Why UAE assets need their own estate planning
Many owners of UAE assets assume a will made at home, or a foreign certificate of inheritance, will be enough. In practice a foreign document on its own usually does not allow a Dubai bank to release funds or the Land Department to transfer a property: a UAE procedure is generally required. Until it is complete, banks typically freeze the deceased's accounts, and a company may be left without a signatory.
That is why wills and inheritance in the UAE are best dealt with during your lifetime — especially if you hold property, bank accounts, company shares or have minor children in the UAE.
Which law applies to a foreigner's estate
Non-Muslims. Since 1 February 2023, Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for non-Muslims has been in force. It covers inheritance and wills, among other matters, and departs from the traditional Sharia distribution of shares, including unequal shares for men and women. The law also allows a choice of applicable law, including the law of the person's nationality; how this works in a particular case needs to be assessed individually.
Muslims — their estates are governed by personal status rules based on Sharia.
A will registered in the UAE remains the most reliable way to decide in advance who receives what and who will act as executor.
Where to register a will in the UAE
- DIFC Wills Service Centre (part of the DIFC Courts) — for non-Muslims; the will can cover assets both in and outside the UAE. Different will types are available, such as a full estate will, a property will or a will appointing guardians for children.
- Dubai Courts notary public — a will covering assets in the UAE.
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) — its office for non-Muslim wills and probate.
The right venue depends on what you own and where, your family situation and whether you need to appoint guardians. We confirm each venue's fees at the time of registration and list them in the estimate. For larger estates that include companies, broader structures are worth considering — see family office in the UAE.
How heirs inherit UAE assets
- Asset inventory: accounts, property, shares, vehicles, deposits.
- Documents: death certificate, proof of relationship, the will (if any), powers of attorney from the heirs — legalised and translated into Arabic (see powers of attorney and legalisation).
- Court or registry application: opening the estate, confirming the heirs and executing the will.
- Transfer: releasing funds, registering property in the heirs' names and changing company shareholders.
Heirs do not need to travel to the UAE: we act under a power of attorney and report weekly.
Inheritance disputes
Disputes arise between heirs living in different countries, between the family and business partners, or when a UAE will conflicts with a will made elsewhere. We assess each side's position and try to settle by negotiation; in court we work alongside a licensed UAE advocate with rights of audience — see litigation in the UAE.
Fees
Consultation from AED 750 for 60 minutes. Drafting and registering a will, or handling an estate, is a fixed project from AED 5,000. Registry, court and land department fees, translations and legalisation are charged separately and listed in the estimate.
FAQ
On its own it usually does not allow UAE assets to be transferred without a procedure before a local court or registry. A separate will covering your UAE assets is the more reliable option.
The DIFC Wills Service is for non-Muslims, and the will can cover assets in the UAE and abroad.
Generally the bank freezes the account until the heirs establish their rights through the proper procedure.
Usually not: the matter runs under a power of attorney signed in the heir's country of residence.