Wills in the UAE

If you hold assets in the UAE - property, bank accounts, company shares, investments - the key question is how they will pass to your heirs and who will be able to manage them without unnecessary risk, delay, or dispute. A properly drafted will in the Emirates is not a formality but a legal foundation for protecting your capital and your family, one that sets your wishes down in advance and ensures assets are transferred in a controlled way as part of a long-term strategy.

Contents

1. Introduction: why this matters

2. What a will in the UAE is

3. Why you need an estate plan

4. Types of wills and jurisdictions

a. DIFC Wills

b. ADGM Wills and the Abu Dhabi courts

5. Drafting and registration procedure

6. Conclusion

Introduction: the laws you need to know

The UAE's legal system is unique, built on the principles of Islamic law (Sharia) and civil code. For foreigners, this creates certain risks. If a resident has no registered will, Sharia inheritance rules apply by default. This means assets will be distributed strictly according to a set formula, which often does not match the owner's wishes (for example, a wife may receive only 1/8 of the estate, with the rest going to other relatives).

In addition, without a will, bank accounts (including joint accounts) and property in the UAE can be frozen instantly pending a court decision, which can sometimes take months. This is exactly why expats in the UAE should take care of the legal standing of their assets in advance.

What is a will in the UAE?

A will in the UAE is an official legal document, registered with the relevant authorities, that lets the testator name their heirs, distribute their assets (movable and immovable), and appoint guardians for minor children in the event of their death.

It's important to understand: having a will from your home country does not always guarantee it will be automatically enforced in the Emirates. Local courts require legalization, translation, and often compliance with local rules. It is far more reliable to draft a local document.

A will as part of an investment strategy

It's commonly assumed that inheritance matters can be dealt with "someday later." But in the UAE context, that's a mistake. A will in the Emirates is an integral part of an immigration and investment strategy.

When you come to MIRBEZVIZ for help relocating your business or obtaining a visa, we always look at your situation as a whole. Protecting assets in the UAE doesn't begin at the moment you buy an apartment - it begins when you start thinking through the scenarios for passing it on. A properly structured estate plan in the UAE helps avoid a fragmented business, loss of control over accounts, and complex court battles for your loved ones.

Types of wills: which jurisdiction to choose

The UAE has several registries for recording wills, each with its own features. The choice depends on where your assets are located and which legal framework suits you best.

DIFC Wills (Dubai International Financial Centre)

A DIFC will is a "common law" approach to inheritance for non-Muslims, with logic that's easy for international clients to follow: you set out the distribution of assets in advance, appoint an executor, and, if needed, address guardianship. It's most often chosen when the main focus is Dubai (and, in some configurations, Ras Al Khaimah), though its geographic coverage depends on the type of will and the asset structure, so a portfolio spread across several emirates needs the format set up correctly.

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)

ADJD is a will registry for non-Muslims under Abu Dhabi's jurisdiction, often chosen for its practicality and reach: an ADJD will can cover assets across all seven emirates, which is particularly useful when property, accounts, or a business are spread across the UAE. ADJD also has a well-organized process: online filing, application review, payment, and notarization by video call - meaning the process can be organized quickly and predictably.

Dubai Courts Wills (a will through the Dubai courts/notary)

The Dubai Courts route is essentially a local Dubai-based path: the will is certified through the Dubai courts'/notary's procedures and is often seen as an alternative to DIFC for non-Muslims. It's usually chosen when the priority is having things done "the Dubai way" and dealing with assets tied to Dubai-based registries and banks; in practice, this route can be more "procedural" (including in the format/language of documents), and for convenience when your portfolio spans several emirates, ADJD is usually the stronger choice. This type of will must be filed strictly in paper form.

Drafting and registering a will

Creating the document requires precision. A wording error can result in the document being ruled invalid, in which case Sharia inheritance rules come back into force.

The typical sequence of steps looks like this:

1. Asset audit. Make a list of everything you own (bank accounts, property, company shares, vehicles).

2. Choosing the jurisdiction. Decide whether you need a will in Dubai (DIFC), Abu Dhabi, or a will through the local Dubai courts.

3. Drafting. At this stage, professional advice on your UAE will is essential. Lawyers draft the text, taking every nuance of the law into account.

4. Registration. The document must be officially registered with the chosen registry. A will in the UAE filed through the courts will require a legal translation into Arabic.

A properly drafted estate plan in the UAE also involves appointing an executor, who will manage the process of transferring rights once the estate is opened.

Conclusion

By formalizing inheritance in the UAE through an official will, you are buying peace of mind. It's the assurance that your accounts won't be frozen, your business will keep running, and your children will remain in the care of people you trust, not the state.

A will in the Emirates is a tool for the well-prepared investor. Don't put this off. MIRBEZVIZ recommends arranging these documents right after obtaining your Emirates ID and acquiring your first assets.

If you want to protect your future and your children's future, a properly drafted will in the Emirates will be your reliable shield within this country's legal system.