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Insights · Wills and Probate

Wills and Probate

Legal analysis and practical guidance on cross-border business, disputes, corporate, employment and IP matters across India and the UAE — including the Legal Help Desk, our Q&A column on the problems clients actually meet.

Family law

DIFC Wills in Dubai: Faster Probate and Stronger Enforcement Under the 2025 Law

What expatriates need to know about the updated legal framework governing non-Muslim DIFC Wills and estate administration in the UAE. For several years, administering a non-Muslim Will registered with the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) involved a two-stage legal process. Although executors could obtain a Grant of Probate from the DIFC Courts, they were still […]

Amy Denny · 4 May 2026 · 5 minRead →
Wills and Probate

Will vs Power of Attorney in the UAE: What You Need To Know As An Expat In The UAE

This article explores the crucial differences between a Will and a Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE, highlighting why both are essential for expatriates. A Will governs asset distribution and guardianship after death, while a POA enables someone to manage your affairs during your lifetime. Through real case examples, the article explains how each […]

Amy Denny · 5 Jun 2025 · 6 minRead →
Wills and Probate

Is It Possible for a Muslim Expat to Register a Will in the United Arab Emirates?

Muslim expats in the UAE often face uncertainty regarding estate planning due to the default application of Shariah inheritance laws. However, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) provides a structured process for Will registration, allowing Muslim expats to have greater control over asset distribution. This article explores the legal basis, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step registration […]

Amy Denny · 28 Mar 2025 · 6 minRead →
Family law

Dubai Courts Introduce Non-Muslim Inheritance Department

The Department of Non-Muslim Inheritance respects the cultural and religious views of everyone in a cosmopolitan community. It follows a single-session procedure where the application to open the file and the decision accepting the execution of the will are presented together.  The Dubai Courts have created the first-ever Inheritance Department for non-Muslims in an innovative […]

Kartik Shetty · 23 Feb 2024 · 5 minRead →
Family law

Muslim Wills and Non-Muslim Wills: Similarities and Differences

This article seeks to show the parallels and differences between Muslim and non-Muslim wills in the UAE, and tells why all expats must register a will. Religious and cultural considerations have an impact on the legal environment around wills in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Considering the pertinent laws, rules, and legal publications, this article […]

Kartik Shetty · 16 Feb 2024 · 11 minRead →
Wills and Probate

How to Register a Will in UAE: Requirements and Procedures

Webinar on Will Registration. Join FREE. [metaslider id=6707] A Will is an essential legal document that enables people to specify how their property and assets should be transferred in the event of their demise. Wills are subject to certain laws and rules that specify their object, content, and validity requirements in the United Arab Emirates […]

Kartik Shetty · 8 Aug 2023 · 16 minRead →
Wills and Probate

A UAE Will: Critical for Asset Protection and Family Well-being

In the dynamic landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), having an extensive and enforceable UAE Will is not just a recommendation but an absolute necessity. It is a pivotal step towards preserving your assets and securing the well-being of your loved ones. A Will, as a powerful legal document, grants you the unique ability […]

Kartik Shetty · 18 Jul 2023 · 8 minRead →
Family law

Non-Muslim Will Registration in Abu Dhabi Gets a Boost

Empowering Expatriates: Abu Dhabi’s Non-Muslim Wills Registry In a significant step towards ensuring legal protection of assets and promoting a harmonious living environment for expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has been operating a dedicated non-Muslims Wills Registry. Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has witnessed a […]

Kartik Shetty · 4 Mar 2021 · 6 minRead →
Wills and Probate

Registration Of A Last Will And Testament of UAE Will

Why should Expats register in a UAE Will? If you are a non – Muslim expatriate having assets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you should seriously consider how your assets will be allocated among your loved ones, in case of your unforeseen demise. In the absence of a UAE Will, it is most likely […]

ATB Legal · 17 Jul 2020 · 3 minRead →