United Arab Emirates: Wills/ Intestacy/ Estate Planning

The United Arab Emirates is no longer a jurisdiction in which non-Muslim residents should treat succession planning as a peripheral exercise.

Think of passing an estate to your family like handing over a safe deposit box full of valuables: if the key (a valid will) is clear and everyone knows the code, the handover is calm.

For expatriates with assets in the UAE, estate planning is an important part of responsible long-term planning. While it is often assumed that assets...

A Will is a vital legal document detailing how one's estate and property are to be distributed in the event of the person's death. The formulation and registration of a Will, especially for Muslims, are governed by the Personal Status Law, Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 in the UAE.

The first step is to ensure that the developer is registered with the relevant authority in the emirate where the property is located

Explore the UAE's comprehensive legal framework governing non-Muslim inheritance and wills in this informative video.

With certain Emirates in the UAE allowing property ownership for expats in the region, an increasing number of individuals are now buying properties and investing in other assets in the UAE.

In Dubai, the legal framework for wills has evolved significantly to cater to the diverse needs of its expatriate and local populations. Also registering a Will is an important process for ensuring that your assets.

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has established itself as a premier jurisdiction for registering wills, offering expatriates peace of mind concerning their estate planning.