Q: I am thinking to obtain the DIFC Will with my husband but I heard that it is pointless. Is this true? Will this document have effect in the Emirates? Thank you in advance.  

Q: What is the process for registering a Will in the UAE courts for non-muslim expats? Also, what is the process for execution of the Will?

Q: I am a UAE citizen. My son passed away. I have no other children and I am divorced. I only have one granddaughter who is American/Canadian. I also have 2 brothers and 2 sisters and a mother. Under Islamic law, will she inherit me? If not, can I put a will in place for her to get my entire inheritance whilst still abiding with Islamic law? Thank you for your time!

س: السلام عليكم، أنا ولد وحيد أمي أريد أن أعرف هل يحق لي أن أرث أمي المتوفاة عام 2012 من جدي الذي تُوفِّي بعدها عام 2017 وفق نظام وقوانين دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة؟

س: السلام عليكم أستاذة مريم، توفي أخي من اليمن ولديه حساب بنكي في الإمارات. أنا قادم بموجب وكالة من جميع الورثة مصدَّقة من وزارة الخارجية في اليمن وسيتم تصديقها في القنصلية اليمنية في الإمارات وأيضًا وزارة الخارجية والتعاون الدولي. المستندات هي: 1- حصر ورثة ووكالة من جميع الورثة. 2- شهادة وفاة أخي. 3- قسيمة أصلية لجميع الودائع ومراسلات البنك. 4- جواز سفر أخي المُتوفَّى الأصلي. هل تُطلَب أي مستندات أخرئ؟ وكم الوقت المُستغرَق لإنهاء معاملة المحكمة؟ شكر الله فضلكم وبارك الله في علمكم ومجهودكم! أخوكم من اليمن،

Q: Dear sir/madam, Can a succession certificate get tampered with? If yes, then how can one protect him/herself?

Q: Can a Will that was made in the UK be applied in Dubai?

س: السلام عليكم، هل يجوز أن يوصي الأب بشيء من العقار لابنته دون باقي إخوانها؟ علمًا بأنها سترث ولكن هذا العقار مخصص لها بالاسم طبقًا للقانون الإماراتي.

The United Arab Emirates is a Sharia-Law country with respect to personal status and inheritance. In accordance with the UAE legislation, the UAE Courts will adhere to Sharia Law in a situation where there is no proper Will in place.

In 2016, Dubai introduced an exceptionally unique solution to entertain basic asset protection needs to Foreign Investors and Expat Residents living in Dubai. They can now be 100% sure their assets are fully protected against any problems that may arise because of the forced heirship system applied by the Sharia Regulations in the United Arab Emirates, or any other conflict between the religious laws of succession between the person and the state where he lives and invests.

Do you have assets in the UAE? Have you made a will yet? It is highly recommended to register a will soon, otherwise, the drive to asset disbursement can be extensive and expensive. In addition to the option of registering a will in DIFC for Non-Muslim will registration, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) had also introduced a separate office since August 2017, which has made the entire will registration process easier and cost-effective.

The article states the currently available options on how to set up a Will in the UAE. The expatriate (non-Muslim) testator has several options on how to protect the assets in the UAE and how to appoint guardians for the minor child(ren) habitually residing in the Emirates.

An interview-format article covering reasons why a non-Muslim expatriate should have a will in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. Ludmila sheds light in this article on the right time and place to start the procedure based on tested practices in the UAE.

The last Will or the testament has been regulated by all the modern and ancient laws worldwide, as an expression of wishes of any person to some actions and decisions that should be taken, and instructions to be followed after their death - either concerning their assets and how it should be distributed or concerning important decisions towards the well-being and future of their minor children.

UAE Personal Status Law (also known as Personal Affairs Law) governs marriage, divorce, inheritance and other personal affairs in the United Arab Emirates. The law equally applies to citizens of the UAE and non-citizens unless one of them asks for the application of his home country law.