Estate Planning
Wills, LPAs & Trusts in the UAE
Your family, your assets and your wishes deserve the same care here as anywhere else. We assist our clients in putting Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Trusts in place in the UAE, so their affairs are protected and clearly documented.
Why it matters
Without a registered will, a UAE court will generally apply the default inheritance framework to a person’s UAE-based assets rather than their own wishes. For residents with family or assets in more than one country, that is rarely the outcome they would have chosen. Since 2022, non-Muslim residents have also been able to elect a civil-law framework for their estate, giving considerably more freedom over who inherits what.
Our approach
We are not a law firm, and we don’t sell legal products. We assist our clients by explaining their options in plain terms and coordinating the process alongside independent, licensed legal partners, from the first conversation through to registration.
Wills
We assist our clients in preparing and registering a will that reflects their wishes, whether a full will covering worldwide assets or one limited to property and accounts held in the UAE.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
We assist our clients in putting a Power of Attorney in place, so someone they trust can manage their affairs here if they are ever unable to do so themselves.
Trusts & Foundations
For clients with more complex holdings, we assist in structuring trusts and foundations that keep family wealth organised, protected and easier to pass on.
The UAE framework
Understanding the framework
DIFC Wills Service Centre
A common-law will registry within the Dubai International Financial Centre, typically used by non-Muslims with assets in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah, or with minor children resident there.
Abu Dhabi & Dubai Courts registries
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Dubai Courts each run their own will registration service, open to a broader range of residents and recognised across the Emirates.
Sharia default & the non-Muslim election
Without a registered will, UAE courts generally apply Sharia-based inheritance principles to a deceased person’s UAE assets. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, non-Muslim residents can elect to have their estate governed by civil rules instead.
Trusts & foundations (DIFC / ADGM)
The DIFC and Abu Dhabi Global Market both operate established common-law trust and foundation regimes, widely used by families and business owners to hold and pass on wealth outside the standard inheritance rules.
This is a general overview, not legal advice. Requirements, costs and eligibility depend on individual circumstances and can change, which is why we assist our clients alongside independent, licensed legal counsel at every step.
Questions
Common questions
Do I need a will here if I already have one in my home country?
A will made elsewhere is not always straightforward to rely on for UAE-based assets. Many of our clients register a UAE-specific will alongside their home country will, so property, bank accounts and business interests here are clearly covered.
What happens if I die in the UAE without a registered will?
In the absence of a registered will, a UAE court will generally apply the default inheritance framework to assets held here. For non-Muslim residents this can differ significantly from what they would have chosen, which is why registering a will, or making the civil-law election, is worth doing early.
Can I set up a Power of Attorney for my property or business here?
Yes. We assist clients in arranging a Power of Attorney so someone they trust can act on their behalf, whether that is managing a property, running a business, or handling banking and legal matters while they are travelling or unavailable.
Do you provide legal advice directly?
No. We are not a law firm. We assist our clients in understanding their options and coordinate the process alongside licensed legal partners, who prepare, certify and register the documents.
Enquire
Speak to our team
Tell us a little about what you need, and one of our team will be in touch within 24 hours.