Wills in Dubai: A Complete Guide for Expats in 2026

If you are an expat who lives in the UAE, owns property, runs a business, or has a family here, a registered will is one of the most important things you can do to protect them. Yet many expats postpone it, assuming they have plenty of time or that everything will automatically go to their loved ones.

Without a registered will in Dubai, your estate will generally be distributed under Sharia law, which can affect how your assets are distributed, who manages your estate, and guardianship for your minor children. This guide covers everything you need to know: the different types of UAE wills, registration, costs, required documents, and how to choose the right option for your family and needs.

What Are Wills in Dubai?

A Will in Dubai is a legally binding document that allows you to specify who should inherit your assets, appoint an executor to administer your probate, and nominate guardians for your minor children.

What Happens Without a Will in Dubai?

Without a registered will in Dubai, your estate may not be distributed according to your intentions. Depending on your circumstances, the following can happen:

• Bank Accounts And Assets Get Frozen

Following a person’s passing, access to bank accounts and assets is typically restricted until the necessary court procedures are completed. This can delay access to funds when your family may need them most.

• Your Assets May Not Be Distributed As You Intended

Without a registered will, your estate will be distributed according to Sharia law, rather than your personal wishes.

• Guardianship Is Decided By The Courts

If you have minor children, guardianship will generally pass to the paternal side of the family, with the father of the father being appointed as the immediate legal guardian. The court will appoint temporary and permanent guardians to manage the child’s welfare.

• Business Interests Become Uncertain

If you own a business or hold company shares in the UAE, ownership and management control may become unclear until the probate is completed. This can impact day-to-day operations and create delays or access to business accounts.

• The Probate Process Takes Longer

Administering an estate without a registered will can take more time, particularly where multiple beneficiaries, business interests, or overseas assets are involved.

A registered Dubai Will helps avoid these challenges by clearly documenting your wishes, making the probate process faster, and providing greater certainty for your family during an already difficult time.

Who Should Make a Will in Dubai?

A will in Dubai should be made by anyone who owns assets in the UAE or has dependants in the country. This includes expats, foreign investors, and residents who want to ensure their estate is distributed according to their wishes and not left to default inheritance rules.

You should consider making a will in Dubai if you:

• Own property or real estate in the UAE
• Have a bank account or financial investments in Dubai
• Run a business or hold company shares in the UAE
• Have minor children living with you in the UAE
• Want to control how your assets are distributed

Protect Your Family’s Future with the Right Dubai Will

A registered Dubai Will gives you the opportunity to decide what happens to your assets and who will look after your loved ones. Whether you are planning for the future, protecting your family, or making sure your estate is passed on according to your wishes, having the right Will in place can make all the difference.

At Legal Inz, our qualified lawyers have helped thousands of expats and foreign investors with Will drafting, registration, estate planning, and probate across the UAE.

Why Expats Trust Legal Inz:

• 12+ years of experience in UAE wills and estate planning
• Registered with ADJD and DIFC Courts
• 15,000+ wills drafted for UAE residents and expats
• 33% of UAE wills registered through us
• Completed probate cases
• 3,500+ reviews across Google and Trustpilot

Whether you are making your first Will or updating an existing one, our team can help you choose the right registration route and guide you through the process from start to finish.

Get in touch with Legal Inz today to book your free consultation.

Legal Framework Governing Wills for Muslims and Non-Muslims in Dubai

The legal framework governing Wills in Dubai differs for Muslims and non-Muslims. While both can register a Will, the available registration routes and the laws that apply depend on your religion. For non-Muslims, wills and related personal status matters are primarily governed by the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status. Depending on the registration authority chosen, additional regulations issued by the DIFC Courts, ADJD, or Dubai Courts may also apply.

For Muslims:

Muslims can register a Will through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). ADJD Wills are administered under UAE Civil Law and are available to both Muslims and non-Muslims, making them one of the most widely used registration options in the UAE.

For Non-Muslims:

Non-Muslims can register a Will through one of the following recognised registration authorities:

1. DIFC Wills: Operate under English Common Law and are administered through the DIFC Courts

2. ADJD Wills: Administered under the UAE’s civil legal framework through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

3. Dubai Courts Wills: Administered under the UAE’s civil legal framework through Dubai Courts.

With that in mind, the next step is to look at the different types of Wills available in the UAE and how they compare.

Single Will vs Mirror Wills: What’s the Difference?

A single will covers one person, while mirror wills are two matching documents usually registered by spouses. The right one for you depends on whether you’re planning independently or want your wishes tied to your spouse’s.

What Is the Difference Between DIFC, ADJD and Dubai Courts Wills?

There are three main options for will registration in the UAE: ADJD Wills, DIFC Wills, and Dubai Courts Wills. The right option depends on factors such as your religion, family situation, and the assets you own.

1. ADJD Will

An ADJD Will is registered through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) and is available to both Muslims and non-Muslims. It allows you to formally document your wishes regarding your estate, beneficiaries, executor, and guardianship for your minor children. ADJD wills are recognised across the UAE and can be registered remotely through a video appointment, making them a convenient option for many residents and expatriates.

2. DIFC Will

A DIFC Will is available to non-Muslim expats and residents in the UAE, and is registered through the DIFC Wills Service Centre. The DIFC Wills Service operates under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017, which regulates wills and probate for non-Muslims registered through the DIFC Courts. It allows eligible individuals to record how they want their UAE assets to be distributed, appoint executors, and choose guardians for their minor children. It can also cover assets held in other countries, making it well-suited for individuals who own property or investments across multiple jurisdictions.

3. Dubai Courts Will

A Dubai Courts Will is available to non-Muslims and is another recognised option for will registration in Dubai. It allows eligible individuals to formally record their wishes through the Dubai Courts, providing a legally recognised way to document how they want their estate to be administered. This may be a suitable option for expats with Dubai-based assets who wish to register their will through the local court system.

ADJD vs DIFC vs Dubai Courts Wills: Which One Is Right for You?

What Documents Are Required to Register a Dubai Will?

The following documents are typically required to register a Will in Dubai:

• Valid passport copy
• Emirates ID copy
• UAE residential address and contact details
• Details of your beneficiaries
• Details of your appointed executor
• Details of any guardian, if you have children under 18
• Broad details of your bank accounts, property, and assets
• Two witnesses at the time of signing, for DIFC wills specifically
• Arabic translation, where required for ADJD or Dubai Courts

How to Register a Will in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are planning to register a will in Dubai, these are the key steps to help you prepare and complete the process.

1. Review Your Assets: Start by making a list of everything you own, including property, bank accounts, investments, business shares, vehicles, and other valuable assets. This helps you identify what to include in your will.

2. Identify the Right Registration Route: Whether you are Muslim or non-Muslim, your religion, type of assets, and emirate of residence all determine which <strongbwill registration option applies to you.

3. Choose Your Beneficiaries, Executor, and Guardian: Decide who you want to inherit your assets, who will manage your estate, and, if you have minor children, who will care for them. These are some of the most important decisions you will make when preparing your will.

4. Get Your Will Professionally Drafted: Before registering, make sure your will is drafted correctly, as a poorly worded document can be challenged or rejected entirely. It should clearly identify your assets, beneficiaries, executor, and any guardians you wish to appoint.

5. Register Your Will: Once your will is registered, make sure it is safely stored with your executor, who will be responsible for administering your estate.

If you need guidance at any stage of the process, our qualified lawyers at Legal Inz can help you prepare, review, and register your Will in Dubai.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Will in Dubai

Based on our experience of registering more than 15,000 wills in the past 12 years, these are the 5 most common mistakes people make while drafting a will in Dubai:

1. Not Appointing a Guardian

If you have children under 18 and fail to appoint a guardian formally, guardianship may pass to the paternal side of the family, with the father of the father being appointed as the legal guardian. This is especially important for expat families, where close relatives may live in different countries. Your instructions should be clear, with both a primary and backup guardian named in case your first choice is unable or unavailable.

2. Failing To Update Your Beneficiaries

A will that was accurate a few years ago may no longer reflect your current situation. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, having children, the passing of a beneficiary, or buying property can all affect what you originally put in place. As a general rule, it is a good idea to review and update your will every couple of years or after any major life event, so it continues to reflect your current circumstances.

3. Leaving Out Overseas Assets

It is easy to focus on UAE-based property, savings, and bank accounts while overlooking assets held in other countries. If overseas assets are not clearly accounted for, they can be left stuck in a separate, more complicated process later and create confusion for loved ones trying to manage or access them.

4. Relying on DIY Templates

It can be tempting to rely on a template or an online will service to save time and money. While this may help with a basic outline, it often does not account for your individual circumstances or the different requirements of UAE registration authorities. Even small errors or unclear wording can create complications during probate or result in parts of your Will not reflecting your intentions. A professionally drafted will in Dubai helps make sure everything is properly prepared and registered from the start.

5. Not Naming an Executor

Your executor is the person responsible for carrying out your wishes and managing your estate once you are gone. It is important to choose someone you trust, who understands your wishes and is willing and able to take on this responsibility. Alternatively, you may appoint a professional executor to manage and oversee the administration of your estate.

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will in Dubai?

The cost of making a Will in Dubai depends on the type of Will you choose and the registration authority. The government registration fees are as follows:

• ADJD Will: AED 950 for a single will and AED 1,900 for a mirror will.
• DIFC Will: AED 10,000 for a single will and AED 15,000 for a mirror will.
• Dubai Courts Will: AED 2,500 for a single will and AED 5,000 for a mirror will.

In addition to these government fees, you may also need to budget for professional will-writing services in Dubai, depending on the complexity of your estate and the level of legal support you need.

How Long Does It Take to Register a Dubai Will?

The time required to register a Dubai Will depends on the registration authority you choose.

• Dubai Courts Wills: Registration is typically completed immediately, as you are required to visit the notary in person.
• ADJD Wills: Registration generally takes around three months. However, an express registration option is available for AED 2,500 (single Will) and AED 5,000 (mirror Will), allowing you to secure an appointment within three business days.
• DIFC Wills: Registration typically takes around two weeks, depending on how quickly your documents are prepared and your appointment is scheduled.

Working with a qualified lawyer can help ensure your Will is prepared correctly and reduce unnecessary delays during the registration process.

Estate and Succession Planning in Dubai: What You Need to Know

Estate and succession planning refers to the process of deciding how your assets will be managed, distributed, and transferred after your death through a legally recognised will in Dubai. For most expats, it is the foundation of ensuring their assets are protected and passed on according to their wishes rather than being left for the courts to decide.

A key part of estate planning in the UAE includes deciding:

• Who will inherit your assets (beneficiaries)
• Who will manage your estate (executor)
• Who will care for your children (guardian)

Here’s how each one works in practice:

Beneficiary. This is the person who inherits your assets. They don’t need to take any action to earn this role; it is simply the person you’ve named to receive what you leave behind.

Executor. This is the person responsible for managing your estate after your death. They handle the probate process, ensure your instructions are followed, and distribute your assets to the beneficiaries.

Guardian. This is the person who takes legal responsibility for your minor children if both parents pass away. They are responsible for their care, upbringing, and day-to-day welfare until they reach adulthood.

By clearly defining these roles in your will, you can help avoid confusion and make the process easier for your loved ones.

What is the Probate Process After the Testator’s Death?

Following the testator’s death (the person who made the Will), their estate must go through the probate process before it can be distributed to the beneficiaries. Probate is the legal process that gives the executor the authority to administer the estate, settle any outstanding obligations, and carry out the instructions set out in the registered Will. For DIFC-registered wills, probate is governed by Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017, under the jurisdiction of the DIFC Courts.

As part of the process, the deceased’s bank accounts are generally frozen, and the executor or family must apply to the court to begin probate. If there is no registered Will, the court may require additional legal procedures, such as obtaining a Succession Certificate, before the estate can be administered.

Once the court issues the probate order, the executor can begin distributing the estate to the beneficiaries in accordance with the Will. With a registered Will in place, the process is typically more straightforward for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum requirement for a Will?

To make a valid Will in Dubai, you must meet the eligibility requirements of the registration authority you choose. You must be of legal age (18 yrs+), have the mental capacity to make a Will, and clearly identify your beneficiaries, assets, executor, and guardians.

Who will look after my children if I die in the UAE?

If you pass away without appointing a legal guardian in a registered will, guardianship of your minor children will generally pass to the paternal side of the family under Sharia law. This means the father of the father will be appointed as the legal guardian, while the mother remains only the custodian. A registered will lets you name the guardian of your choice directly, along with a backup in case your first choice is unable to act.

Does my spouse automatically inherit my assets in the UAE?

No. Without a registered will, your spouse does not automatically inherit all of your assets in the UAE. In the absence of a will, your estate is generally distributed in accordance with Sharia law, where eligible family members inherit fixed shares. By registering a will, you can specify how your assets should be distributed, including the share you wish your spouse to receive.

Who inherits if there is no Will?

Without a registered Will, your estate is distributed under Sharia law, regardless of your religion or nationality. This means fixed shares go to specific legal heirs, such as your spouse, children, and parents, rather than being distributed according to your personal wishes.

Can my UAE will cover assets in other countries?

Yes, your UAE will can cover assets in other countries. A DIFC will, in particular, can be extended to include overseas assets, subject to the laws of the country where those assets are located. If you own assets in multiple jurisdictions, it is important to seek legal advice to ensure your estate plan works effectively across all relevant countries.

Who Should I Choose as My Executor?

Your executor should be someone you trust who is willing and able to administer your estate and carry out the instructions in your will. This may be a family member, a friend, or a professional executor. If you would prefer an experienced and independent party to manage your estate administration process, Legal Inz also offers professional executor services to help ensure your wishes are carried out in accordance with your will.

How frequently should I update my Will in Dubai?

You should review your Will in Dubai every three to four years, or after any major life event such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, acquiring new property, or changes in your business interests. This ensures your Will stays up to date as your life and circumstances change.

Can a Will registered in DIFC be probated in Dubai Courts, and what is the process?

No. A DIFC-registered Will cannot be probated through the Dubai Courts. It must be probated through the DIFC Courts under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017, where the appointed executor can apply for probate after the testator’s death.

Can Muslims register a Will in DIFC?

No, the DIFC Wills Service is available only to non-Muslims. Muslim residents and expats can register their Wills through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), the recognised registration authority for Muslim Wills in the UAE. Legal Inz can guide you through the entire registration process.