Things to include in a Will in the UAE?
Writing a Will in the UAE is a critical requirement for any non-Muslim either living or having assets in the UAE.
You should keep in mind the following things while writing or reviewing a Will prepared by a lawyer for you:
1. Beneficiaries
A beneficiary is a person who will receive your assets after the payment of your debts, liabilities and funeral expenses etc. It is possible for you to give your entire assets to one (1) beneficiary.
In a typical scenario for a married individual, a spouse appoints the surviving spouse as the beneficiary of his/her entire assets in the UAE. If the spouse does not survive, the children are appointed as the alternate beneficiaries. Further alternate beneficiaries are chosen by the testators depending upon their family situations and likely survivors such as grand-children, parents and siblings.
For unmarried individuals, the beneficiaries are chosen by them based on the personal circumstances.
2. Executors
An executor is a person who will take your Will to the court to have it enforced after your death. Once the court issues a probate order, the executor will pay your debts and distribute the assets as specified in the probate order.
In a typical scenario for married individuals, a spouse appoints the surviving spouse as the executor. To cover a situation where both spouses pass away together, you should appoint at least two (2) alternate executors who are over 21 years of age at the time of writing your Will. These individuals should be chosen from your closest friends or family members. They can also be the same individuals who may act as alternate guardians of your children (see below).
For unmarried individuals, the executors are chosen by them based on the personal circumstances.
3. Guardians
If you are married with children, you must also appoint your spouse as the guardian of your children below 21 years of age.To cover a situation where both spouses pass away together, you should appoint at least two (2) alternate guardians who are over 21 years of age at the time of writing your Will. The guardians should be the closest family members such as brothers, sisters or parents. If these guardians are based outside the UAE, you should appoint someone in the UAE as temporary guardians to take care of the minor children until such time the permanent guardians arrive in the UAE to take custody of your children.
Related: DIFC Wills and Notary Public Wills
Requirement of Will in UAE
Types of UAE Wills
- Types of UAE Wills
- 5 reasons for making a DIFC Will
- 3 considerations for your Will in Dubai
- Process for registering a DIFC Will
- Make a Will in Ras Al Khaimah
Things to consider
Common Questions
- What is a Will?
- Why do I need a Will in UAE?
- What is a Notary Public Will?
- What is a DIFC Will?
- What is a Legal Inz’s online Will form?
- What is a Single Will?
- What are Mirror Wills?
- Are the bank accounts frozen at death?
- What is a probate?
- Distribution of real estate in the UAE
- What if I already have a Will in my home country?
- Who is the executor?
- Who can be a beneficiary?
- What are the typical assets passed in a Will?
- The case of life insurance
- The case of shares in companies
- Appointing guardians in a Will
- Resolving debts in a Will
- Can I amend my Will?
- Do I need to amend my Will in UAE when moving home?
- Is it possible for me to withdraw my Will in UAE?
- Is there any inheritance tax in the UAE?
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