Modern Abu Dhabi Law Allows Will Registration Through Video Conferencing

When the legal systems around the world are failing to cope with the situation during COVID-19, the Abu Dhabi law has proven that it has the characteristics of the 21^st century and can be used effectively during challenging times.

We have seen that the lawyers in the UK are now asking that the English Law should be amended to allow for the signing of wills in the UK through video conferencing or other electronic means. This is proving to be alarming keeping in view that the English legal system is widely known as one of the most mature legal systems in the world.

Moving to the Middle East, the UAE has proven that it has developed its laws around the use of the modern technology and convenience for its users. The Wills Registry for Non-Muslims at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has been registering Wills in Abu Dhabi for Non-Muslims through video conferencing on the back of the modern laws that support the use of technology.

The function of Will registration in Abu Dhabi is assumed by Wills Registry for Non-Muslims (a special office designated for this purpose). The office is part of the Notary Public services at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

Law No. (11) of 2017 Concerning the Notary Public in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Law) regulates the notarization and registration of Wills in Abu Dhabi.

Article 10 of the Abu Dhabi Law states that the Notary Public shall assume the notarization of Wills of Non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi.

Article 14 of Abu Dhabi Law outlines the process of authentication and notarization by the notary public. This process includes the verification and evidence of the identity of the testator as well as the eligibility, capacity, satisfaction and knowledge of the content of the document.

Article 24 of the Abu Dhabi Law allows the audio-video recording of the transactions performed by the notary public to ensure validity of the procedures, certification and verification of the presence and satisfaction of the concerned parties.

Related: COVID-19: DIFC Wills Rules Prove to Stand the Test of Time

Making a Will in Abu Dhabi has thus been made easier due to the use of video conferencing facility introduced by the Non-Muslims Will Registration Office. As part of the process, the clients are required to attend a WebEx call with the authorized registration officer to verify the identity, contents of the Will and completion of the registration of Wills.

A similar process is adopted by the DIFC Courts Wills Service in the Emirate of Dubai for the registration of Non-Muslim Wills in the UAE through video conferencing.

Related: 4 Key Issues that Explain the Importance of Will in UAE