Starting a new chapter in Dubai is exciting, there’s so much to look forward to, from career opportunities and better lifestyle to exploring a vibrant, touristy city. But while you’re sorting out the essentials like housing, schools, and setting up your bank account, there’s one important detail many newcomers overlook: having a valid will in the UAE.
It might not be the most glamorous part of your move, but it is one of the most important. Without a proper will in place, your assets could be distributed under Sharia law, which may not reflect what you want for your family.
So, if you’re moving to Dubai or have already hired movers and packers, here’s what you need to know.
Why Wills Matter in Dubai
In your home country, you might assume your spouse automatically inherits everything if something happens to you. But in Dubai, the rules are different. Unless you have a registered will, local inheritance laws apply, which are heavily influenced by Sharia principles.
That means your estate might be divided between your spouse, children, and even extended family members in a way you didn’t intend. For many expats, this can be surprising.
What Happens Without a Will?
If you don’t have a registered will in Dubai, here’s what could happen according to the Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status:
- Frozen assets: Bank accounts are usually frozen until inheritance is settled, leaving your family unable to access funds immediately.
- Distribution according to Sharia Law: Assets could be divided according to Sharia law or default rules for non-Muslims, which may not reflect your wishes.
- Guardianship issues: If you have young children, the courts decide who looks after them, something most parents prefer to plan themselves.
Sorting things out can be time-consuming and expensive, adding stress to your loved ones at an already difficult time.
Clearly, it’s not something you want to leave to chance.
Updates to UAE Inheritance Laws
The good news is that the UAE has made progress in making inheritance rules easier for non-Muslims. Since February 2023, if a non-Muslim dies without a will, half of their estate goes to the surviving spouse and the other half is divided equally among the children.
This division of assets might not match your personal preferences. For example, you may want your spouse to inherit everything, or you might want to leave specific assets to friends, charities, or extended family. To make sure that happens, you’ll need a registered will.
Your Options for Making a Will in Dubai
As an expat, you have several choices for registering a will in the UAE:
- DIFC Wills Service Centre: Popular among expats, this option follows English common law and is straightforward for non-Muslims in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD): Offers wills for both Muslims and non-Muslims, recognized across the UAE.
- Dubai Courts Notary Public: Offers Wills Drafting Services in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Each comes with its own procedures and fees, so it’s best to consult a lawyer to understand which option suits you.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Taking the time to register a will might feel like extra paperwork during right after your move, but the benefits are huge:
- Peace of mind: You decide how your assets are divided.
- Protection for your children: You can name guardians in case something happens to you.
- Less stress for your family: A registered will avoids long legal battles and frozen accounts.
- Flexibility: You can update your will whenever your circumstances change; marriage, children, new property, etc.
Think of it as an investment in security, just like health insurance or life insurance.
Practical Tips for Expats
If you’ve just landed in Dubai or are about to move, here’s a simple checklist to help you get started:
- Don’t rely only on your home country’s will, it might not be recognized in the UAE.
- Talk to a lawyer in Dubai who specializes in expat wills.
- Choose the right registration centre (DIFC, ADJD, or Dubai Courts) based on your needs.
- Translate and notarize your documents where necessary.
- Review your will regularly to keep it up to date with your life changes.
- Consider assets outside the UAE as you may need a separate will for those.
Final Thoughts
Dubai offers an incredible lifestyle. Moving here is a big step towards new opportunities. But as exciting as moving is, it’s important to think long term. Without a will, your estate could end up being handled in ways you never intended, leaving your family with unnecessary stress.
By registering a will locally, you can take control, protect your loved ones, and make sure your wishes are respected.
And just like you carefully research trusted moving companies in Dubai to handle your move, take the same care in planning your assets.
