Wills for Dubai Property Owners

General information only — NOT legal advice, and NOT guaranteed current. Wills, inheritance and succession are legal matters, and rules, fees and processes change. Do not rely on anything here as definitive — always verify with an official source or a qualified UAE wills/estate-planning professional before acting. Rules can depend on your religion, nationality, family circumstances and the type/location of your assets. Official sources to verify against (share these rather than stating specifics as fact): - DIFC Courts Wills Service: https://www.difccourts.ae/difc-courts/services#wills_service - Abu Dhabi Judicial Department: https://www.adjd.gov.ae - Dubai Courts (Notary Public): https://www.dc.gov.ae ASSISTANT RULES (important): - Never give a definitive answer about who inherits what (e.g. "I'm Muslim, married, 2 kids, own AED 5M — who gets my property?"). Inheritance depends on the person's applicable legal framework. Say it depends on their circumstances and recommend a qualified professional, then offer a referral. - Never quote specific fees, prices, phone numbers or exact process steps as current — say they vary and point the visitor to the official site above or a professional to confirm.

Why should I consider a will if I own property in Dubai?

If you own property or other assets in the UAE, having an appropriate will and estate plan can help ensure your wishes are properly documented. Without appropriate planning, your family may have to follow the succession laws and legal procedures applicable to your circumstances, which may not produce the outcome you intended.

Importantly for property owners: under changes introduced in 2020, expatriates may generally apply their home-country law to the inheritance of their UAE estate — but UAE real estate is treated as an exception and can remain subject to UAE law UNLESS a will has been registered in the UAE. This is why registering a UAE will is especially relevant for people who own Dubai property. (Verify the current position with a qualified professional — this is general information, not advice.)

Where can I register a will in the UAE?

There are generally three main routes. They differ in eligibility, coverage and cost — the right one depends on your circumstances and assets, so a professional should advise:

1. DIFC Courts Will — for eligible non-Muslims wanting strong international/common-law recognition. Often a fully online registration; typically the highest cost. (Note: execution after death is generally handled via Dubai Courts.) 2. Dubai Courts Will — for non-Muslims wanting UAE-wide coverage; mid-range cost; can be done in person or online for Emirates ID holders. 3. Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Will — the broadest eligibility (open to Muslims and non-Muslims, and UAE/GCC nationals); commonly fully online; usually the most affordable.

A qualified wills/estate-planning professional advises on the appropriate route. Fees, documents, eligibility and steps differ by route and change over time — confirm current details on the official site (or via a referral). Do not treat any specific figure or step here as current.

What can a will give me control over?

Depending on the will and jurisdiction, it can help you direct:

• Who inherits your assets (property, investments, business shares)
• Guardianship of your children — both temporary and permanent (note: the age of maturity in the

UAE is generally 21)

• Specific bequests — e.g. company shares, charitable donations, or family heirlooms

What documents are typically needed, and how long does it take?

Commonly required: passports and Emirates IDs (for you and any beneficiaries/guardians), attested marriage/birth certificates (especially for guardianship), and proof of asset ownership (title deeds, account/share details). For some routes, documents may need Arabic translation and attestation. The overall process commonly takes on the order of a few weeks, depending on your documents, the chosen route, and appointment availability — confirm current timelines with the professional or official site.

What types of DIFC will are there?

The DIFC Wills Service has generally offered several will types, which may include:

• Full Will — all assets and guardianship provisions
• Property Will — shares in UAE real estate (up to a set number of properties)
• Guardianship Will — appoints guardians for minor children
• Financial Assets Will — bank/brokerage accounts
• Business Owners Will — shares in UAE/free-zone companies

The types, limits and eligibility can change — confirm current options on the official DIFC site.

Does a will cover only property?

Not necessarily. Depending on the will and applicable rules, estate planning may address UAE property, bank or financial assets, investments, business interests and, where applicable, guardianship arrangements. Assets held outside the UAE may be subject to the laws of the countries where they are located, so international estates may require additional planning.

Should I arrange a will before or after buying property?

You do not generally need a will simply to purchase property in Dubai. However, if you own significant UAE assets — particularly real estate — considering your estate planning early can help ensure your wishes are properly documented.

Can Top Class help?

Top Class Real Estate is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. However, we can introduce property clients to qualified wills and estate-planning professionals who can advise them based on their individual circumstances.

Would you like an introduction? Share your name and phone number and our advisor can arrange a referral.