Will & Testament Dubai

What is a Will & Why You Need One in Dubai

A Will is a legally binding document that clearly states your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets, guardianship of your children, and the appointment of executors after your passing. In Dubai, having a registered Will is essential—especially for expatriates and non-Muslim residents—because, in the absence of a Will, your estate may be distributed under UAE Shariah law, which may not reflect your intentions.

Why is creating a Will critical in Dubai?

• Protect your family members, minor children, and dependents
• Appoint guardians for your kids
• Choose your executors and beneficiaries
• Avoid default Sharia distribution (for non-Muslims)
• Prevent lengthy probate, legal uncertainty, and family disputes
• Secure assets in Dubai, across UAE, and even worldwide

Without a Will, asset distribution defaults under Saudi-influenced Sharia inheritance laws—often excluding spouses and children from full inheritance, and delaying property transfer or guardianship. A Will ensures clarity, peace of mind, and legal certainty.

Who Can Make a Will in Dubai? Sharia vs. Non-Muslim Wills

Muslims:
Muslim residents may draft a Sharia-compliant Will (wasiyya). Inheritance stays guided by Sharia law, with up to one-third of the estate distributable per the testator’s wishes and the rest reserved for statutory heirs.

Non-Muslims:
Non-Muslim expatriates and residents can fully distribute their Dubai or worldwide assets as they wish through a Will. Non-Muslims may:

• Register Wills at Dubai Courts (Arabic [+ translation])
• Register Wills at the DIFC Wills Service Centre (English; covers Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah assets; global assets in some cases)
• Register ADJD Wills for Abu Dhabi and assets across the UAE

Legal Age:
You must be at least 21 years old and of sound mind to make a Will in Dubai.

Legal Options for Will Registration in Dubai

Dubai offers robust legal frameworks for Will registration, tailored to your religion, residence, and asset structure:

1. Dubai Courts Notary Public

• Allows Muslim and non-Muslim residents to register Wills
• Requires Arabic or certified translation
• Covers assets across the Emirates
• Probate handled by Dubai Courts

2. DIFC Wills Service Centre

• Designed for non-Muslim expats
• Allows English-language Wills (no Arabic translation needed)
• Lets you cover Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah assets, sometimes worldwide
• Streamlined, modern process (virtual registration available)
• Probate at DIFC Courts

3. ADJD Wills (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department)

• For both Muslims and non-Muslims in all Emirates
• Covers assets countrywide
• Registration in both English and Arabic (bilingual)
• Remote and in-person registration available

We help you identify the best option and navigate all paperwork and procedural steps smoothly.

Will Drafting & Registration Process – Step by Step

Dubai Notary Public simplifies your Will journey with a structured, hassle-free process:

Step 1: Consultation and Asset Mapping

• Initial in-depth meeting online or in office
• Inventory your assets (properties, bank accounts, investments)
• Discuss your goals: beneficiaries, guardians, executors, legacies

Step 2: Will Drafting

• Drafted as per UAE laws, DIFC/ADJD guidelines, or Dubai Courts requirements
• English / Arabic (as needed)
• Draft Will shared for your review and amendments

Step 3: Legal Review & Translation

• Full legal vetting to prevent ambiguities
• Official translation (Ministry of Justice approved) if required

Step 4: Witness & Notarization / Registration Booking

• Organize witnesses (often non-beneficiary adults)
• Book notarization at Dubai Courts, DIFC, or via mobile/online for ADJD and DIFC
• Virtual registration (where eligible)

Step 5: Registration

• Attend the registration (in-person or virtual)
• Our team coordinates and handles all procedures
• Documents sealed and uploaded to government system

Step 6: Secure Storage and Delivery

• Receive official copies (digital & physical)
• Original stored securely with authorities
• On-demand probate/execution support for your heirs

Dubai Notary Public Will Service Packages

Key Documents & Information Needed

• Valid passport (original + copy)
• Emirates ID (for residents)
• Asset list (title deeds, bank details, business/shareholdings)
• Beneficiary full details (name, nationality, ID)
• Desired guardian(s) for minors
• Executor/trustee details
• Any previous Will/revocation statement
• Witnesses’ passport/ID copies (for registration)

Types of Wills We Draft & Register

• Single Will (individual)
• Mirror Wills (spouses/partners)
• Guardianship Will (for minor children)
• Full Estate Will (all global and UAE assets)
• Business Owner’s Will (complex businesses, shares, investments)
• Property Will (one or more real estate properties)
• Financial Assets Will (bank accounts, investments, crypto)
• Custom/Bespoke Will (special wishes, international assets)

Why Choose Dubai Notary Public for Your Will?

• Licensed Notaries & Legal Advisors – Registered with Dubai Courts, DIFC, ADJD.
• End-To-End Service – Drafting, review, translation, notarization, registration, and future amendments.
• Transparent Pricing – No hidden charges; all fees detailed in advance.
• Multilingual Team – English, Arabic, Russian, Hindi.
• Citywide Coverage – From Al Barsha to Wafi Mall, Business Bay, Marina, and beyond.
• Remote & Mobile Service – Draft, register, and execute completely online or at your home/office.
• Secure Storage & Probate Help – For executors, heirs, and families.
• Highly Rated by Clients – Fast, confidential, and trusted service for expats and locals.

Local Areas We Serve Across Dubai

Wherever you are in Dubai, we’re nearby:

• Al Barsha & Barsha Heights
• Downtown Dubai & Business Bay
• Dubai Marina, JBR, Palm Jumeirah
• Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim
• Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Rigga, Port Saeed
• Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City
• DIFC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches, Mirdif, Wafi Mall & more

Can’t come to us? Our mobile and online Will experts come to YOU, anywhere in the city!

Contact Dubai Notary Public Today

Take control of your legacy and protect those you love.

• Call: +971 50 2949077
• Email: info@dubainotarypublic.com
• Book Online: 24/7 fast appointment and query response
• Visit: Al Barsha, Wafi Mall, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai

Dubai Notary Public — Trusted, Transparent, and Always on Your Side for Will & Testament Services in Dubai

Leave nothing to chance. Secure your legacy and your family’s future today—start your Will in Dubai with confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions – Wills in Dubai

Is a Will mandatory for expats in Dubai?
No, but it’s strongly advised. Without a Will, your assets and guardianship decisions can be subject to Sharia inheritance laws and lengthy probate.

Do I have to register my Will in Dubai?
Registration is essential for legal validity, fast probate, and avoiding disputes. Unregistered Wills can be challenged or not recognized.

How do I make sure my minor children are cared for?
Appoint guardians clearly in your Will—Courts give high priority to guardians named in a registered Will.

What if I own assets outside Dubai/UAE?
We help you draft Wills for worldwide assets and can coordinate with lawyers in your home country.

How much does it cost to make and register a Will?
Drafting starts from AED 2,000; registration costs vary by authority (Dubai Courts: from AED 2,165; DIFC: from AED 10,000; ADJD: from AED 950). Translation, notarization, and storage extra as required.

Can my spouse and I do a joint Will?
Yes—mirror strategies are common for married couples or partners.

Is an online/virtual Will valid?
Yes, especially via DIFC and ADJD platforms. We facilitate secure virtual registrations.

Can a Will be changed after registration?
Absolutely—you can update, revoke, or amend your Will at any time.