Protect · Settle in the UAE
Wills & inheritance in the UAE
It's the thing every expat postpones — and the one that hurts family most if it's skipped. Here's the honest picture of what happens to your UAE assets and your children if the worst happens, and how to take control.
The harsh truth
With no registered will, a non-Muslim's UAE bank accounts can be frozen on death, assets may be distributed under default rules you didn't choose, and guardianship of your children can fall to the courts' discretion. The UAE's Personal Status Law for non-Muslims (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022) lets you choose will-based distribution — but only if you actually make the will.
Your options
DIFC Wills
Who it's for: Non-Muslims of any nationality
What it covers: Assets anywhere in the UAE + guardianship of minor children. Registered with the DIFC Courts. Choose a full will, or a focused one (guardianship, property, financial assets, business).
The most established route; common-law based, English-language.
Abu Dhabi (ADJD) Wills
Who it's for: Non-Muslims of any nationality/religion
What it covers: UAE assets — and can be extended to cover worldwide assets. Bilingual (Arabic/English), registered with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
Often lower-cost and can reach beyond the UAE.
Dubai Courts / Notary will
Who it's for: Muslims (Sharia applies) and others
What it covers: A notarised will registered with Dubai Courts. For Muslims, Sharia rules govern the estate; a will can direct up to one-third.
Speak to a specialist on how Sharia shares apply to your case.
Your home-country will
Who it's for: Anyone with a will made abroad
What it covers: May NOT be automatically enforced over your UAE assets — recognising it here can be slow, costly and uncertain.
A UAE-registered will avoids that delay entirely.
What you'll need
- Passport copies (you + beneficiaries)
- A list of your UAE assets — property, bank accounts, shares, vehicles, business stakes
- Your chosen executor(s)
- Guardians for any minor children
- Beneficiaries and the share each should receive
Register your will — official routes
The recognised places to make it legally binding.