Living and working in the United Arab Emirates offers immense opportunities: economic stability, security, and a high standard of living. But many expatriates who are building their future in Dubai neglect an essential aspect of their financial security: the transfer of their assets in the event of death.
Contrary to what many think, your bank accounts, real estate, and investments are not automatically transferred to your family if you die without a registered will in the United Arab Emirates.
UAE Law: A Clear System, But One You Need to Understand
In the United Arab Emirates, two legal systems can apply to inheritance:
Islamic Sharia law, applied by default for Muslim residents, which distributes assets according to Islamic inheritance rules. This system guarantees fair distribution according to religious principles and remains the preferred choice of many families.
The locally registered will (UAE Will), primarily intended for non-Muslim residents, which allows succession to be organized according to the personal wishes of the deceased. This will can be registered with the DIFC Wills Service Centre or the Dubai Courts Wills Service Center.
Both options are recognized by law, and each resident can choose the one that corresponds to their values, faith, and family situation.
Option 1: Islamic Sharia Law
A Religious and Equitable Framework for Muslims
In the United Arab Emirates, Sharia (Islamic law) governs the succession of Muslims by default.
This system is based on principles of justice, equity, and family responsibility.
When a death occurs:
- Islamic courts apply the rules of Faraid (Islamic inheritance law) to distribute the deceased’s assets.
- Heirs receive shares fixed by religion: for example, a son generally inherits double the share of a daughter, but parents, spouses, and children all receive a defined portion.
- This distribution aims to protect all family members, even those who might be overlooked in a personal will.
Advantages:
- Complete respect for religious values
- Automatic distribution recognized by law
- No prior registration needed if the deceased is Muslim
Important to know:
- All assets, including bank accounts, remain frozen until the Sharia court has validated the succession
- Families must provide marriage and birth certificates, and proof of inheritance to unlock funds
Option 2: The Registered Will (UAE Will)
A Civil Solution for Non-Muslims and Expatriates
For non-Muslims, it is possible to draft a locally recognized will to organize succession according to one’s own wishes.
This will must be officially registered with an approved center, such as:
- The DIFC Wills Service Centre, based in Dubai International Financial Centre
- Or the Dubai Courts Wills Service Center, for residents living outside the DIFC
The will can cover:
- Bank accounts in the Emirates
- Real estate
- Business shares
- Custody of minor children
- And any other locally held assets
Advantages:
- Complete freedom to choose who inherits your assets
- Administrative simplification for the family
- Rapid asset protection through a clear legal procedure
Important to know:
- The will must be drafted and registered in English or Arabic according to local standards
- Registration fees apply (approximately 10,000 to 15,000 AED depending on the center)
- Non-Muslims without a will will have Sharia law applied by default
What Happens Without Planning?
Without a will or specific instruction, Sharia law is generally applied by the courts to organize succession.
In all cases, Emirati banks temporarily freeze the deceased’s accounts, including joint accounts, until the succession procedure is established.
This can lead to delays in accessing funds, which is why it’s important to have anticipated the management of your estate.
The Importance of Being Well Informed
Planning your succession is not a question of religion or legal preference—it is above all a matter of clarity and peace of mind for your family.
Understanding how the Emirati system works helps avoid uncertainties and ensures that your loved ones will have access to your assets in accordance with your values.
The Dubai Life: Neutral and Professional Support
At The Dubai Life, we understand that every family is unique. That’s why we support both those who wish to apply Islamic Sharia law and those who prefer to draft a personalized will in accordance with local legislation.
Our role is to inform you, guide you, and help you make the right choices according to your personal situation, nationality, and beliefs.
Through our network of legal and administrative experts, we guide you through local procedures, with complete transparency.
In Summary
In the United Arab Emirates, there are several ways to organize the transfer of your assets: whether you choose the religious or civil route, the essential thing is to be prepared.
By planning today, you protect tomorrow those who matter most to you.
And for that, The Dubai Life remains your trusted partner to understand, plan, and secure your future in the Emirates.
