No Will in the UAE? What Happens to Your Assets
Many expats assume their home-country will automatically covers their UAE assets. It often doesn't, in practice — and the gap can freeze accounts and delay inheritance for months at exactly the time a family needs stability.
Why a foreign will isn't enough on its own
UAE courts can require recognition proceedings for a foreign will before it's applied to local assets, and in the absence of a registered UAE will, assets can default to distribution rules that may not reflect what the deceased actually wanted — particularly relevant for blended families, unmarried partners, or anyone whose wishes differ from standard default distribution.
What a registered UAE will actually does
A DIFC Will or a Dubai Courts Will fixes your decision in advance and is recognised directly by the relevant UAE authorities, avoiding the recognition-proceedings gap that a purely foreign will can create.
DIFC Will vs Dubai Courts Will
- DIFC Will — English-language, common-law framework, widely used by international families, registered through the DIFC Wills & Probate Registry
- Dubai Courts Will — bilingual document, covers assets across all Emirates, not just Dubai
What's typically covered
Property, company shares, bank accounts and other UAE-based assets, plus guardianship wishes for minor children where relevant. A&D coordinates the drafting and registration process through partner legal counsel, starting with an asset schedule specific to your situation.
This sits alongside our broader Legal Services — inheritance, divorce matters, document legalisation and powers of attorney — with a free consultation to start.