Will Writing Services in Dubai
Will Drafting Services for Muslims and Non-Muslims in UAE
Will writing is a legal process where a person clearly writes down how their money, property, and assets should be shared after they pass away. In the UAE, having a registered will is very important so your wishes are followed and the authorities accept your chosen heirs. The will writing process must follow Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 for non-Muslims and Sharia rules for Muslims. These laws provide a clear system for inheritance and guardianship in Dubai and all other Emirates.
At HHS Lawyers, our Wills and probate lawyers can help you with:
- Drafting simple and legally correct wills for non‑Muslims through the DIFC Wills Service Centre or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).
- Preparing Sharia‑compliant wills for Muslim residents to manage the one‑third part of their estate which they can freely distribute.
- Giving expert advice on choosing permanent and temporary guardians for minor children.
- Assist you with the registration and notarization of wills at Dubai Courts or other official registries.
- Our lawyers review your international wills to make sure they are aligned with the current UAE inheritance laws and can be used within the UAE.
What Is a Will?
A will is a legal document that shows your final wishes for your money and property. In the UAE, it lets you choose your beneficiaries (i.e. the people who will receive your assets) and an executor (the person who will handle your affairs).
For parents, a will is also the main way to name legal guardians for children under 18.
If you do not have a will, UAE law will decide how your assets are shared and who will care for your children.
Why You Need a Will in the UAE
The UAE has recently updated its laws. Federal Decree‑Law No. 51 of 2024 (effective January 1, 2026) explains what happens to estates when someone dies with no heirs. Federal Decree‑Law No. 41 of 2024 (effective April 15, 2025) updates the rules for personal status matters, including inheritance (primarily for Muslims).
Avoid Asset Freezing
Avoid Asset Freezing: Your bank accounts and assets will remain frozen throughout the probate process if you die without a registered will.
Protection for Non-Muslims
Protection for Non-Muslims: The new UAE laws allow non-Muslims to avoid Sharia-based inheritance. With a registered will, you can now choose your heirs and follow the inheritance rules of your home country.
Prevent Charitable Transfers
Prevent Charitable Transfers: Under the new Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2024, in the event that a deceased person did not make a will and has no heirs in accordance with the law, his entire estate will be transferred to a charitable endowment, Waqf.
Guardianship of Children
Guardianship of Children: In the UAE, you can only nominate a guardian for your children by creating a registered will.
Who Needs Will Writing Services?
- Non-Muslim Expats: Anyone who wants to make sure their spouse and children inherit their assets the way they choose, instead of the default UAE civil law (which normally splits assets 50/50 between spouse and children).
- Property Owners: Even if you do not live in the UAE, owning a home or investment property in Dubai requires a local will to ensure a smooth and fast property transfer.
- Corporate Investors: All individuals who possess shares in limited liability companies (LLCs), Free Zone companies and professional firms which operate in the UAE.
- Parents with Young Children: Any parent who wants to choose a specific family member or friend as a legal guardian for their children.
- Digital Asset Holders: Anyone who possesses cryptocurrency, digital wallets or online assets can now safeguard their holdings using DIFC Digital Wills.
Requirements and Mandatory Documents
To make a will and register it in Dubai, the following important documents are required:.
- Identity Documents: The Testator must present their valid passport together with their Emirates ID.
- Beneficiary Details: Passport copies of all heirs and beneficiaries.
- Executor & Witness Info: The ID documents of the executor (who will handle the estate) together with two adult witnesses.
- Asset Proof: The will should contain property title deeds and share certificates or bank account details as evidence of specific assets.
- Guardianship Documents: You must provide consent letters or ID documents for the guardians you choose to protect your children.
Process of Will Registration in Dubai
The will registration process in Dubai requires applicants to follow established procedures as per Dubai Courts and DIFC Wills Service Centre and Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) requirements. Here is the process of registering a Will:
The initial consultation
The initial consultation: The legal expert talks with you to learn about your family background, your assets and how you want your assets to be distributed after your demise.
The will drafting process
The will drafting process: The Wills shall be written in plain English and if applicable translated into Arabic. The Will shall be drafted in accordance with the laws of the chosen Registry i.e. The Dubai Courts, DIFC Courts and the Abu Dhabi Judiciary Department.
Review and approval
Review and approval: It is important to read the draft to check that all names, assets, beneficiaries and guardians are mentioned correctly. Once you are satisfied with the draft you can approve the same for further procedure.
Booking Appointment
Booking Appointment: The official authority requires an appointment to be made with Dubai Courts Notary, DIFC Wills Service Centre and ADJD Civil Family Court.
Signing and witnessing
Signing and witnessing: You must sign the will before two witnesses and an authorized officer. This can be done in-person and video call depending upon the registry.
Registration
Registration: Your will is officially registered. The government secures your will in their digital storage system after you receive a registration number.
Estimated Cost and Timeline for Registering a Will
The fees for will drafting and registration are different and depend on the kind of will and the jurisdiction chosen.
Note: For most updated and accurate costs and timelines, it is always advisable to consult a qualified legal professional. |
Our Comprehensive Will Writing Services in Dubai
At HHS Lawyers, we offer various will drafting and registration services which match your specific requirements. We create a straightforward legal experience which enables you to feel secure and protected.
DIFC Wills for Non-Muslims
The DIFC Wills Service Centre uses a common-law system in English. We assist you in preparing all necessary documents including:
Full Wills: Covering all UAE assets and guardianship.
Property Wills: For up to five real estate properties.
Financial Assets Wills: For bank accounts and investment accounts.
Business Owners Wills: For shares in UAE companies.
Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court Wills (ADJD)
The ADJD Civil Will has become popular because it offers an affordable solution which people use throughout the entire country. Applicants can finish the registration process through video call because the system allows them to do so without needing in-person witnesses.
Note: Non-Muslims expatriates can register civil wills under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022. Non-Emirati Muslim expatriates may also have options to register civil wills in some cases (e.g., via ADJD practices). The law permits them to decide how their property will be distributed instead of following Sharia based inheritance procedures. Sharia inheritance laws continue to apply to all UAE and GCC nationals (primarily Emiratis and GCC Muslims).
Dubai Courts Notary Public Wills
We prepare wills that are translated into Arabic and registered with the Dubai Courts. These wills receive acceptance from all governmental agencies and are suitable for both Muslim and non-Muslim individuals.
Sharia-Compliant Wills for Muslims
For Muslim clients we create wills which comply with Islamic Sharia rules by applying the legal one-third rule. This rule permits you to bequeath up to one-third of your estate to individuals who do not fall under the category of legal heirs.
Will Drafting Process at HHS Lawyers
We believe in a simple and easy process. Here is how we work with you:
- Initial Consultation: Our lawyer talks with you to understand your personal and family details, your assets and your wishes.
- Asset Mapping: We assist you in listing your assets in the UAE, including immovable real estate, accounts in local banks and shares in companies.
- Drafting the Will: Our lawyers will write your Will in plain English and translate it to Arabic to ensure you understand all of the terms of the Wills.
- Legal Review: We check the will carefully to make sure it follows the latest UAE laws and is fully enforceable. .
- Notarization & Registration: We schedule appointments with DIFC, Abu Dhabi Courts and Dubai Courts to complete the registration process.
Appointing Guardians for Your Children
For parents, one of the biggest worries about living abroad is what will happen to their children if something unexpected happens. In the UAE, if both parents pass away without a will, the authorities will decide who cares for the children based on local laws.
By working with HHS Lawyers, you can legally name:
- Permanent Guardians: The people who will raise your children long‑term.
- Interim Guardians: Trusted friends or relatives in the UAE who can take care of your children immediately until the permanent guardians arrive.
Why Choose HHS Dubai Will Drafting Lawyers?
- Knowledge: Our legal team understands UAE law very well and prepares clear, correct, and strong wills for clients.
- Personalized Services: We provide will-drafting services which we tailor to the specific requirements of both Muslim and non-Muslim clients.
- Peace of Mind: Our lawyers provide complete assistance throughout your case which ensures that both your assets and your family’s upcoming years will remain safe and secure.
- Transparent Process: We provide you with full support during all procedures while our team explains everything through simple and clear language.
Our estate planning lawyer assists clients with creating and registering their wills through Sharia-compliant wills and civil will services throughout the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it mandatory to have a will in Dubai?
No, but in the absence of a registered will, your estate will be distributed according to UAE laws, which may not accurately reflect your personal wishes.
Can a non-Muslim leave 100% of assets to their spouse?
Yes. The non-Muslim has complete discretion in the distribution of his or her estate as per Federal Law No. 41 of 2022.
Do Muslims have full freedom in wills?
No. Under Shariah law, Muslims are restricted from giving away more than one-third of their estate to non-heirs or charities unless remaining heirs agree to it.
Can I register my will in English?
Yes. DIFC wills are registered in English and are best suited for non-Muslims.
What happens if I die without a will?
In the absence of a will the courts would apply Sharia law (for Muslims) or Civil Personal Status rules of inheritance (for non-Muslims). Without a registered will, the process may take time and may not fulfill the wishes of the deceased.
Can I include international assets in my UAE will?
Yes, in particular, the DIFC Wills enable the inclusion of international assets.
Can I update my will?
Yes. Changes to a will may be made at any time with the proper documentation and upon re-registration.
Secure Your Legacy Today
Your estate needs a proper plan because it requires secure distribution. Creating a will as a UAE resident or expatriate gives you peace of mind and ensures your wishes are legally followed.
Contact HHS Lawyers for an initial consultation with our will-drafting team. We provide proper UAE will drafting, Will registration in Dubai and estate planning services which enable us to help you safeguard your assets for your family’s future.
