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Preparation and Attestation of a Will in the UAE
The inheritance of property in the UAE is governed by a complex combination of Sharia law, local civil law, and international agreements. The inheritance procedure can vary significantly depending on the testator's nationality, religion, and marital status.
The absence of a will can result in the court applying Sharia law by default, which may complicate the process for heirs and lead to the distribution of assets in a manner not intended by the deceased.
Therefore, we strongly recommend preparing a will if you own property in the UAE.
The absence of a will can result in the court applying Sharia law by default, which may complicate the process for heirs and lead to the distribution of assets in a manner not intended by the deceased.
Therefore, we strongly recommend preparing a will if you own property in the UAE.
Half goes to the surviving spouse; the other half is divided equally among the children (regardless of gender).
With no children, their share passes to the testator's living parents equally. If one parent is deceased, that share passes to the deceased's siblings.
With no children, their share passes to the testator's living parents equally. If one parent is deceased, that share passes to the deceased's siblings.
The testator independently decides how to distribute their assets.
Requires legalization of documents proving kinship. A local lawyer must be hired to file a case in the local court for estate division. The final decision is made by a judge, and proceedings are in Arabic.
Direct execution of the will's instructions.
All court procedures can take 1 year or more.
Approximately 1–2 months.
All assets are frozen during the trial. Business operations within the estate may be suspended, potentially leading to loss.
A judge may apply Sharia law principles to the division of property.
A judge may apply Sharia law principles to the division of property.
Minimal to no procedural risks.
The cost of hiring local lawyers and proceeding to trial significantly exceeds the cost of preparing and attesting a will.
Who can make a will in the UAE:
An individual over the age of 21
The individual must not be, and must never have been, a Muslim.
The individual must own at least one property asset in the UAE.
What can a will in the UAE include?
Movable and immovable property
Personal bank accounts
Business shares and corporate bank accounts
Guardianship of minor children
A will can specify absolutely all assets, including those acquired in the future.
If you wish to include specific assets, you must provide legal documents that confirm your ownership.
If you wish to include specific assets, you must provide legal documents that confirm your ownership.
Find out the cost and other details
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