Starter savings plans in the UAE: what to check before opening one

A starter savings plan is a regular savings plan that a first-time saver can open with a small monthly contribution. The attraction is the habit: paying in each month for years. HAYAH, a UAE-licensed life and health insurance provider regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE (hayah.com), offers one under the name Simple Saver.

What HAYAH Simple Saver includes

According to hayah.com, checked on 3 November 2026, HAYAH describes Simple Saver with these features.

• UAE residents can join at ages 18 to 69.
• The minimum payment term is 5 years, with premium payments allowed up to age 74.
• The plan is online only, and a new saver can start with an Emirates ID.
• Savings are held in US dollars (USD).
• Diversified, multi-asset global portfolios are managed by BlackRock.
• A single annual management fee applies and decreases as savings grow.
• Savers access their savings through a secure online dashboard.

HAYAH's own pages state the minimum monthly contribution in different currencies and amounts, so a reader should confirm the current figure with HAYAH before applying.

Why a long minimum term matters

A 5-year minimum payment term means the plan is designed to be kept up for years. A saver who may leave the UAE or change jobs soon should read the plan conditions on stopping or pausing before opening it.

Questions to ask before opening a starter plan

1. What is the minimum monthly contribution today?
2. What fees apply, and how does the annual fee change?
3. What happens if I stop paying?
4. Can I withdraw part of my savings, and when?
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 minimums 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).