If you die without a UAE Will, your assets will be distributed under Sharia law
This applies regardless of your nationality, religion, or the existence of a Will in your home country. A Will from the UK, USA, or any other country does NOT protect your UAE assets. UAE courts apply UAE law to UAE-located assets. Your spouse may not inherit — especially if you have children. Joint bank accounts are typically frozen. Custody of minor children can be decided by UAE courts. The process can take 1–3 years and significant costs.
Where to Register Your Will in Dubai
DIFC Wills Service Centre (Recommended for Non-Muslims)
- For non-Muslims only — principle of freedom of testation applies
- You choose your beneficiaries freely — no mandatory inheritance fractions
- Covers: Dubai & RAK real estate, UAE bank accounts, business interests, personal assets
- Can include guardianship of minor children
UAE Courts Will (for Muslims / Sharia preference)
- For Muslims or anyone choosing UAE law
- Distribution follows Sharia inheritance principles (faraid)
- Notarized by UAE Notary Public and registered with Dubai Courts
- Also available for non-Muslims who prefer UAE court system
What Your UAE Will Can Cover
- UAE real estate — any property in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah (DIFC Wills cover both)
- UAE bank accounts, savings, and financial investments
- Business interests — company shares, partnerships, and commercial rights in the UAE
- Personal property — vehicles, jewellery, art, and moveable assets
- Guardianship of minor children — critical for expat parents with children under 18
- Digital assets — cryptocurrency, online investment accounts (if specifically included)
2025–2026 Legal Updates for Non-Muslim Wills in Dubai
1. DIFC Exclusive Jurisdiction (Law 2/2025): DIFC Courts now have exclusive authority to enforce non-Muslim wills registered with them — directly across all Dubai departments (DLD, banks, RTA) without requiring approval from Dubai Courts. This eliminates the previous dual-court process. 2. Formal Requirements: Your will must be signed before two witnesses of full legal capacity. An executor must be explicitly named with clear authority for asset distribution. Any erasure, scratching, or unclear amendments void the entire document. 3. Assets Without a Will (Federal Decree-Law 41/2024): If a non-Muslim resident passes away without a registered will and without identifiable heirs, all UAE assets are automatically transferred to licensed UAE charitable organizations as Waqf (endowment). This makes registering a will essential for every expatriate. 4. Minor Inheritance Rights (Law 41/2024): Non-Muslim minors aged 15+ (Gregorian calendar) can petition the court to manage their inherited assets, with a court-appointed judicial assistant. 5. DIFC vs Dubai Courts: Both offer will registration. DIFC proceedings are in English under common law with direct enforcement across Dubai. Dubai Courts proceedings are in Arabic under civil law. We guide you to the optimal path based on your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A foreign Will may be recognized in the UAE but it must go through a legal recognition process — which can be lengthy and uncertain. A UAE-notarized Will removes this uncertainty entirely and ensures your wishes are implemented without delay.
Yes — a properly drafted Will can cover UAE bank accounts, investments, and financial assets. However, some banks have their own internal procedures. We draft the Will to be as comprehensive as possible for your specific asset profile.
Yes — a Will can be updated or replaced at any time. A new notarized Will supersedes any previous Will. We recommend reviewing your Will whenever there is a significant life change — marriage, children, major asset acquisition, or relocation.
The contents of your Will remain confidential during your lifetime. The notarial record confirms a Will exists and is notarized — but the content is only disclosed to authorized parties upon your passing.
Same-Day Service
Contact before 2 PM for same-day processing.