For expats in the UAE, a properly made will is one of the most important — and most overlooked — pieces of planning. Without one, your assets and even guardianship of your children may not pass the way you expect.
Why a will matters here
If you die without a valid will, succession rules may apply in ways unfamiliar to many expats, and the distribution of assets and the care of minor children may not follow your wishes. A clear, valid will lets you decide who inherits and who cares for your children.
Registered wills for non-Muslims
The UAE offers dedicated registries (for example through specialised courts) where non-Muslims can register wills covering UAE assets and, importantly, the guardianship of children. A registered will is designed to be recognised and easier to enforce locally than an informal document.
For parents, naming a guardian for minor children — including interim guardianship — is often the single most important reason to make a will, not just dividing assets.
What a will can cover
- How your UAE assets (property, accounts, shares) are distributed;
- Who administers your estate;
- Guardianship of minor children, including temporary arrangements;
- Specific gifts and wishes.
Get matched with lawyers in Dubai to prepare a registered will — free to enquire.
Assets in more than one country
Many expats hold assets across several countries. A UAE will typically covers UAE assets; you may also need wills or planning elsewhere. Coordinate them so they don't conflict — a lawyer can make sure your worldwide plan is consistent.
Keeping it up to date
Review your will after major life events — marriage, children, divorce, buying property or moving — so it always reflects your current wishes and assets.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to my UAE assets if I die without a will?
Without a valid will, succession rules may apply in ways that are unfamiliar to many expats, and the distribution of your assets and the care of your minor children may not follow your wishes. A clear, valid will lets you decide who inherits and who cares for your children rather than leaving it to default rules. A local lawyer can explain how this would play out for your particular situation.
Why register a will in the UAE instead of just keeping a written one?
The UAE offers dedicated registries — for example through specialised courts — where non-Muslims can register wills covering their UAE assets and the guardianship of their children. A registered will is designed to be recognised and easier to enforce locally than an informal document. For expats, that added certainty is often the main reason to register rather than rely on a home-drafted paper.
Can I use a UAE will to name a guardian for my children?
Yes. Naming a guardian for minor children, including interim or temporary guardianship arrangements, is often the single most important reason expat parents make a will — not just dividing assets. A registered will lets you set out who should care for your children, which is frequently the part people overlook. A family lawyer in the UAE can help you structure this properly.
When should I review or update my UAE will?
Review it after major life events — marriage, having children, divorce, buying property, or moving — so it always reflects your current wishes and assets. If you hold assets in more than one country, revisit your will alongside any planning elsewhere to make sure they are coordinated and do not conflict. Keeping it current is as important as making it in the first place.
Do I really need a UAE will if I have one at home?
Often yes — a home-country will may not deal cleanly with UAE assets and guardianship; a registered UAE will is designed for that.
Does a UAE will cover assets abroad?
Generally it focuses on UAE assets; foreign assets may need separate, coordinated planning.
Can I name a guardian for my children?
Yes — guardianship, including interim guardianship, is a key reason expats register a will.
Official sources
Rules, fees and thresholds change. Confirm anything in this guide with the official source before you act.
- Federal Tax Authoritytax authority
- ICPimmigration authority
- Dubai Land Departmentland registry