Draft and Register Your Last Will and Testament in the UAE

Our 5‑Step Will Drafting & Registration Process:

Step 1 – Free initial consultation
You share basic information about your family, assets in the UAE, and your main priorities (beneficiaries, guardianship, special gifts). No documents are required at this stage; the goal is to understand your wishes and to suggest the most suitable registration route (e.g., Dubai Courts, DIFC, ADJD, or other competent body, depending on your profile).

Step 2 – Information & document collection
We guide you on the information and documents typically needed, which may include:

• Asset details and proof of ownership (real estate, bank accounts, shares).

• Personal details and ID copies for you, your executors, guardians, and beneficiaries.

• Existing marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other civil status documents.

Step 3 – Drafting your will
A will is drafted reflecting your choices about:

• How your UAE assets should be distributed.

• Who will act as executor and, where applicable, guardians for minor children.

• Any specific gifts, conditions, or charitable bequests you want to include.

The draft is aligned with the basic formal requirements of the relevant registry or court (age and capacity of testator, language, witnesses where required, and scope limited to UAE assets if needed).

Step 4 – Translation, attestation, and registration
Depending on the route you choose and your status:

• Wills may need to be drafted or translated into Arabic, or prepared in English (for example, for certain registries).

• The will may then be signed in front of the notary, at the chosen wills registry, or via approved online channels, sometimes in the presence of witnesses.

• Fees are paid and your will is registered in the relevant registry so that it can be recognised and enforced in the UAE.

Step 5 – Delivery & future updates
After registration, you receive:

• A copy of the registered will and registration confirmation.

• Guidance on how your family or executor can use the will in the event of death.

• Information on how to update or revoke your will in future if your circumstances change (marriage, divorce, new assets, relocation).

Q1. Do I need a separate will for UAE assets?
Many expatriates choose to have a dedicated UAE will covering assets located in the country so that local courts can follow clear instructions without having to rely only on foreign documents.

Q2. What happens if I die without a will in the UAE?
If you die without a valid will, your estate is handled under the applicable UAE laws and default succession rules, which may differ from your home‑country expectations. Recent reforms also address what happens to assets where there are no heirs, including possible transfer to charitable endowments under the supervision of the competent authority.

Q3. Can I choose which law governs my will?
For some non‑Muslim expats, it may be possible to elect either their home‑country law or the UAE civil personal status regime for succession of certain assets, especially real estate, if this is clearly stated and done through the right forum. This must always be confirmed with a qualified legal professional.

Q4. Can I change or cancel my will later?
Yes. Wills can typically be updated, revoked, or replaced, but you usually need to repeat formalities such as drafting, translation, and registration to ensure the new will is recognised.

Q5. Is this service legal advice?
We support you with drafting, translation, and process management and, where required, coordinate with licensed lawyers so that your will complies with UAE law and registry rules.