Making a Will in Dubai

I’ll keep this short because, let’s face it, the subject is soooo boring. But … it’s also essential, so don’t just brush it off. So, you’re young, happy, and healthy. Why on earth should you worry about a will in Dubai? In many countries, there’s no rush, but it’s still a smart move to sort it out sooner rather than later. Recent changes in UAE law now allow non-Muslims to use their home country’s inheritance rules or follow a legally recognised will. However, property bought in Dubai will still be subject to local laws unless otherwise specified in your will. Without a UAE will, the process can become lengthy and complex, leading to financial and emotional stress for your family during a challenging time.

The Cost of Making a Will in Dubai: What You Need to Know

Making a will in Dubai can seem daunting, but it’s manageable with the right help. Costs vary depending on where you register your will. At Dubai Courts, expect to pay between AED 8,000 and AED 10,000. The DIFC Wills Service Centre is pricier, with fees ranging from AED 15,000 to AED 20,000. These costs cover drafting, legal consultations, Arabic translation (for Dubai Courts), and registration. But don’t let all this scare you off—there are services that make the process easier. We used (@uae_lawfirm) we had an excellent Dutch lawyer who guided us from start to finish, making it worth every dirham. Your advisors will provide guidance, but more often than not the Abu Dhabi will is the best and most economical. The Dubai one is not worth the paper it is printed on.

Sharia Law and Inheritance

When it comes to divvying up assets and property, Sharia law calls the shots. Sounds neat, huh? Everything’s all standardized and regulated. But hold your horses, you might not agree with who gets what. I mean, you’d probably prefer your kids and partner get that million-dollar villa , not your estranged brother who you never really liked anyway.

So, what’s the fix? A will in Dubai, habibi. With the right help, setting up a will isn’t overly complicated or expensive. It’s a small investment to ensure your wishes are respected and to ease the burden on your family during a tough time.

The cost of making a will includes:

• Drafting: Initial creation of the will with legal help.
• Legal Consultation: Professional advice to ensure your will meets legal requirements.
• Arabic Translation: Required for Dubai Courts registration (not needed at the DIFC Wills Service Centre).
• Registration: Official recording of your will.

You can expect to pay between AED 8,000 to AED 10,000 at Dubai Courts, while the DIFC Wills Service Centre costs between AED 15,000 to AED 20,000.

What Happens Without a Will in Dubai?

Here’s what might happen if you don’t make a will in Dubai:

• Children: If you die, custody of your children might not automatically go to your spouse. Instead, a male relative, such as your brother, could be awarded custody. This can be especially concerning if your spouse is not the biological parent.
• Property: Your assets, such as a villa or other property, might not go to your spouse or children. Instead, they could be divided according to Sharia law, often favoring male relatives over your immediate family. For example, your brother or another male heir might inherit your property, even if you would prefer it to go to your spouse.
• Bank Accounts: Without a will, your bank accounts could be frozen until a legal resolution is reached. The funds might be distributed according to default inheritance laws, which could mean they go to the next male heir, rather than your spouse or children.

Get Professional Help

Now, I’m not gonna dive into the nitty-gritty of writing a will—don’t even think about doing it yourself. Go for a third-party service. There are plenty of cookie-cutter online options, but we went with [Instagram (@uae_lawfirm)]. We had a lovely Dutch lawyer, who sorted it all out from start to finish, it was worth every dirham.

DISCLAIMER: The mention of third-party services is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Always conduct your own research and consult with legal professionals to ensure that the services meet your specific needs.

So, yeah, it might be a snooze fest, but trust me, it’s essential—even when you’re young.

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