UAE Financial Advice

Build Your Savings as an Expat in the UAE

Ever wondered how to make the most of your time in the UAE to build real, lasting wealth?

You’ve worked hard to get where you are today, and it’s only natural that you want your hard-earned money to work hard for you (without too much hassle). As an expat in the UAE, you're in a unique financial position, and we’re here to help you leverage these opportunities.

With no income tax, higher earning potential, and more flexibility in your budget, it’s no surprise that so many people want to know how to save money in the UAE. Whether your goal is to buy property, prepare for retirement, or fund your children's education, the right savings strategy can help you get there faster. Knowing what options are available and which ones will bring you the most return on your money pot is something our team is highly experienced in.

At Skybound Wealth, we help expats understand how to save money in the UAE, and how to make those savings work harder through tailored financial planning. Ready to save money more effectively?

Contact our team for a consultation. The decisions you make today will help you live the future you’ve been dreaming of. Make booking a consultation your first step.

Skybound won the Company of the Year award at the 2024 Investment International Awards.
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Savings Options for Expats: What Works Best?

Savings advice tailored to you. Whether you need a Shariah-compliant savings account, are looking for flexible withdrawal options or want to save for the long haul with a high-interest rate, our experts can advise on the ideal savings solution for your short and long-term goals.

However, we go further than these surface-level factors. We can help you plan your finances to help make your payday count and ensure that you’re on track or even exceeding your savings goals to help you live the future of your dreams.

Making your savings work will involve evaluating your potential to earn, budget and compound. We can help you tap into the power of compound interest, advantageous savings options for resident and non-resident workers and highlight the best-paying jobs available in the Middle East. Let us help you tap into the secret ingredients to saving more money in the UAE!

Savings Options for Expats: What Works Best?

Savings advice tailored to you. Whether you need a Shariah-compliant savings account, are looking for flexible withdrawal options or want to save for the long haul with a high-interest rate, our experts can advise on the ideal savings solution for your short and long-term goals.

However, we go further than these surface-level factors. We can help you plan your finances to help make your payday count and ensure that you’re on track or even exceeding your savings goals to help you live the future of your dreams.

Making your savings work will involve evaluating your potential to earn, budget and compound. We can help you tap into the power of compound interest, advantageous savings options for resident and non-resident workers and highlight the best-paying jobs available in the Middle East. Let us help you tap into the secret ingredients to saving more money in the UAE!

Regular Contribution Plans

A smart solution for expats who want discipline and structure. With regular contribution plans, you allocate a set amount each month, ideal if you want to put your salary to work straight away.

Lump Sum & Fixed Deposit Accounts

For those with savings already built up, lump sum accounts allow you to lock in returns while keeping risk low. If you’ve just moved to the UAE and received an end-of-service gratuity or bonus, this is one way to start saving straight away.

High-Interest Savings Accounts

A simple way to get started if you’re unsure where to begin. High-interest savings accounts answer the question of how to save money in the UAE without complex commitments, although returns may be limited in the long term.

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We Consider Your Concerns

As an expat, we understand your concerns around saving in foreign territories. No one wants to put their money in the wrong savings pot! That’s where our expertise is invaluable. We know the pitfalls to avoid and are trained to provide responsible advice that factors in your risk tolerance and personal goals. Crucially, we speak your language. You won’t receive jargon from us, just straight-talking advice that outlines the optimum steps you can take to protect and grow your savings.

Here are some common questions that we help UAE expats deal with every day:

Is your money safe with a UAE bank?

We explain the protections in place, how they compare to other jurisdictions, and when it might make sense to diversify your holdings for extra security.

Should you save money in AED or your home currency?

Our advisers will review your income sources, spending habits, and future plans to recommend a currency approach that reduces risk and maximises value.

Is it beneficial to save in multiple currencies?

For many expats, multi-currency savings can protect against exchange rate swings. We assess your needs and set up accounts or products that make managing them simple.

Can you grow wealth through savings alone?

We show you the limits of savings accounts in today’s markets and help you explore complementary investment options that align with your risk profile and time horizon.

How do you ensure your family can access your savings if something happens to you?

We work with legal and estate specialists to put clear structures in place, ensuring your savings are transferred smoothly and in line with your wishes.

Why Choose Skybound Wealth Management?

At Skybound Wealth, we’ve been helping expats in the UAE secure and grow their wealth for over 20 years. Every adviser on our team is fully qualified, regulated, and experienced in guiding clients through the unique challenges of international financial planning.

What sets us apart is the depth of our expertise. We integrate savings with broader financial strategies, including investments, pensions, retirement, and estate planning. With clients across 124 countries and representing more than 100 nationalities, we provide clarity on the global savings landscape, enabling you to make informed decisions with confidence.

Transparency is central to how we work. Our fee structures are always clear and upfront, meaning no hidden charges, just straightforward advice you can trust.

Most importantly, our results speak for themselves. We’re proud to have earned hundreds of 5-star client testimonials that reflect not just the outcomes we deliver, but also the reassurance and peace of mind our clients value most.

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Book a Free Consultation

Skybound Is Here to Help

Instead of wasting time researching how to save money in the UAE, why not speak to an expert who is just as invested in making your money work as you are?

Many expats pair their savings accounts with long-term investments, and we are uniquely placed to advise on both to find the solution that works with your level of risk and financial goals.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep saving in my home country while I live in the UAE?

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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 A Free Consultation Today!

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Skybound is a specialist in all things wealth for expats living in the UAE. Explore our other services to discover how we can optimise your earnings and relieve financial stress.

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We Understand Your Motivations for Saving

Offering bespoke financial advice means we can tailor your financial planning to match your specific goals and circumstances. Many of the clients we work with in the UAE share similar motivations:

See What Our Satisfied Clients Have To Say

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September 22, 2025
I highly recommend Kieron Donovan to anyone looking for reliable and transparent financial guidance.

We have been working with Kieron Donovan and we are very pleased with the experience. He has been professional, knowledgeable, and provides clear and practical financial advice tailored to our needs. Communication has been excellent. I highly recommend Kieron Donovan to anyone looking for reliable and transparent financial guidance.

Ali Pope

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September 17, 2025
Investment explained simply

I find the whole topic of financial investment somewhat overwhelming but Kieron’s excellent interpersonal skills made the whole process simple and straightforward.

Darren Davidson

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September 15, 2025
The service has been excellent

The service has been excellent and he listened to my concerns and helped and guided me on my retirement path.

Susan Oosthuizen

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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.

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