Tailored Will Drafting Services in UAE
Preserve your legacy and protect the future of your loved ones with expert Will drafting.
Overview of UAE Wills
Dubai’s flourishing economy and tax-friendly environment have made it a premier destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking lucrative business opportunities. Entrepreneurs are drawn to its steadily growing climate, hoping to achieve financial security. For those who have recognised the potential returns of living or investing in Dubai, the time has come to safeguard their wealth for their loved ones by writing a Will in UAE.
In the UAE, asset distribution after death is governed by Shariah Law. This means that without a Will, your assets will be divided according to this law, which may not align with your wishes. Having a UAE Will is essential to avoid such outcomes and guarantee that your estate is distributed according to your preferences.
A UAE Will is an important legal document that allows individuals or expatriates to outline their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and guardianship of minor children in the event of their death while living in the UAE.
As your life changes—whether through marriage, new children, or acquiring new assets—you can update your Will to reflect your current wishes and circumstances.
Tailored Will Drafting Services
UAE-Wills For Non-Muslims Or Guardianship Wills
1. DIFC Wills
DIFC Will Requirements:
1. The Testator must be a non-Muslim.
2. Under UAE law, the Testator, Executors, Trustees, and Witnesses must be at least 21 years of age.
2. ADJD Wills
ADJD (Abu Dhabi Registered) Will Requirements:
1. The Testator must be a non-Muslim and hold a valid UAE Resident Identity Card.
2. According to UAE law, the Testator, Executors, Trustees, and Witnesses must be at least 21 years of age.
3. Wills written in another language should be converted to Arabic by a sworn translator. The Will is then registered in Arabic or bilingual format at the ADJD Wills Registry.
3. Dubai-Courts-Notary Wills
Dubai Courts Notary Will Requirements:
1. The Testator must be a non-Muslim.
2. According to UAE law, the Testator, Executors, and Trustees must be at least 21 years old.
3. A valid and current UAE Resident Identity Card may be required from the Testator.
4. Wills not originally written in Arabic must be translated into Arabic by a sworn translator and notarised by the Dubai Notary Public in Arabic or bilingual form.
UAE-Wills For Muslims
1. Shariah Compliant Will
Shariah Compliant Will Requirements:
1. The Testator must be a Muslim and at least 21 years of age.
2. According to UAE law, the executors must be at least 21 years old.
2. UAE Wills with Letters of Consent
Requirements for this type of Will
1 .The Testator must be a Muslim and at least 21 years of age.
2. All heirs must be willing and able to sign Letters of Consent, waiving their inheritance rights.
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What are the Top Reasons to Write Your Will in the UAE?
Control Over Asset Distribution: Writing a UAE-Will allows specifying how assets such as property, money, and personal belongings will be distributed among beneficiaries after death.
Appoint Guardians for Children: For parents of minor children, writing a Will gives you the power to choose a guardian who will care for your children according to your specific wishes if you pass away before them.
Reduce Family Disputes: A well-written Will prevents family members from having conflicts about the estate’s inheritance.
Take Care of Your Loved Ones: Your Will ensures financial arrangements are made for your spouse, children, or dependents and protects their well-being and safety.
Separation or Divorce: If you are separated but not legally divorced, a Will ensures that your assets go to your beneficiaries of choice, preventing your ex-partner from inheriting unless specifically named.
Generational Planning: If your children are already financially stable, you can structure your Will to benefit your grandchildren directly. This approach will benefit your grandchildren directly from your estate for their future financial security.
Avoid Intestacy Rules: Without a Will in UAE, the distribution of your assets will be determined by intestacy rules, which may not align with your wishes or serve your family’s needs well.
Tax Efficiency: A properly written Will can help maximise inheritance tax benefits and other liabilities. It can also benefit the beneficiaries to receive a larger share of your assets.
Support Charitable Causes: A Will enables you to allocate a part of your estate to charitable organisations and achieve your philanthropic goals.
Important Factors to Consider While Writing a UAE Will?
Guardianship
If you have minor children and have not designated a guardian in your Will, the UAE Local Courts will determine who will serve as your child’s guardian and how your assets will be distributed. In this case, local laws will govern the process.
Executors
An executor is an individual appointed by the Testator to fulfil the instructions of the Will. The duties of an executor include the distribution of property to beneficiaries as specified in the Will, such as identifying potential heirs and collecting and arranging for the payment of the estate’s debts.
Beneficiaries
A beneficiary in a Will is a person who receives estate when someone passes away. The estate can include money, possessions, property, stocks, shares, or anything the deceased person left behind.
What are the Current Laws Governing Wills in the UAE?
For Muslim Residents:
The UAE Personal Status Law No. 28 of 2005 (as amended) serves as the primary legislation. Under Sharia Law, this law dictates a prescribed method of asset distribution for Muslim residents, reflecting Islamic cultural and religious principles.
For Non-Muslim Residents:
The Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status enables non-Muslims and expatriate communities in UAE to apply their home country’s laws to their estate planning.
This provision reflects the UAE’s commitment to facilitating its expatriate population’s diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, allowing for a more tailored approach to inheritance matters.

Why Choose Emirates Advisory?
A poorly drafted Will can cause major complications for your loved one. If the Will’s intentions are unclear or misunderstood, it may be deemed invalid, resulting in the application of Sharia Inheritance Laws instead. To avoid these complications, working with legal experts when drafting your Will in UAE is crucial.
Contact Emirates Advisory now for a free consultation. Our team of legal specialists will assist you in making the right step forward in the Will registration procedure. We ensure your Will is strategically drafted and complies with the local laws, and your wishes are clearly stated and will be implemented as you wish for your estate.