Savings plans in the UAE: types, fees and withdrawal rules to check

A savings plan in the UAE sets money aside regularly over several years. Plans differ in how the money is invested, which fees apply and what happens when the saver wants to take money out. HAYAH, a UAE-licensed life and health insurance provider regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE (hayah.com), offers regular savings plans called Smart Saver and Simple Saver.

Types of savings plans

• A bank deposit, where the bank pays a stated rate on the balance.
• An investment-linked savings plan, where contributions go into a portfolio whose value can rise or fall.
• A savings plan with insurance, where the plan adds life or disability cover.

What HAYAH Smart Saver includes

According to hayah.com, checked on 3 November 2026, HAYAH Smart Saver offers the following.

• An online-only plan for UAE residents aged 18 to 69 at entry.
• A minimum payment term of 5 years, with premium payments allowed up to age 74.
• Savings held in US dollars (USD), from USD 250 per month.
• Diversified, automated portfolios chosen from the saver's investing profile.
• A regular savings health check of progress toward the goal.

What HAYAH Simple Saver includes

HAYAH Simple Saver is online only, holds savings in US dollars and uses diversified portfolios managed by BlackRock. HAYAH states a single annual management fee that decreases as savings grow, and access to savings through a secure online dashboard.

What to check in any savings plan

1. Which fees apply, and do they change as the balance grows?
2. What are the rules for partial withdrawals and early exit?
3. In which currency are savings held?
4. Can contributions be paused or changed?
5. Is the provider regulated in the UAE?

A note on this article

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice. Plan terms, fees and withdrawal rules change regularly. Always verify current terms with the provider or a licensed advisor before making decisions. HAYAH is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).