A UAE will — peace of mind for your family

Without a will, a non-Muslim's estate in the UAE may be distributed under default Sharia rules, and bank accounts can be frozen while the inheritance process runs. For a family at a difficult time, that means not only uncertainty but real difficulty accessing funds.

The good news is that this is easily prevented. Non-Muslims register a will precisely to avoid that default distribution and to set out in advance who inherits what, who becomes guardian of the children and how assets are handled. It is a calm, considered step that lifts a worry for years to come.

There are three main registration routes. DIFC Wills are based on common law, drafted in English and can cover worldwide assets. Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025 gives the DIFC exclusive jurisdiction over non-Muslim wills in Dubai and enables direct enforcement with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and banks; remote video registration is also available. A full DIFC will costs approximately AED 10,000 for a single will and AED 15,000 for mirror wills (these are government registration fees, excluding drafting).

Registration through the Dubai Courts is another route, familiar to those who prefer the local court procedure. ADJD (the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department) is the cheapest option, and such a will is valid across all emirates. We calmly compare the routes against your assets, family and budget, and explain the differences in plain terms, without any pressure.

For Muslims, inheritance is governed by Sharia rules. Here the task is different — not to work around those rules, but to structure assets and wishes carefully within them. We approach this with respect and bring in lawyers who work in exactly this area.

Whatever your situation, you deal with one person. We listen, explain the options in clear language, select vetted lawyers and carry the process through to a registered document — with full discretion and no rush. This is a sensitive subject, and we treat it as one.