If you live in Dubai and you’ve been meaning to sort out a will, you’re not alone. It’s the kind of job that sits at the bottom of the list. There’s always a visa to renew, a lease to sign, or a school to choose.
But the UAE’s legal system works differently from most people’s home countries. A will drafted in your home country may not fully reflect what you expect here in the UAE. A registered will takes the guesswork out. This guide explains why registering your will matters and what your options are for protecting your wishes in the UAE.
What can happen if you die without a registered will?
The rules for non-Muslims changed in 2023, when Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status came into force. Non-Muslim expats now have more say over which rules apply to their estate. That’s a real improvement, but it works best as a safety net. If you haven’t written your wishes down in a registered will, a court may still have to work out which rules apply and how to divide everything.
- Frozen bank accounts. Personal and joint accounts are often locked after a death until the court issues the paperwork the bank needs.
- Your wishes not followed. Assets are divided under default rules that apply to your estate, not your own plans, which can leave out an unmarried partner, stepchildren, or friends you wanted to provide for.
- Property that doesn’t pass automatically. A home in Dubai may not always go straight to your spouse, even if the title is in joint names, depending on the type of ownership and the law that applies.
- Guardianship left to a court. You don’t get to say who looks after your children.
- A slow, expensive process. Documents may need Arabic translation and several court steps, and your family waits while the bills keep coming.
Why a registered will makes such a difference
| Issue | Without a Registered Will | With a Registered Will |
| Who inherits | Default rules decide | You decide. |
| Guardian for your children | A court decides | You name one, plus a backup. |
| Bank accounts and property | Often frozen or delayed | Your executor has a clearer route. |
| Language and process | Possibly Arabic documents and translations | English and common law if you use the DIFC |
| Business shares | Uncertain | You can name who receives them, depending on the type of will and the registry’s rules. |
There’s also a plain practical point. A will that isn’t registered in the UAE or was written in another country may have to be validated and translated before a UAE court will rely on it. Registration answers that question in advance, while you’re still here to deal with it.
Where you can register a will in Dubai
Non-Muslim residents mainly have two routes.
The DIFC Courts Wills Service is the most popular choice among expats. Wills are written in English, interpreted under common law principles and registered with the DIFC Courts. You generally need to be non-Muslim, at least 21, and have assets or a connection in the UAE. Registration fees are paid to the Wills Service and are separate from your lawyer’s drafting fees.
Dubai Courts is the other option. Under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017, which covers the wills and estates of non-Muslims in the emirate, wills can be registered through the onshore courts. This route works in Arabic, so wills usually need to be translated.
If you’re Muslim, you can also make a will, but the rules are different. It’s registered through Dubai Courts and has to respect Sharia principles on inheritance, so it’s worth getting advice on how much freedom you actually have.
Mistakes people make with wills
- Assuming a will from their home country works automatically in the UAE
- Never updating it after a marriage, a divorce, or a new baby
- Leaving out business shares, digital accounts, or property in other countries
- Naming one guardian or executor with no backup
- Keeping the only copy in a drawer and telling nobody where it is
None of these is hard to fix. They just need someone to look at the whole picture.
How Maaf Legal helps you register your will
We keep the process simple and explain each step in plain language. Here’s what our team can do for you:
- Talk through your family, your assets in the UAE and abroad, and what you want to happen.
- Advise on which registration route suits you, the DIFC Courts or Dubai Courts
- Draft the will in clear language, including guardians, executors, and business shares.
- Handle the registration, from preparing the documents to the appointment itself.
- Coordinate with the wills you already hold in other countries, so the two don’t conflict.
- Review and update your will when your life changes.
- Guide your family and executor through probate when the time comes.
Ready to put your will in place?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do expats in Dubai really need a will?
Yes, if you want a say in what happens. Without one, default rules and a court decide who inherits, who looks after your children, and how long your family waits for access to funds. A registered will puts those choices in writing.
Will my home country work in Dubai?
Not necessarily. A foreign will may need to be validated and translated into Arabic before UAE courts rely on it. Many expats keep their foreign will for assets abroad and register a separate UAE will for assets here. The two should be drafted to work together.
What's the difference between a DIFC will and a Dubai Courts will?
Both routes arise under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017. The DIFC works in English under common law and is the usual choice for non-Muslim expats who want a simpler process. Dubai Courts works in Arabic through the Notary Public and the onshore system. The right route depends on your assets, your family, and where you want probate handled.
Can I name a guardian for my children in my will?
Yes. A will can name who you want to care for your children, and you can add a backup in case your first choice can’t act. For many parents, it’s the most important reason to register a will.
How often should I update my will?
Review it after any big change, such as marriage, divorce, a new child, buying or selling property, starting a business, or moving countries. Even without changes, a quick check every few years is a good habit.
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Mai Alfalasi Advocates & Legal Consultancy
1203, Green Tower
Baniyas Street, Deira
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone. +971 4 223 0666
Whatsapp. +971 50 208 9986
Email. info@maaflegal.ae
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