Wills Lawyer in Dubai
Without a properly drafted and registered will, distribution of your UAE assets defaults to statutory succession rules that may not reflect your actual wishes — a gap that's straightforward to close with the right planning, but costly to discover only after it's too late.
A will can address not just how assets are distributed, but also matters like the appointment of a guardian for minor children, executor designation, and specific instructions for particular assets such as a family business or property.
For non-Muslim foreign nationals, a properly structured will can secure application of a preferred inheritance framework to UAE assets, an option that generally requires proactive registration rather than being available by default.
We draft and register wills tailored to each client's specific family situation, assets, and wishes, and advise on how a will interacts with other estate planning considerations, including foreign wills and cross-border assets.
How We Handle Will Drafting Matters
- Assets and Family Circumstances ReviewWe review the client's UAE and international assets, family situation, and specific wishes to understand what the will needs to address.
- Applicable Framework DiscussionWe advise on the succession framework that would apply and, where relevant, the options for electing an alternative framework for UAE assets.
- DraftingWe draft the will with clear, legally sound provisions covering asset distribution, guardianship of minor children, and executor appointment.
- RegistrationWe handle registration of the will through the appropriate UAE mechanism to ensure it has full legal effect and standing.
- Coordination with Foreign WillsWhere a client also has a will in another jurisdiction, we advise on how the two documents interact and coordinate them to avoid conflict.
- Periodic ReviewWe advise on reviewing and updating the will as family circumstances, assets, or wishes change over time.
When to Bring in a Wills Lawyer
- You own assets in the UAE and don't currently have a valid, registered will covering them.
- You have minor children and want to formally appoint a guardian in the event of your death.
- You're a non-Muslim expatriate and want your UAE assets distributed according to a preferred inheritance framework.
- You have a will from another country and want to understand how it interacts with your UAE assets.
- Your family or financial circumstances have changed significantly since you last made or updated a will.
- You want to include specific instructions for a family business, property, or other significant asset.
Services We Provide
- Will drafting for UAE nationals and expatriates
- Will registration
- Guardianship designation for minor children
- Executor appointment and estate administration guidance
- Coordination of UAE wills with foreign wills
- Inheritance framework election advice for non-Muslim foreign nationals
- Will review and updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a will if I already have one from my home country?
It's generally advisable to have a UAE-registered will addressing UAE-based assets specifically, as this can significantly simplify local probate compared to relying solely on a foreign will.
Can I appoint a guardian for my children in my will?
Yes, appointing a guardian for minor children in the event of your death is a common and important element of a properly drafted will.
What happens if I die in the UAE without a will?
Without a valid will, your UAE assets will generally be distributed according to default statutory succession rules, which may not reflect your actual wishes.
Can a non-Muslim choose which country's inheritance law applies to their UAE assets?
In many cases, non-Muslim foreign nationals can elect for their home country's inheritance law to apply, though this generally requires a properly drafted and registered will to take effect.
How often should I update my will?
It's advisable to review your will whenever significant life events occur — such as marriage, the birth of a child, or a substantial change in assets — to ensure it continues to reflect your wishes.