Wills for Non- Muslims in the UAE
Wills for Non Muslims in the UAE
In the UAE, non-Muslims are allowed to create wills according to their own religious or personal preferences. The government has established provisions for non-Muslims to ensure their assets are distributed in a way that aligns with their wishes, which is in contrast to the Islamic inheritance law that typically applies to Muslims. Here’s a summary of the process for non-Muslims in the UAE:
Non-Muslims can register their wills with the DIFC Courts Wills Service, which allows them to distribute their assets according to their personal wishes. This service is available to individuals who own assets in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi offers a similar system where non-Muslim expats can register a will to ensure their assets are handled in accordance with their personal preferences. The registration of the will in Abu Dhabi allows non-Muslims to avoid the application of Islamic inheritance laws.
- The will must be registered in the UAE to be legally recognized.
- It is recommended to have the will drafted by a lawyer familiar with the local laws to
ensure it complies with all regulations. - The will must be signed in the presence of witnesses and be notarized for it to be valid.
- Assets: Ensure the will clearly states the assets (real estate, bank accounts, investments, etc.) to avoid confusion.
- Guardianship: Non-Muslim parents can also specify guardianship for their children in
their will. - Execution: Appointing an executor ensures that the terms of the will are executed
according to your wishes.
| Feature | DIFC Wills | ADJD Wills | Dubai Court Notary Wills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | DIFC Courts | Abu Dhabi Judicial Department | Dubai Courts |
| Best for | Non-Muslims with assets across UAE | Expats with assets in UAE | Expatriates with assets in Dubai |
| Legal Framework | Common Law | UAE Civil Law | UAE Civil Law |
| Covers Guardianship? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Covers Property & Financial Assets? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Registration? | Available | Available | Requires in-person visit |
| Processing Time | Fast | Moderate | Fast |
| Cost | Higher | Moderate | Lower |