Estate Planning and Will Writing Services in Dubai

For non-Muslim residents in particular, having a registered will is critical to ensure that succession planning aligns with personal wishes and not with Sharia law, which applies by default in the absence of a will.

Whether you are a long-term resident or a business owner in the UAE, understanding your options — from DIFC will registration to offshore estate strategies — ensures your assets are protected and transferred as you intended.

Creating and registering a will in Dubai allows you to take control of how your assets are distributed. For non-Muslim expats, this is particularly critical, as UAE inheritance laws default to Sharia principles without a will in place. A registered will:

• Ensures legal recognition under UAE law, especially for DIFC and ADJD jurisdictions.
• Protects family interests by naming guardians for minor children and securing financial support.
• Safeguards property ownership, including local and international real estate.
• Avoids probate delays, allowing for faster execution of the estate plan.
• Minimizes inheritance conflicts by clearly outlining asset distribution.

There are several legally recognized will types in the UAE, each serving different needs. Here are the key categories:

• DIFC Will
  Suitable for non-Muslim residents. Offers common law protections. Registered and held by the DIFC Courts Wills Registry for Non-Muslims; administrative support provided by the DIFC Courts Wills Service.
• ADJD Will
  Recognized in all seven Emirates, this civil-law-based will allows non-Muslims to distribute UAE assets according to personal wishes.
• Offshore Will / Overseas Will
  Used for assets held outside the UAE. Often necessary for expats with international property or business holdings.
• Sharia-Compliant Will
  Designed for Muslim residents or those wishing to follow Sharia law. Distribution must align with Islamic principles.

Each will type carries specific registration procedures and regulatory bodies, which should be considered when planning.

Before drafting a will or initiating succession planning in the UAE, individuals must evaluate legal, financial, and family circumstances. It is crucial to consider:

When registering a will in the UAE, understanding the legal framework is crucial. Two distinct systems operate: the Dubai Courts (under UAE civil law) and the DIFC Courts Wills Service, which functions under a common law framework. Both offer options for non-Muslim residents to register wills, but their processes, languages, and governing laws differ significantly.
Here is a comparison of the two systems:

Following the recent Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status, non-Muslim expatriates are now legally permitted to draft wills that explicitly state their personal choice of succession laws — allowing them to override the default application of Sharia inheritance rules. This law reinforces the legal validity of wills registered in both the DIFC and the Dubai Courts.

For those opting for the DIFC jurisdiction, the key legal foundation is the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry Rules, which provide clarity on the testator’s rights, asset coverage, and procedural requirements. The DIFC framework is especially favorable for those seeking English-language documentation, confidentiality, and fast-track probate.

Conversely, Dubai Courts operate under the UAE’s broader civil and Islamic legal system. While non-Muslim expats can now formally choose their own country’s inheritance law or nominate beneficiaries under UAE law, proceedings require Arabic translation, notarization, and legal representation. Legal procedures here follow guidelines under the UAE Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Transactions Law), unless explicitly superseded by Decree-Law No. 41/2022.

In practice, the choice of jurisdiction often depends on asset location, language preference, cost, and desired level of control over succession. DIFC is usually preferred by non-Muslim expats who want faster resolution and a legally robust, English-based system. Meanwhile, Dubai Courts remain a viable and cost-effective alternative for those comfortable with the Arabic legal environment and more traditional processes.

Registering a will in the UAE is one of the most important steps in safeguarding both your family and your assets. Without a registered will, local courts may apply Sharia inheritance rules by default, which could lead to unintended outcomes — especially for non-Muslim expats. By registering your will under one of the two recognized systems in the UAE — DIFC Courts Wills Service or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) — you gain full control over how your estate is handled and passed on.

Both DIFC and ADJD offer tailored will structures, allowing you to register wills specific to:

• Real estate (Dubai or UAE-wide property)
• Business interests (including shares in mainland, free zone, or offshore companies)
• Financial assets and bank accounts
• Personal belongings and vehicles
• Guardianship of minor children

A registered will in the UAE ensures that:

• Your property is distributed per your wishes.
• Guardianship appointments are legally upheld.
• Offshore investments and business shares are protected.
• Inheritance disputes are minimized.

For business owners, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals, will registration is a strategic asset protection tool. It ensures business continuity and protects valuable interests — including intellectual property, shareholder control, and operational licenses.

The probate process in the UAE varies by jurisdiction but follows a general structure:

• Submission of the will to the relevant registry (DIFC or ADJD).
• Verification of death and validity of the will.
• Appointment of executors by the court.
• Asset distribution under court supervision.

DIFC offers streamlined proceedings with minimal bureaucratic steps and is typically completed within weeks. Dubai Courts may require longer due to translation, Arabic procedures, and court hearings.

Estate planning is a step-by-step process. Here’s how it works:

Estate planning in Dubai requires in-depth knowledge of local laws and international asset handling. At ITA Business Consultants, we provide:

Take the first step towards peace of mind—contact us today for expert advice on safeguarding your assets and planning for the future!