I.
Two parallel systems
Sharia rules apply by default; civil law options are available to non-Muslim residents.
0
Main registration authorities
0
Federal civil personal status law
0+
Nationalities of UAE residents
0%
Digital registration available
Overview
A Will in the UAE, in four ideas
II.
Who it concerns
Non-Muslim expatriates with family, real estate, shares or accounts in the UAE.
III.
What it covers
Beneficiaries, executors, guardianship of minor children, UAE and worldwide assets.
IV.
Why register
A registered Will enjoys enhanced evidentiary value before the UAE courts.
Legal Framework
The law governing Wills
Federal and emirate-level instruments framing the preparation and registration of Wills in the UAE.
Federal Decree-Law No. 41 / 2022
Civil Personal Status Law
Federal framework for non-Muslim foreigners residing in the UAE, including succession and Wills.
Federal Law No. 5 / 1985
UAE Civil Code
General civil law principles, including the application of foreign law to non-Muslim estates.
Federal Law No. 28 / 2005
Personal Status Law
Default Sharia-based regime, absent a valid election of civil or foreign law.
Registration Authorities
Where a Will can be registered
Four principal frameworks. Switch between them to compare scope and procedure.
Federal capital · Non-Muslim Wills registry
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
Dedicated registry for the Wills of non-Muslim foreigners. Fully digital and may be completed remotely.
- Language
- Arabic / English
- Reach
- UAE-wide recognition
- Basis
- Civil — Law 14/2021
Official Authority
Registration Process
From drafting to registration
01
Assessment
Religion, nationality, location of assets — determine the framework.
02
Drafting
Beneficiaries, executors, guardianship, bequests.
03
Legal Review
Formal requirements and consistency check.
04
Registration
Filing with ADJD, DIFC, Dubai Courts or ADGM.
Legal Insights
Opinions and editorial analysis
Legal Opinion
The Abu Dhabi civil personal status framework and succession
Implications of Law 14/2021 for non-Muslim expatriates and the role of the ADJD registry.
Comparative
ADJD vs DIFC Wills
Scope, language, costs and procedure — a side-by-side overview.
Insight
Guardianship of minor children
Why appointing interim and permanent guardians is a critical decision.
Insight
Cross-border estates
How UAE law recognises foreign succession rules for non-Muslims.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates
In Tribute
We Stand With the UAE
With deep respect for the leadership and the institutions of the United Arab Emirates — the Rulers of the seven Emirates whose vision continues to shape one of the most forward-looking legal and civic frameworks in the world.
Abu Dhabi
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
President of the United Arab Emirates · Ruler of Abu Dhabi
Dubai
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Vice President & Prime Minister · Ruler of Dubai
Sharjah
H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi
Supreme Council Member · Ruler of Sharjah
Ajman
H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi
Supreme Council Member · Ruler of Ajman
Umm Al Quwain
H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla
Supreme Council Member · Ruler of Umm Al Quwain
Ras Al Khaimah
H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi
Supreme Council Member · Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
Fujairah
H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi
Supreme Council Member · Ruler of Fujairah
Long live the Union · عاش الاتحاد
Contact
Request a consultation on UAE Wills
Leave your details for a non-binding consultation on Wills and succession in the UAE.