Dubai continues to attract non-Muslim residents with long-term plans, property investments, and family roots. But many expats still delay estate planning, assuming their assets will automatically pass to their family. Under UAE law, that assumption can lead to serious complications.
For non-Muslims, Wills are not just a formality. They are the primary means of controlling how assets are handled after death. Without one, local succession rules may apply in ways families do not expect. This guide explains how Wills in Dubai work for non-Muslims, the legal options available, and why choosing the right framework matters.
Why Non-Muslims Need a Registered Will in Dubai
Without a valid Will, courts may apply Sharia-based succession rules to your estate, even if you’re not Muslim. While recent reforms introduced civil law alternatives, relying on default court decisions creates risks such as:
- Extended court proceedings that last several months
- Asset distribution that doesn’t match your wishes
- Uncertainty about guardianship for minor children
- Complications across different emirates with varying interpretations
Dubai authorities require formal inheritance and probate processes before releasing assets, even when family relationships are clear. This is why estate planning is often about avoiding disruption, not just distributing wealth.
Legal Framework for Non-Muslim Wills in Dubai
In 2025, Dubai introduced Law No. (2) of 2025 concerning Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts. This law clarified how non-Muslims can register Wills and choose succession rules that align with their home country’s laws rather than Sharia principles.
The law establishes the DIFC Courts’ exclusive authority over non-Muslim Wills registered through their system. It also created clear enforcement mechanisms for beneficiaries, including probate orders that work across Dubai’s various jurisdictions.
This provides expats with legal certainty and a predictable process, particularly for assets located in Dubai.
Will Registration Options for Non-Muslims
Non-Muslim residents have three main ways to register legally binding Wills in Dubai:
1. DIFC Wills Service Centre
The DIFC Wills Service was established in 2015 and operates under common law principles. When you register here, your Will includes assets located in Dubai, including:
- Real estate and property
- Bank accounts and investments
- Business interests and shares
- Personal possessions
The 2025 law strengthened this option by introducing a dedicated Non-Muslims Wills Registry. This registry ensures your Will is properly documented and can be enforced through DIFC Courts when needed.
2. Dubai Courts Notary Public
Dubai Courts offer a dedicated service for non-Muslims through the Notary Public and a specialized inheritance department for non-Muslim estates. This cost-effective option covers assets across all UAE emirates. Dubai Wills are typically bilingual (English and Arabic) and operate under civil law principles.
Registration can be in person or, in many cases, electronically/remotely. It allows the appointment of guardians for minor children and full control over beneficiary distribution.
3. Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)
The ADJD offers another widely recognized route that provides coverage across all seven emirates. This option operates under civil law principles and is particularly useful if you hold assets in multiple locations across the UAE.
Both options allow you to appoint guardians for minor children, specify exact beneficiaries, and distribute assets according to your preferences rather than fixed legal shares.
What You Can Control With a Registered Will
A properly registered Will for non-Muslims in Dubai gives you complete control over:
- Asset Distribution: You decide who receives what. There are no mandatory shares or fixed percentages unless you choose to include them.
- Guardianship Appointments: You can name specific individuals to care for your children if something happens to you. Without this, courts make the decision.
- Executor Selection: Choose someone you trust to manage the estate, pay debts, and distribute assets according to your instructions.
- Business Succession: If you own a business in Dubai, your Will can specify how ownership transfers, protecting continuity and preventing disputes.
Enforcement and Legal Recognition
One of the biggest concerns expats have is whether their Will actually work when the time comes. The 2025 law addressed this directly.
DIFC-registered Wills can be enforced through the Enforcement Judge, who has authority over assets both inside and outside the DIFC zone. This means your Will applies across Dubai’s various free zones and mainland areas.
The law also introduced clear appeal processes through the Court of Appeal, giving beneficiaries legal recourse if disputes arise. Probate orders issued by DIFC Courts are recognized and enforceable under UAE law.
Secure Your Family’s Future
Estate planning is too important to delay. Each year, many families in Dubai encounter unnecessary stress, delays, and disputes due to the absence of a registered Will, often resulting in frozen assets and prolonged court processes.
Whether you hold property, bank accounts, investments, or simply want to safeguard your children’s future and ensure your loved ones are provided for according to your wishes, a properly registered Will offers invaluable peace of mind and legal certainty.
