Duties of Executors in UAE Wills

An executor is someone who will take your Will to the court to have it implemented. Once the court has granted the probate, your executor will distribute your assets after payment of debts and other liabilities. You should appoint at least one (1) primary executor and two (2) alternate executors in your Will.

Ideally, given the nature of this appointment, your executor should have some knowledge of financial and logistical matters. Typical duties of your executor in the UAE would include the following:

1. Apply for grant of probate

Your executor will be responsible for making an application for the grant of probate to enable him/her to distribute your estate according to your wishes. If your Will is registered with the Notary Public (courts), he/she will need to appoint a local lawyer to make the application at the court in the relevant Emirate. However, if your Will is registered with the DIFC Courts Wills Service, he/she will file the application for grant of probate at the DIFC Courts Wills Service either directly or through a probate practitioner in accordance with the DIFC WPR Rules.

2. Make asset inventory

Your executor will be responsible for collecting and making inventory of your assets.

3. Pay debts and expenses

Your executor will determine and make payment of your debts and expenses.

4. Distribute assets

Once the debts and expenses and other legacies (specified in your UAE Will) have been paid, your executor will distribute the remaining assets to your beneficiaries according to your wishes in your Will. If your Will is registered with the Notary Public (courts), your executor will carry out this distribution according to the court orders. However, if your Will is registered with the DIFC Courts Wills Service, he/she will do so according to the DIFC court order and the DIFC WPR Rules.