In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are specific legal rules governing foreign citizens who wish to draft a will to transfer property. Their purpose is to enable people to create a legally binding document that details how their assets and property should be managed after their death. The process of planning and drafting a will usually looks like this:
- discussion of the owner's wishes and conditions;
- determination of beneficiaries and assets to be transferred;
- drafting of a document – a will – taking into account local regulations;
- its registration and enforcement in accordance with UAE law.
To ensure that everything goes quickly and smoothly, you will need the help of a professional. Therefore, choosing a reliable, experienced partner in this matter is paramount. Our company offers consulting services for will planning and drafting. Alliance Business Advisors specialists are familiar with the specifics of local legislation and have the necessary qualifications and experience to provide you with high-quality services for drawing up a will in the UAE.
Will drafting services in Dubai: secure the future of your loved ones
Essentially, creating a will in Dubai involves several sequential steps to clarify and confirm the details of future actions and ensure their execution. It all starts with an initial consultation, where our specialists explain the local rules and regulations governing the transfer of property rights. This is followed by a discussion with the testator of all their wishes and preferences regarding the distribution of assets. It is necessary to consider the specific circumstances in detail to determine the beneficiaries and assets before preparing a legally binding will in accordance with UAE laws and regulations.
One of the key factors when choosing will drafting services in Dubai is the reputation and experience of your consultant. It is important to choose a reputable, authoritative firm with proven experience handling wills and inheritance matters. We guarantee the document will be drafted accurately, taking into account all relevant legal considerations and protecting the client's interests.
It is important to note that once we have received all the necessary information from you, our partner, one of the licensed law firms in the UAE specializing in will drafting, will directly prepare the text of the will. This ensures compliance with all relevant laws in the UAE.
We will also provide you with detailed advice on inheritance issues in the UAE. This will allow you to better understand the intricacies of the Emirates' inheritance laws and choose the best option for transferring your assets.
Benefits of Alliance Business Advisors' professional services for drafting and registering wills in Dubai
By working with us, you get:
- Reliable legal protection for your assets – a guarantee that the testator's wishes will be carried out;
- A document that is correctly drafted (in accordance with local regulations) and notarized in case something becomes complicated in the future;
- Elimination of the risk of disputes or quarrels between family members or other heirs.
It is important to note that the UAE has both secular laws governing inheritance for non-Muslims (Federal Law No. (14) of 2017 and Federal Law No. 41 of 2022) and Sharia law for Muslims. With the support of Alliance Business Advisors, you can draft a will in Dubai in full compliance with applicable local laws, providing the assurance that it is legally valid and enforceable.
Need advice on drafting a will in the UAE?
All you need to do is complete a short form that briefly describes the issue. After that, our managers will contact you and provide all the answers you need.
Will drafting services: what you need to know
The UAE's multicultural and dynamic lifestyle, in general, and Dubai's, in particular, underscore the importance of professional will-drafting services. Very often, both the testator and the beneficiaries are citizens of other countries, while the assets themselves are located in the UAE. Our specialists will carefully address all matters related to cross-border assets to ensure that the client’s wishes are fully respected.
Our services help you draft a will correctly, so that no disputes or conflicts arise among beneficiaries in the future. Through clear instructions and comprehensive estate planning, it is possible to avoid lengthy legal proceedings while ensuring peace of mind for both property owners and their loved ones.
With extensive experience and a first-class reputation, the experts at Alliance Business Advisors have in-depth knowledge of local laws and regulations, ensuring a smooth and efficient will-drafting and execution process.
The Alliance Business Advisors team is based in Dubai, and its will planning and drafting services are highly sought after by those who wish to protect their assets and ensure a seamless transfer of property rights in the UAE. By engaging our experts, who possess strong legal expertise and hands-on estate-planning experience, UAE residents can be confident that their wishes will be honored and their loved ones’ interests safeguarded in the near future. Discover our advantages and benefit from the knowledge and experience of Alliance Business Advisors' specialists, who are well-versed in the UAE's complex laws and regulationsof the UAE – contact us today.
Why it is so important to draft a will
A “last will” or will is a legally binding document that outlines the testator’s intentions regarding their assets and other interests, as well as identifies the beneficiaries to whom the relevant rights should be transferred. As a foreign national (resident), you can register your will in Dubai, and it can be applied (enforced) in any of the Emirates.
If a UAE resident does not have a will in place, undesirable consequences may arise in the event of sudden death, including:
- freezing of bank accounts;
- cancellation of visas for dependents (spouse, children);
- application of default rules for asset distribution;
- a high percentage of frozen or delayed investments;
- escalation of family disputes over asset inheritance.
In such cases, Sharia law may apply, under which assets are distributed among relatives if no will exists.
Therefore, you will need the assistance of a legal professional to ensure that the correct legal framework is applied in accordance with the testator’s wishes.
In the UAE, you can choose one of the following types of wills:
| Type of Will | Brief Description |
| Simple Wills | Simple wills are intended for straightforward distribution of finances and assets. Because these documents do not require complex legal structures, many people draft them themselves. However, it is still advisable to consult a lawyer to ensure that all aspects are properly addressed and that no issues arise in the future. |
| Testamentary Trust Wills | A testamentary trust is created under a will and receives part or all of the testator's assets. A third party, known as a trustee, manages the assets and distributes them in accordance with the testator's instructions. This type of will can help plan asset distribution and give the testator control over who will receive the inheritance and who will not. |
| Joint Wills | Joint wills are created by two individuals. This means that if one testator passes away, all assets automatically transfer to the surviving testator. The will also specifies how the assets will be distributed upon the second testator's death. A joint will cannot be revoked unless both parties agree to amend it. |
| Living Wills | It should be noted that a living will does not deal with how your assets will be distributed; rather, it serves to express your personal wishes regarding medical care if you become incapacitated. It may outline decisions related to life support, resuscitation, and other medical interventions when an individual is unable to communicate their wishes. |
A will is an important legal document that ensures the transfer of assets to the intended heir or beneficiary. It safeguards ownership rights and protects heirs from potential legal disputes. Contact our team of experts for personalized guidance and legal solutions that comply with UAE law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Will in the UAE?
A will is a legal document that sets out the testator’s wishes regarding how their assets and personal affairs should be handled. It also specifies the beneficiaries who will inherit the assets.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Will in Dubai?
The cost of registering a will in Dubai depends on the authority chosen for registration:
- Dubai Courts: AED 8,000–10,000
- DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre): AED 15,000–20,000
These fees typically cover legal consultation, drafting, translation, and will registration.
Where Can a Will Be Drafted in Dubai?
To ensure proper protection and accurate distribution of assets, expats can register their wills through:
- Dubai Courts (public notary);
- DIFC Wills Service Centre.
This can be done independently or with the assistance of a consultant.
How Can I Draft a Will in Dubai?
Wills can be registered either with the Dubai Courts or the DIFC Wills Service Centre. The process includes:
- drafting the document;
- obtaining legal advice;
- translating the document into Arabic;
- official registration.
Non-Muslim expats may draft wills in accordance with the inheritance laws of their home country to avoid the application of Sharia law in the UAE.
Why Is It Necessary to Draft a Will in the UAE?
A will provides legal assurance that assets will be distributed in accordance with the testator’s wishes. It helps prevent disputes, ensures guardianship arrangements are in place, and provides clarity in inheritance matters.
What Happens If a Person Dies Without a Will in the UAE?
If the deceased has legal heirs, the assets will be distributed among them. In the absence of direct heirs, the assets pass to more distant relatives. If no beneficiaries exist, the assets are transferred to the government.
What Documents Are Required to Draft a Will in the UAE?
Generally, you will need:
- a copy of the testator’s passport and UAE residence visa;
- the beneficiary’s passport along with their UAE residence visa;
- tax identification numbers of both the testator and the beneficiary.
As each case is unique, additional documents may be required by local authorities. Our specialists will advise you accordingly.
The consultants at Alliance Business Advisors will develop and deliver tailored solutions that fully comply with UAE regulations while taking into account your requirements.
In addition to will drafting services, we also provide a wide range of other services, including tax advisory, visa support, business management outsourcing, and more. We also offer service packages for individual and corporate clients seeking a comprehensive, holistic, and strategic approach to estate structuring and asset transfer management.
