Wills and Guardianship Lawyers in Dubai
Wills, guardianship and estate planning for families with assets, bank accounts and children in the UAE.
In short: if you die in the UAE without a registered will, your UAE assets are distributed under default rules. Bank accounts can be frozen, and the guardianship of your children may not follow your wishes. Non-Muslim residents can register a will through the DIFC Wills Service or with the Dubai Courts notary, naming heirs, executors and guardians. Muslims' estates are generally distributed under Islamic inheritance rules, although a will can deal with up to one third of the estate.
Plan Your Will
Where to Register a Will in Dubai
| Option | Who it suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DIFC Wills Service | Non-Muslims with assets in Dubai and other emirates | Common-law style will; separate will types for full estates, property and guardianship |
| Dubai Courts notary | Non-Muslims preferring the onshore court system | Will translated into Arabic and notarised |
| Abu Dhabi non-Muslim wills | Non-Muslims, especially with Abu Dhabi assets | Registered with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department |
| Islamic will | Muslims | A bequest of up to one third of the estate; the rest follows Islamic inheritance shares |
What Happens Without a Will
For non-Muslims, the UAE civil personal status framework provides default rules. In general, the surviving spouse receives half of the estate and the children share the other half equally, regardless of gender. For Muslims, Islamic inheritance shares apply. In both cases, bank accounts in the deceased's sole name are usually frozen until the court issues a succession order, which can leave a family without access to funds for months.
Guardianship of Children
A registered will lets parents name who will look after their children if both parents die or cannot act. Without one, the court decides, and children may be temporarily placed in care while this happens. Naming a guardian, and a backup, is often the most important reason for expatriate parents to make a UAE will.
Making a Will: Step by Step
- List UAE assets: property, bank accounts, company shares, vehicles.
- Choose heirs, an executor and guardians for minor children.
- Choose the registration route that fits your assets and faith.
- Draft the will and, where needed, translate it into Arabic.
- Sign and register it with witnesses, as the chosen authority requires.
- Review it after marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or major asset changes.
Common Mistakes
- Relying on a will made in your home country for UAE assets.
- Owning Dubai property jointly without a plan for what happens on death.
- Forgetting to name backup guardians.
See also family lawyers, property lawyers and child custody lawyers.
Succession Matters We Handle
Wills, guardianship appointments and estate matters for Muslim and non-Muslim families with assets in the UAE.
- DIFC Wills Registration
- Dubai Courts Wills Register
- Guardianship Provisions For Children
- Property And Asset Wills
- Business Ownership Succession
- Estate And Succession Planning
- Probate And Estate Administration
- Inheritance Dispute Representation
- Powers Of Attorney
Related Legal Services
If your matter involves another area of law, start with the page below.
- Family LawyersMarriage contracts, guardianship and wider family disputes.
- Child Custody LawyersResidence, visitation, travel and relocation disputes over children.
- Property LawyersOff-plan, rental, title and developer disputes in Dubai.
- Corporate LawyersCompany set-up, shareholder agreements, restructuring and disputes.
- Civil LawyersContract, debt, compensation and commercial claims before the civil courts.
- Legal AdvisorOngoing legal advice for individuals and businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
General guidance on this area of law. Advice on your own case requires your documents.
Do I Need A Will In Dubai If I Have One In My Home Country?
Usually yes. A home-country will may not be recognised easily for UAE assets. A UAE-registered will avoids delay and the default inheritance rules.
What Happens To A Non-Muslim's Estate In Dubai Without A Will?
Under the UAE civil framework, the surviving spouse generally receives half and the children share the other half equally. Accounts may be frozen until a court order is issued.
Can Non-Muslims Register A Will In Dubai?
Yes, through the DIFC Wills Service or with the Dubai Courts notary. Abu Dhabi also offers non-Muslim will registration.
Can I Choose A Guardian For My Children In The UAE?
Yes. A registered will can name guardians for minor children. Without one, the court decides who will care for them.
Can A Muslim Make A Will In The UAE?
Yes, but it can generally only deal with up to one third of the estate. The rest is distributed according to Islamic inheritance shares.
Put A Registered Will In Place For Your UAE Assets
List your UAE assets, your beneficiaries and your intended guardians, and an advocate will advise on the right register and wording.
- OfficeSixth Floor, Suite 614
Emaar Business Park Building 4
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE - Telephone+971 54 454 3909 (On Call 24/7)
- WhatsApp+971 54 454 3909
- Emailinfo@htlawyers.ae
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- HoursOffice Hours 08:00 To 16:00