Protect your UAE assets for your family. Without a registered will, your estate may be distributed under Sharia law regardless of your nationality — a process that can take years and cost tens of thousands of dollars.
In the UAE, if a non-Muslim expatriate dies without a registered will, their UAE assets — property, bank accounts, company shares, investments — fall under UAE Personal Status Law. In the absence of a will, this defaults to Sharia principles of inheritance, which may distribute assets in ways that differ significantly from the deceased's intentions or their home country's legal norms.
The probate process without a will is also far more complex: it involves UAE court proceedings, potential asset freezes, and a resolution timeline of 1–3 years. Bank accounts are typically frozen at the time of death. Having a registered will dramatically simplifies the process for your heirs.
Expats in the UAE have a meaningful choice when it comes to which legal system governs their UAE will. The right choice depends on your asset profile, nationality, and long-term plans.
| Framework | Jurisdiction | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Civil Court (DIFC Wills Service) | Dubai / Abu Dhabi | Expats with UAE property, bank accounts, or company shares. Widely recognised across all Emirates. | Most common choice. Can cover assets across all Emirates. Bilingual (EN + AR). |
| British Law (ADGM / DIFC) | ADGM (Abu Dhabi) or DIFC (Dubai) | Those who prefer common law principles; people with existing UK-registered wills; DIFC/ADGM company shareholders. | Governed by English law. DIFC Wills Service Centre is the most established platform for this. |
We advise on the right framework during the initial consultation — there is rarely a wrong answer, but there is usually a better fit based on your specific circumstances.
A UAE will covers UAE-based assets only. If you have assets in multiple countries, you may need separate wills per jurisdiction. We can advise on this during the consultation.
Initial consultations, document review, and will drafting are all conducted remotely via Zoom. Physical presence is required only for the notarisation step — however, for DIFC-registered wills, the testator may need to appear in person or arrange presence through a representative. We advise on this requirement case by case.
Life events — acquiring property, having children, changing a beneficiary, setting up a new company — may require updating your will. We handle will amendments and codicils for existing registered wills. Contact us to review whether your current will still reflects your intentions.