Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
5 available 5 • View allIs it necessary for a non-Muslim property owner to make a Will in the UAE?


1
Q: I am an Indian citizen (Hindu religion) living in Dubai for the last 2 years. I have purchased a flat in Dubai. I have a wife and a 1-year-old son living with me in Dubai.
Do I need to make a Will?



Dec 17, 2019
477
Registering a Will in the UAE courts for non-muslim expats

2
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?


Apr 11, 2017
2885
Drafting of Mirror Will and power of attorney to manage property

2
Q: My father and I jointly own a property in Dubai.
My father is retired, he has a UAE residence visa sponsored by me but is mostly in India.
I need guidance on the drafting of a mirror Will and power of attorney (for myself to perform leasing tasks on his behalf).


Sep 16, 2019
506
What is the process of creating and executing a Will for assets in the UAE?



2
Q: What is the process of creating and executing a Will for assets in the UAE?
I am in Dubai right now.




Jun 14, 2024
110
Drafting mirror wills and registering them with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department Courts



1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
Wills - Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Courts.
I’m looking for advice and an approximate cost for getting mirror wills drafted for myself and my husband and having them registered with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Courts.
Any advice would be appreciated!




Oct 10, 2024
104
Legal blog
6 available 6 • View allPersonal Status Law for Non-Muslim Foreigners in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi 8
A new civil personal status decree has been introduced in the emirate of Abu Dhabi by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. This personal status decree will be applicable for non-Muslim foreigners based in Abu Dhabi in matters of marriage, divorce, Will, inheritance, and custody of children.
Nov 9, 2021
2540
Alternatives to the Sharia Inheritance Law in the UAE 9
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.
Jun 13, 2019
3697
Wills for Non-Muslims in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah 5
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.
Mar 19, 2018
2954
Securing Your Assets in the UAE by Registering Your Will 14
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.
Dec 16, 2018
4348
Why You Need a Will in the UAE? 4
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.
Feb 28, 2017
4903
If You Are Not Immortal, You Should Write a Will 4
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.
Oct 14, 2021
800
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allFederal Law No. (28) of 2005 On Personal Status 24
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.
Nov 19, 2005
49089
Federal Law No. (5) of 1985 On the Civil Transactions Law of the United Arab Emirates 96
The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.
Dec 15, 1985
148437
Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 On the Regulation of Labor Relations 34
The provisions of this Decree-Law, known as "New UAE Labor Law", govern labour relations in the private sector of the United Arab Emirates. The New Labor Law repeals the previous UAE Labor Law (Federal Law No. (8) of 1980).
Sep 20, 2021
26530

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163 163 answers •
View allHow can I be exempted from paying the 5% court fee, and where should I go to apply? 0
Hello,
How can I be exempted from paying the 5% court fee, and where should I go to apply?
Mar 18, 2025
58
Can we claim and sell a liquidated customer’s goods to recover debts through Dubai Courts? 0
Hello,
Our customer has gone into liquidation, and we are shipping goods to Saudi Arabia. We have stopped the shipment and requested payment of their outstanding balance.
How can we request to take ownership of their goods to sell in order to recover our outstanding invoices? Is this possible in Dubai Courts?
Feb 6, 2025
74
I purchased an apartment, but the previous landlord refuses to vacate. What to do? 0
Hello,
I bought an apartment, but the previous landlord is refusing to vacate it. The contract clearly states that the landlord should hand over the apartment on the day of the transfer.
Out of courtesy, I gave him three days to vacate so he could find a new place to stay, but the time has passed, and he is still refusing to vacate and hand it over.
What should I do in this case?
Feb 4, 2025
73
What happens if a person does not show up at the first instance of a divorce hearing? 0
Hello,
What happens if a person does not show up at the first instance of a divorce hearing?
Feb 1, 2025
84
My hair was damaged by a very known and professional salon. Can I seek refund and compensation? 0
Hello.
I went to a very well-known and professional salon (or so I thought) for a normal hair dye. The guy who did my hair left the dye on my hair for over an hour when it was supposed to be on for a maximum of 30 minutes.
He wasn’t paying attention to me walking around the store talking to everyone and also doing another customer's extensions.
Now my hair is potentially damaged, my skull burns, and is flaky (meaning the dye wasn’t ammonia-free which is extremely unprofessional for such an expensive salon).
I didn’t even get the outcome that I wanted and the dye color doesn’t even show. I talked to him about it but he shut it down so fast and gaslit me the whole time and made me feel like I was the wrong one and I was ‘complaining about something so light’.
Please let me know what I can do legally about this.
Thank you.
Jan 31, 2025
59

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689 689 answers •
View allDoes unpaid leave include weekends if they fall within the leave period? 0
Hello,
If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days?
Thank you!
Mar 23, 2025
84
I purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact? 0
I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered.
Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in.
However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract.
What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out?
What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?
Mar 25, 2025
71
Can the new owner use the old eviction notice to re-rent at a higher rate? 0
Hello,
My landlord issued an eviction notice stating an intention to sell.
He has since sold the property before the eviction date, and now the new owner intends to use the old notice to evict me and re-rent the apartment at a higher rate.
Is this allowed?
Mar 24, 2025
119
Charged in a fight case marked as a "temporary matter." What does it mean? 0
Hello,
I have a criminal case for fighting, and it is now in prosecution. The decision shows “a temporary matter” as both parties are accused. What does it mean?
I have not received a call from the prosecution yet.
Apr 17, 2025
27
Is a bounced rent cheque case considered a criminal record for U.S. visa applications? 0
Hello,
My rent cheque was bounced, and my landlord filed a case against me in Sharjah Court. I received a fine of 2,000 AED, which was later reduced to 1,000 AED upon appeal.
Does this case count as a criminal conviction under UAE law, or was it handled as a civil matter?
If I apply for a U.S. visa, will I need to submit court records under the requirement for applicants with past convictions?
Apr 15, 2025
45

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538 538 answers •
View allI received a judgment in my favor from RDC that awarded me legal fees. Does this include lawyer fees? 0
I have received a judgment in my favor from RDC that awarded me legal fees.
However, RDC says that legal fees do not mean lawyer fees; they are RDC fees only.
Is this correct?
Feb 14, 2025
109
The public prosecution appealed a judgment to increase the fine I already paid. What do I do now? 0
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your time.
The public prosecution appealed my judgment (a fine that I satisfactorily cleared) and requested increasing the fine.
Can you please explain what happens during a criminal case appeal hearing for me as a defendant?
Will I be asked questions?
Is the hearing just for the Public Prosecution to present their appeal to the judge, and I do not need to give a response?
Thank you again for your time.
Feb 7, 2025
143
Can we give a salary certificate to a new hired employee before he starts to open a bank account? 0
Dear lawyers,
The new employee will start on June 1, 2025. However, he would like to open a new bank account in the UAE thus asking to provide the salary certificate mentioning his salary in AED and if possible not mentioning the start date.
Legally, can the company provide such a certificate?
Feb 4, 2025
122
I received a termination letter from my company for restructuring. Is this considered arbitrary dismissal? 0
I received a termination letter from my company on January 31st, 2025, with a one-month notice period, stating my last working day as February 28th, 2025.
The reason given for the termination is "considering the current business scenario, the company has considered measures to reorganize the business."
Could this be considered arbitrary dismissal?
Am I entitled to any compensation or benefits from the company as a result of this termination?
Feb 5, 2025
107
Do I need to hire a lawyer if I found I have a marital case against me in the court? 0
By checking in Al Adheed, I have found there is a marital matter case against me in Dubai Courts. There is a hearing date for next week and the time mentioned in the case status with a link for an online hearing.
However, I have not received any message from Dubai courts regarding this by mail or phone. I have all contact details updated with EID. In this case, what should I do?
I don’t know what the case is about.
Should I hire a lawyer or I can attend the hearing by myself?
Please do suggest options.
Feb 3, 2025
93

Other answers by
71 71 answers •
View allCan I register a company in Dubai from Europe if I am under 18? 0
Can I register a company in Dubai from Europe if I am under 18?
Feb 1, 2023
180
هل عدم حكم القاضي الجزائي بالتعويض المدني يُعد حجة على القاضي المدني بعدم التعويض؟ 0
السلام عليكم،
رفعت دعوى جزائية ضد شخص عن السب مع طلب التعويض المدني المؤقّت. حُكم على المُشتكَى ضده بغرامة بقيمة 5000 آلاف ولم يحكم القاضي بالتعويض المدني المؤقت 5001+ للمشتكي.
المحكمة أحالت الدعوى إلى المحكمة المدنية المختصة.
هل عدم القضاء من القاضي الجزائي بالتعويض المدني المؤقت يُعد حجة على القاضي المدني بعدم التعويض؟
Jul 3, 2023
697
How can we get a company to pay for the services provided? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
How can we get a company to pay us for the services provided?
We are a medical center in Abu Dhabi that provided round-the-clock PCR services to the staff of a Marine company in Abu Dhabi between July and November 2022.
The credit period for payment has expired more than 4 months ago, and the company has not provided any updates regarding our outstanding payment of over 100,000 AED.
Jun 26, 2023
135
هل يجب وجود نساء لدى الأب ليربح دعوى ضم حضانة؟ 0
السلام عليكم،
لدي بنت تجاوزت ١٣ سنة وابن تجاوز ١١ سنة وهم في حضانة أمهم حاليًا. أمهم متزوجة من رجل أجنبي عن المحضونين وأنوي رفع قضية إسقاط حضانة الأولاد وضمهم إليّ.
السؤال:
هل يجب أن أكون متزوجًا أو لدي من النساء مَن يقوم برعاية الأبناء حتى أربح القضية؟
علمًا بأنني أقيم بمفردي حاليًا.
Jul 3, 2023
198
إمكانية المرور ترانزيت عبر دول مجلس التعاون رغم وجود قضية جنائية 0
السلام عليكم،
هل يستطيع شخص مُبعد من دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي المرور بها عن طريق الترانزيت؟
علمًا بأن القضية جنائية كانت في السعودية وقضيت العقوبة هناك، وبعدها ذهبت إلى الإمارات، وبعد قضاء سنتين تم الترحيل من هناك أيضًا على إثرها.
الآن سأسافر إلى دولة روسيا ولكن عن طريق الترانزيت.
Jun 15, 2023
812

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830 830 answers •
View allMy tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
20
Do smart police stations in Dubai override official filing hours for legal deadlines? 0
Dear Lawyers,
The case needs to be filed during official working hours, on a subsequent working day (if the last day falls on an official holiday), in Dubai.
With Smart Police Stations operating 24/7, how are these situations considered?
Should the case be filed during working hours, say before 3 PM, etc.?
Apr 16, 2025
19
How can we recover a salary advance to a new employee if he fails to come to duty and uses alcohol? 0
As the HR manager of a company, I have issued a salary advance to the employee. Upon joining, he failed to go to duty and used alcohol daily in the camp.
I have a signed thumb-impression cash receipt. What options do I have to recover the AED 7000 advance paid to the employee?
Please help.
Regards,
B.
Apr 16, 2025
32
Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court? 0
Hello,
Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court?
Apr 16, 2025
45
Can I use my husband's case number to get information about his exit date? 0
Hello,
I have my husband's case number. Can I get information about his exit date using the case number?
Fujairah Jail.
Apr 16, 2025
20
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