No one really wants to face it, but honestly, it’s better to get on it sooner rather than later.
If you’re living in Dubai, having a will is a must — the UAE’s legal system combines civil law with Sharia principles, making it essential to have your wishes clearly laid out.
Here’s why you should ensure a will is in place:
Take charge of your asset distribution: Without a will, UAE courts could default to Sharia law or local rules that might not match what you want. For non-Muslims, assets might be split according to UAE civil law or even your home country’s laws, which can cause delays or unexpected heirs. A will lets you clearly outline who gets what — from property and bank accounts to investments and personal stuff.
Look out for your family and dependents: Dubai’s legal system doesn’t always prioritize your spouse, kids, or dependents the way you might expect. Under Sharia law, inheritance follows set rules that might not fit your family’s situation or wishes. Having a will makes sure your loved ones are taken care of—especially if you have a non-traditional family or dependents with unique needs.
Expat life comes with its own twists: if you’ve got assets spread across different countries, skipping a will can make inheritance a messy, confusing puzzle with clashing laws. Registering a will in Dubai—like through the DIFC Wills Service Centre for non-Muslims—helps keep things clear and smooth for your UAE assets, and might even make things easier internationally.
Skip the long legal headaches: Without a will, your estate might get stuck in UAE probate, which can drag on and rack up costs. Courts could appoint someone to manage things, and family disputes can slow it down even more. Having a will streamlines everything, making it way easier and less stressful for your loved ones.
- Guardianship of Minor Children: If you have children under 21, a will allows you to appoint a guardian, ensuring they’re cared for by someone you trust. Without this, courts may decide guardianship, which might not align with your preferences.
- Non-Muslim Flexibility: If you’re non-Muslim, registering your will with the DIFC Wills Service Centre or Dubai Courts lets you skip Sharia inheritance rules. This is key if you want to follow your home country’s laws or tailor how your assets get divided.
- Business Interests: If you own a business in Dubai, a will can specify how your shares or interests are transferred, preventing disruptions or disputes that could harm the company’s operations.
- Real Estate in Dubai: Without a will, your real estate could get tangled up in complicated inheritance laws. Having a will makes sure your property lands exactly where you want it — no unwanted sales or split-ups.
- Bank Accounts and Frozen Assets: When someone passes, UAE banks usually freeze accounts until inheritance is sorted, leaving dependents strapped for cash. A will speeds things up, helping your family get quicker access to the funds they need.
- Preventing Disputes: A clear will cuts down the chances of conflicts or legal battles—especially important in Dubai’s diverse scene, where heirs might come with different expectations or legal backgrounds.
Practical steps to take
- Non-Muslims:Think about registering your will with the DIFC Wills Service Centre, which uses a common-law setup covering assets in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. It’s designed for expats and makes sure your wishes are legally solid.
- Muslims: You can create a Sharia-compliant will via Dubai Courts or a lawyer, making sure it honors Islamic principles while reflecting your personal wishes.
- Get legal help: Chat with a UAE-based lawyer who specializes in wills to smoothly handle local rules and your international assets.
- Update Regularly: Update your will after big life changes—like marriage, divorce, or having kids—to make sure it stays spot-on.
Why having a will matters
- Dubai’s legal system acts fast after death—and without a will, important decisions could be made within weeks, without your input or control.
- The cost of drafting a will (AED 5,000–15,000, depending on complexity) is a small price to pay compared to the financial and emotional stress your loved ones could face if you leave things to chance.
Having a will means your legacy reflects your values and your loved ones are protected—especially in Dubai’s complex legal landscape.
