The only retirement provision I have is the gratuity I have accrued whilst living in the Gulf

Whilst gratuity schemes are undeniably great for the employer, they are not necessarily for the employee.

If we were to assume that you have worked for your company for 15 years, your first years gratuity entitlement will have made no growth (not even deposit rate) for the remaining 14 years.
 
The average expatriate earns in the region of AED 150,000 per annum. Under current gratuity laws, an employee who has been working for the same company in the UAE for 20 years will be entitled to just 64 weeks salary to retire on – AED 228,007. Taking inflation into account, in 20 years this is likely to be the equivalent of AED 100,000 ($ 27,200 or £15,000) in today’s terms! If this was your only retirement provision, how would you make this last for 20 years or more?

As such, it is important to make your own retirement arrangements if you plan to retire at a reasonable age and maintain your current lifestyle. The most suitable option for most expatriates to fill this shortfall is an offshore pension plan.

Offshore pension plans are international policies into which you can contribute no matter where you reside in the world. As such, the portability factor is great which assists in maintaining a disciplined and constant approach to your pension contributions.
 
Unlike most countries 'onshore' retirement packages, offshore pensions are not restricted by the tax implications or retirement parameters you will typically find in these taxable jurisdictions. Contributions can be made into an offshore pension free of tax as long as you remain in a tax efficient jurisdiction and the returns are virtually free of tax - hence the opportunity for growth is better offshore.
 
You can select a retirement date that suits you and, depending on your tax status at retirement, you can elect to take your entire pension fund immediately if required. Most will draw an income at retirement and, unlike onshore pensions, will pass on the remaining funds to their spouse, children or whomsoever in the event of their demise.