Few people enjoy thinking about it, but for expatriates in the UAE, making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. Without a registered will, your UAE assets may be distributed under default inheritance rules that are very different from what you intend. This guide explains why a will matters, what it can cover, and where to register it.
This is general legal information, not advice on your specific case. For help preparing and registering a will, speak to our lawyers in Dubai.
Why a will matters for expats in the UAE
If a non-Muslim resident dies without a registered will, their UAE estate can be distributed according to Sharia-based inheritance principles by default — which may not reflect their wishes. Bank accounts can be frozen, and the guardianship of minor children can be left uncertain during a difficult time. A properly drafted and registered will gives you control and certainty.
The 2022 inheritance reform
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, non-Muslims in the UAE have testamentary freedom — the ability to name their own beneficiaries, appoint guardians, and allocate their assets as they choose. Even with these protections, registering a will remains the surest way to make your wishes clear and enforceable.
Where to register your will
Non-Muslim residents generally have three main options:
- DIFC Wills Service — the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry operates under common-law principles and accepts wills from non-Muslim residents across the UAE, not just those living in the DIFC. It is widely used by expatriates.
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) — offers non-Muslim will registration with an accessible process and a relatively low government fee.
- Dubai Courts — also register non-Muslim wills as an alternative for Dubai residents.
What a will can cover
A UAE will can deal with your local real estate, bank accounts, business shares and personal belongings, and — crucially for parents — the guardianship of minor children. Couples can make mirror wills that reflect each other’s wishes.
Appointing a guardian for your children
For parents, one of the most valuable functions of a will is naming who should care for minor children. This works alongside the UAE’s custody and guardianship framework — see our guide to guardianship vs custody and our broader family law guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a UAE will if I already have one in my home country?
Usually yes for your UAE assets. A locally registered will avoids delays and uncertainty over whether a foreign will can be applied to property and accounts here.
What happens if I die without a will in the UAE?
For a non-Muslim, the estate may be distributed under default Sharia-based inheritance principles, and assets such as bank accounts can be frozen while matters are resolved.
Where should an expat register a will?
Common options are the DIFC Wills Service (common-law based, UAE-wide for non-Muslims), the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, or Dubai Courts. The right choice depends on your assets and circumstances.
Can I appoint a guardian for my children in my UAE will?
Yes. Naming a guardian for minor children is one of the most important things a registered will can do.
A clear, correctly registered will spares your family stress and uncertainty at the worst possible time. We can prepare and register a will tailored to your assets and wishes. Speak to our lawyers in Dubai for a confidential consultation.
Reviewed by Ms. Amal Khamis, Advocate & Legal Consultant. This article is general information about UAE law and not a substitute for tailored legal advice.
Related reading: Family Law in the UAE · Guardianship vs Custody.