Ensure Your Legacy with Will Formation in the UAE
Create peace of mind and protect your family with legally valid wills under DIFC, ADGM, or Dubai Courts—tailored for Muslim and non-Muslim residents.
Get a response within 60 sec!
Muslim vs. Non-Muslim Will Formation in the UAE
Non-Muslim Wills
- Non-Muslims can distribute their assets as per their personal wishes.
- Wills can be registered with:
- DIFC Wills Service Centre (Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah)
- ADGM Courts (Abu Dhabi)
- Dubai Courts Notary Public
- Wills can be drafted in English and Arabic (if needed).
Muslim Wills
- Governed primarily by Sharia law.
- Up to one-third of assets may be freely allocated to any individual or charity.
- The rest must follow fixed Sharia inheritance rules.
- Muslim wills are typically notarized with Dubai Courts Notary Public.
What is a Will and Why Does It Matter in the UAE?
A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. For expatriates in the UAE—especially non-Muslims—having a registered will ensures that your estate is not automatically subject to Sharia law, which may divide your wealth differently than your wishes.
Without a formal will, UAE courts default to local inheritance laws, which can cause delays, disputes, or unintended asset distribution. With Ofin Global, you gain clarity, control, and compliance over your legacy.
Advantages of Will Formation in the UAE
6-Step Will Formation Process (3–5 Weeks)
6-Step Will Formation Process (3–5 Weeks)
Will Registration Rules by Jurisdiction
DIFC Wills
• Drafted per DIFC rules and notarized with two witnesses
• Enforced under DIFC jurisdiction
DIFC Wills
• Must be in or translated to Arabic
• Requires notarization with witnesses via ADJD
Dubai Courts (Notary Public)
• Valid across the UAE
• Typically governed by Sharia law unless DIFC/ADGM jurisdiction is invoked
Documents Required for Will Registration
| Document | DIFC | ADGM | Dubai Courts |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Passport & Visa
|
✅
|
✅
|
✅
|
|
Emirates ID
|
✅
|
✅
|
✅
|
|
Asset & Beneficiary List
|
✅
|
✅
|
✅
|
|
Draft Will
|
Optional
|
Optional
|
Optional
|
|
Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
|
Optional
|
Optional
|
Optional
|
|
Witness IDs (2 persons)
|
✅
|
✅
|
✅
|
How Ofin Global Helps with Will Formation
At Ofin Global, we provide full-spectrum legacy planning support, including:
- Tailored will drafting for Muslims and non-Muslims
- Jurisdiction selection advice (DIFC, ADGM, Dubai Courts)
- Drafting in compliance with UAE legal systems
- Appointment coordination, notarization, and translation
- Storage, certified copy management, and executor guidance
With over 25 years of experience, we’ve assisted thousands of expats in preserving wealth, family interests, and peace of mind—across generations and borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many expats register DIFC or ADGM wills while residing abroad but holding UAE-based assets.
Yes. While inheritance follows Sharia law, Muslims can use wills for charitable giving and guardianship instructions.
Only Dubai Courts requires Arabic versions. DIFC and ADGM accept English drafts.
Indefinitely, unless revoked or updated.