.
Aligned Strategy with Current Residency and Future Plans
As an expat, your residency status can change, and your investment strategy should change with it. We make sure your portfolio remains fully aligned with your current location, tax obligations, and long-term goals, whether you’re staying in the UAE or planning your next move.
Protect and Grow Your Wealth with a More Tax-Efficient, Diversified Approach
Skybound helps you optimise your portfolio for the UAE’s tax advantages while spreading risk across global markets and asset classes. Our advisers focus on both protection and growth, ensuring your wealth continues to compound securely over time.
Align Your Investments with Your Long-Term Lifestyle and Retirement Goals
Your financial strategy should reflect the life you’re building, not just the markets you invest in. We work with you to define your ideal outcomes, from early retirement to legacy planning, and tailor an investment plan that helps turn those ambitions into reality.
Why Choose Skybound Wealth Management For Expat Investment Advice?
Skybound Wealth is a globally trusted expat investment advisory firm supporting over 6,000 international clients, with $1.3 billion in assets under management. We combine nearly two decades of expat-focused financial expertise with personalised, long-term advice.
What sets us apart:
- Award-winning advisers with regional and global investment experience
- Deep knowledge of expatriate finance and cross-border structuring
- Regulated, internationally qualified professionals
- Transparent fee structure
- 24/7 access to your portfolio through leading financial tech platforms
- 11 offices in across 4 continents to support you wherever life takes you
Our approach is built on long-term relationships, not one-time transactions. We focus on safe, sustainable expat investment options that grow with you. With Skybound, you’re not just getting an investment plan, you’re gaining a long-term partner committed to helping you build a secure future, wherever life takes you.
Global Investment Planning For You
Building a secure financial future as an expat takes more than just saving; it requires a strategy. At Skybound Wealth, we help you create flexible, tax-efficient financial plans that adapt as your life evolves. Whether you’re managing income across countries, planning for family needs, or preparing for retirement, our advisers combine global expertise with local insight to ensure your finances work for you, wherever life takes you.
Get In Touch
With more than 20 years of experience supporting expats in the UAE and worldwide, our independent, internationally regulated advisers know how to turn savings into lasting wealth. Backed by multiple international awards, we combine local insight with global expertise to create savings strategies designed around you.
We keep the process clear and transparent, from the first conversation through to regular reviews that keep your plan on track. Clients can meet us in person, connect via secure online calls, and access their savings portfolio online 24/7.Skybound Is Here To Help
6,000
+
international clients & growing
$
1.3
Billion
of client savings under management
27
Industry Awards & Counting Since 2021
11
offices on 4 continents & more opening soon
With a passion for personal and professional development that exists throughout the company, and comprehensive development support, we empower our people to be the very best they can be as we strive as a collective to not only remain at the forefront of international financial planning, but to lead its evolution.
FAQs About Investing in the UAE
Can expats legally invest in the UAE?
Do I lose access to my investments if I leave the UAE?
How much do I need to start investing?
Are returns from UAE investments taxable in my home country?
What’s the safest investment for expats?
What happens to my savings if I leave the UAE permanently?
Client Success Stories
Case Study
Second-Generation Wealth Plan
Situation:
Jaques, a 52-year-old South African entrepreneur, had accumulated substantial wealth over his career but faced the challenge of passing it on to his children, who lived abroad. He was uncertain about how to efficiently transfer his wealth while ensuring his legacy was protected.
Solution:
Skybound helped Jaques design a comprehensive estate plan that included a legacy trust and an education fund for his children. We structured his assets for seamless cross-border transfer, using tax-efficient wealth management solutions to minimise tax implications. The plan also included investment strategies that provided flexibility, ensuring Jaques' wealth would be preserved and effectively passed to the next generation.
Outcome:
Jaques now has a clear, well-organised strategy for transferring his $4.2M across three continents. His wealth is structured to ensure that his children will benefit from his legacy without the complexities of cross-border legal issues.
Quote from Client:
“Skybound gave me peace of mind, knowing that my wealth will pass on to my children as I intended, without any complications.”
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Case Study
Maximising a Windfall
Situation:
Pierre, a French expat in the Gulf, received a $150K bonus and was unsure how to allocate the funds to meet his long-term financial goals. With multiple priorities, education, retirement, and aligning his investments with his personal values, he needed guidance.
Solution:
Skybound helped Pierre invest his lump sum into a diversified investment portfolio and planned for future growth with regular contributions. We allocated part of the funds to an education savings plan, set aside for retirement savings, and invested in ESG funds that aligned with his values. This approach created a well-rounded, tax-efficient portfolio designed for both financial growth and alignment with his principles.
Outcome:
Pierre now has a diversified investment portfolio that balances his financial goals with his values, ensuring long-term growth while staying true to his principles. With ESG investments and a structured savings plan in place, he’s confident that his financial future is secured.
Quote from Client:
“Skybound helped me make sure my bonus works for me across multiple areas of my life, andI’m proud to invest in line with my values.”
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Case Study
Planning for Early Retirement in Asia
Situation:
David, a 38-year-old Australian expat in Singapore, had no pension and dreamed of retiring by age 55. Without a clear strategy, he wasn’t sure how to make it happen.
Solution:
Skybound helped David develop a personalised retirement plan, focusing on creating a passive income stream through global tax-efficient savings solutions and a diverse investment portfolio. We introduced a regular savings plan that allowed him to build long-term wealth, while ensuring inflation was accounted for to keep his future income growing with living costs.
Outcome:
By age 55, David is on track to receive $3,000 per month from his investments, with income growing in line with inflation. His regular savings plan and offshore investment solutions now provide him with the financial security he needs, with ongoing visibility through the Skybound Wealth App.
Quote from Client:
“I never imagined I’d be on track to retire at 55, but now I’m on track to do just that!”
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Case Study
UK to UAE – Streamlined SIPP Consolidation
Situation:
Mark, a 49-year-old British engineer, was relocating to the UAE and needed help managing his two old UK pensions. He was unsure about how to handle the pensions and whether they would be properly managed after his move.
Solution:
Skybound facilitated a streamlined SIPP consolidation, transferring his pensions into a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). This consolidation provided greater flexibility and control over his retirement funds, especially when it came to currency management for his new life in the UAE.
Outcome:
The transfer allowed Mark to consolidate his pensions into a tax-efficient, flexible income plan, with no loss of benefits and better control over his investments.
Quote from Client:
“Skybound made the whole process simple and seamless, giving me the confidence that my pensions are in the right place and will work for me as I move forward.”
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Case Study
From Chaos to Clarity – A Freelancer’s Financial Reset
Situation:
Lucy, a British expat in Dubai, was self-employed with irregular income streams. Despite her efforts, she lacked a structured savings plan and often felt overwhelmed by her financial situation.
Solution:
Skybound worked with Lucy to create a tailored financial plan that stabilised her cash flow and brought consistency to her savings. We introduced automated savings through tax-efficient investment strategies like SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) and offshore investment solutions, ensuring long-term growth even during income dips.
Lucy was also introduced to our Skybound Wealth App, which gave her clear, real-time visibility into her financial progress, helping her always stay on top of her plan.
Outcome:
In six months, Lucy built a rainy-day fund covering four months of expenses and continued contributing to her SIPP, even during income dips. With full control over her savings and investments, she now feels empowered by Skybound’s personalised approach and tech-driven solutions.
Quote from Client:
“For the first time, I feel confident I can invest monthly, and that my moneyis working for me.”
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Get In Touch
Our process is clear and transparent from start to finish. From your first consultation to ongoing portfolio reviews, we ensure your investments stay aligned with your goals, risk tolerance, and future plans. You can meet with our advisers in person or online and securely access your portfolio anytime, anywhere.
Talk To An Adviser
You can reach us directly by calling us between the hours of 8:30am and 5pm at each of our respective offices and we will immediately assist you.
Book Your Free Expat Investment Consultation
Check Out Our Other Services
At Skybound Wealth, we know that successful investing is just one part of a bigger financial picture. Our advisers take the time to understand your goals and design strategies that help your money work harder, whether that means building wealth, preparing for retirement, funding education, or protecting your family’s future. Beyond investments, we offer expert guidance across every area of financial planning, helping you create lasting security and freedom wherever life takes you.
We Understand Your Investing Motivations
Offering bespoke investment advice means we can tailor your strategy to match your specific goals, risk profile, and circumstances. Many of the expats we work with in the UAE share similar motivations when it comes to investing:
Should I invest while living overseas?
Absolutely, the UAE offers unique opportunities for expats to grow their wealth in a tax-efficient environment. We’ll help you explore global investment options that match your financial goals and residency status, while managing risk and maximising returns.
How can I make my money work harder for me?
From regular savings plans to diversified portfolios, our advisers design strategies that balance growth potential with protection. We’ll help you find the right mix of investments to build long-term wealth while maintaining flexibility and access to your funds.
What happens to my investments if I move or change countries?
Mobility is part of expat life, and your investments should adapt to it. We’ll ensure your portfolio remains compliant, portable, and aligned with your new tax and residency status, wherever life takes you.
What happens to my investments if I move or change countries?
Mobility is part of expat life, and your investments should adapt to it. We’ll ensure your portfolio remains compliant, portable, and aligned with your new tax and residency status, wherever life takes you.
How do I protect my portfolio from market volatility or currency swings?
We take a global approach to diversification, using multi-currency holdings, defensive assets, and inflation-linked investments to safeguard your wealth and maintain steady growth, even in unpredictable markets.
Can I invest for my family’s future too?
Yes, many of our clients invest with future generations in mind. Whether it’s education planning, legacy building, or family protection, we’ll structure your investments to create financial security that lasts well beyond your time abroad.
See What Our Satisfied Clients Have To Say
October 5, 2025
Shyam is one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and insightful financial advisers I’ve encountered.
Gavin Wootton
September 22, 2025
I highly recommend Kieron Donovan to anyone looking for reliable and transparent financial guidance.
Ali Pope
September 17, 2025
Investment explained simply
Darren Davidson
