A change in UAE law affects expats who hold bank accounts, property, or other assets in the UAE.
I have written about the many reasons why you need a Will in the past (see 15 reasons here) but this is something new.
If you pass away without a registered Will, your assets are now classified as “unassigned.”
Without a clear beneficiary, that is formally registered, that can be problematic.
If heirs can’t be located quickly, something that is quite common for expats with families overseas, your assets could be transferred to state-administered charitable accounts or the Treasury.
Your life savings should be protected, not left to chance…
The solution is simple: Arrange a registered UAE Will.
A properly written and registered UAE will means that your legacy is secure.
Your money, your property; all assets can go where you want them to go.
Note that UAE property is still subject to local law, and Sharia rules regarding distribution, so anyone with a property here needs a local will anyway.
Is this law?
Yes, this is part of Federal Decree-Law No 51 of 2024 and Personal Status Law No 41 of 2024 which came into effect on 1st January 2026.
This is the same legislation that reduced the age of majority in the UAE to 18 years.
Can anyone write a UAE will?
All expats in the UAE can arrange a local will, including Muslims.
Anyone who has bought a property in the UAE can arrange a local will, no matter where they are living.
The only exception is Emirati nationals. Even other GCC nationals can have a full UAE will.
Minimum age is 18 years.
Is it complicated?
No, not really. There is paperwork but you can do it all from home. No need to go anywhere and you get full guidance. All handled remotely for maximum convenience.
We start by having a conversation over Zoom to establish exactly what you need and to explain the process. You get to ask questions and we also cover the best way to set up assets for minimum hassle in the UAE, and elsewhere.
I then follow up in writing, clarifying the details, the fees, with the paperwork and anythng else that you need to know.
I work closely with a legal practice that drafts the Wills and liaises with the relevant government entities for registration.
What Wills do you arrange?
We can arrange several types of UAE Wills and will advise which is best for you, based on your individual circumstances. I appreciate that cost is often a concern so will recommend the most cost-effective, as well as the most suitable, option for you.
We also arrange Wills for the UK and other Commonwealth countries. In addition, I have an arrangement for Wills for the USA.
Full Wills will always include permanent guardianship for minor children, when required, but we also arrange UAE temporary guardianship to link with Wills from other countries.
Why should I speak to you about Wills?
Simply because I know the system, the processes, the implications of Sharia distribution, how it all works in the UAE and UK. 20 years of living in Dubai is helpful.
I have been providing a Will writing service for many years. It’s part of real planning. Experience matters.
Arranging a Will should not be a stand-alone process. There are other issues that have a bearing on inheritance and that is not something a legal firm will cover. Is your banking in the right place? Is it set up correctly? Do you have the best offshore jurisdiction? Are your life policies in trust? Are your investments located in the best place for both inheritance and tax concerns? These all make a difference.
You benefit from lots of important information provided in a relaxed and friendly manner.
Real financial planning to make your life easier.
Now get in touch to get started…
If you need a Will, or any other financial advice, please get in touch for expert professional advice. please email me at keren@holbornassets.com or use the contact form below.
Expert, qualified, professional advice on a range of issues including general financial planning, life and critical illness cover, investments and UK pensions, wills and inheritance tax planning, UK and UAE property investment, UK tax, offshore banking, citizenship programmes, currency transfers.
I write articles such as this one as part of the holistic personal financial planning service and that I provide to expats, and the general consumer, financial and legal information that I provide in The National newspaper, other media, and on the Facebook group British Expats Dubai.
Please take a look at the other useful articles on this website.
Where there’s a will there’s a way to protect your family
What if it does happen to you?
A real-life sad story. Don’t let it happen to you
Save money on your currency transfers