Elnaggar

100 Wills, 100 Stories: Protecting Legacies in the UAE

After more than a decade working in succession planning, I’ve had the privilege of drafting over 100 wills for clients across the UAE. Every will tells a story. And while the documents may look similar on paper, the motivations behind them are deeply personal—protecting families, preserving legacies, and creating certainty during uncertain times.

Estate planning in the UAE is unlike anywhere else. The country offers several avenues for will registration, primarily through the DIFC,Dubai Courts, and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). Over the years, I’ve found that most expatriate clients prefer DIFC or ADJD wills, as both provide flexible and reliable options for non-Muslim residents, each with its own advantages.

One thing I always stress is that succession planning here is not just a formality—it’s essential. Without a properly drafted will, UAE-based assets may be distributed under Sharia principles, which could differ significantly from your personal wishes. A carefully prepared will ensures that your intentions are respected and your loved ones are protected.

A crucial starting point in any will is a clear and comprehensive list of assets. Clients often underestimate how important it is to document every UAE-based asset in detail. Anything overlooked can create complications later, which is why precision matters.

Another common complexity arises when clients already have wills in their home countries. Creating a UAE-specific will can override earlier provisions relating to local assets. Coordinating multiple wills across jurisdictions requires carefullegal guidance to avoid conflicts and unintended consequences.

Choosing executors, guardians, and beneficiaries is one of the most important—and most personal—parts of the process. I encourage clients to think beyond best-case scenarios. What if a chosen executor, guardian, or beneficiary is unable to act or passes away? Naming alternates provides an essential safety net and ensures continuity for your family.

For parents of minor children, guardianship provisions require particular care. UAE law includes specific cultural and legal considerations—for example, guardians for female children must be female or married males. I also advise clients to plan for interim guardianship, especially when permanent guardians live outside the UAE, to ensure stability during transitions.

Managing inheritance for minor beneficiaries is another area that demands thoughtful planning. Under UAE law, minors cannot directly manage inherited assets. Appointing a trustee is therefore essential to oversee those assets until the child reaches adulthood, which is 21 in the UAE. That said, testators can specify a higher age if they feel their children may not yet be ready to handle significant wealth. Many clients choose to separate the roles of guardian and trustee, appointing different individuals based on skill set and trust. This flexibility allows for structured financial support and protects assets from being mismanaged too early.

Some of the most sensitive discussions involve body disposition wishes. Certain UAE authorities have strict rules around cremation and post-mortem arrangements. I’ve learned that these conversations are best handled with care and usually towards the end of the process, once the broader estate planning goals are clearly defined.

Witness requirements are another detail that often causes confusion. For example, DIFC wills have specific rules, including restrictions on beneficiaries acting as witnesses. While these details may seem minor, they can directly affect the validity of a will if not handled correctly.

Over the years, I’ve come to see will drafting as both a science and an art. It requires legal precision, yes—but also empathy, foresight, and a deep understanding of each client’s family dynamics and concerns. Every will reflects a family’s values, priorities, and love for those they leave behind.

If you’re navigating the complexities of succession planning in the UAE, professional guidance isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Your legacy deserves careful, thoughtful protection.

If you’re ready to secure your family’s future and safeguard your UAE assets, I’d be honoured to guide you through the process.
To discuss your estate planning needs, feel free to contact me at [email protected].