DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) plan
Funded workplace savings plan for expatriate workers
Find out moreDIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) plan
The DEWS plan launched in February 2020 with Equiom acting as the Master Trustee.
DEWS is a progressive end of service benefits plan designed to replace the traditional End of Service Gratuity within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). By reforming end of service benefit arrangements to align with global retirement savings standards, DEWS supports DIFC’s vision to drive the future of finance in the region.
DEWS enables employers to access an independent professionally-managed plan to ensure they fund their employees’ end of service benefit for when they leave the organisation. For employees, it provides a flexible savings plan that they can voluntarily contribute to for the purpose of supporting their future financial goals.
The DEWS plan is operated by a team of partners who will work together to ensure the best possible arrangement is in place for all DIFC employees.
In January 2023 DEWS was successfully extended out to include expatriate employees of the Dubai Government.
Benefits
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Visibility and security
Visibility on end of service benefit (EOSB) entitlement and certainty of payment
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Employer and employee contributions
The ability to make voluntary savings on top of employers’ contributions to secure long term savings goals
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Flexible savings options
The choice on how savings will be managed, catering to a range of risk appetites and including Sharia compliant options
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Professional service
Professionally managed contributions in a cost-effective and flexible manner with the opportunity to earn returns
Plan partners
Equiom Fiduciary Services (Middle East) Limited, regulated by the DFSA is proud to be the Master Trustee. As the DEWS Master Trustee, Equiom's main role is to act as the legal owner of the contributions made by the participating employing companies within the DIFC or Dubai Government, while ensuring the beneficial interest lies with the underlying members (employees).
Zurich Workplace Solutions (ZWS) acts as the Plan Administrator, providing support to employers and employees through the administration and management of DEWS. This includes enrolment, management of contributions, enablement of the investment process and administering withdrawals. An online portal is available for employers and employees to access real-time plan information. ZWS also provides support through a DIFC-based support team and contact centre. Find out more about Zurich Workplace Solutions.
As the Investment Advisor, Mercer brings an independent, tried and tested investment process to the Master Trustee of the DEWS Scheme. This enables strong, reliable investment performance for DEWS members. Find out more about Mercer.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more about DEWS or how you can implement an End of Service Gratuity Trust for your organisation, please get in touch by completing the form below.
Here to help
If you are experiencing issues with any aspect of your DEWS plan, please speak directly to your employer, or contact the Administrator of the DEWS plan, Zurich Workplace Solutions (Middle East) Limited for assistance
If you have a complaint in relation to Equiom, the Master Trustee of the DEWS plan, please email us on DEWScomplaints@equiomgroup.com.
Your complaint will be acknowledged within 7 days and you will receive a response after a full investigation within 8 weeks. Where your complaint may take longer to resolve, you will be updated accordingly.
