Real Estate
Your UAE property, directed to chosen beneficiaries. At DIFC this is the Property Will.
- Homes and investment property
- Names property beneficiaries
- Cleaner transfer on death
- Suits expat homeowners
Will Services
Will Services
Will Services in Dubai
Without a registered will, UAE law decides who inherits your assets, not you. Riz & Mona helps you draft and register a will through the DIFC or the courts, so your wishes are followed and your family is protected.
Excellent
DIFC, Dubai Courts & ADJD
Guardianship for Children
Remote Registration
Excellent
Overview
What Are Will Services in Dubai?
Will services help you record how your UAE assets should pass on after death, and register that will with the right authority so it is legally recognised. This covers property, bank accounts, business shares, and guardianship of your children.
It matters because of what happens without a will. If you die without one, a UAE court distributes your estate by a fixed legal formula, and your bank accounts can be frozen until that process completes, leaving your family waiting.
Riz & Mona helps you choose the right route, prepare the will correctly, and register it with the DIFC Wills Service, Dubai Courts, or the ADJD. We handle the preparation and registration so your wishes are properly recorded.
Who It Applies To
Inheritance for Muslims and Non-Muslims in the UAE
UAE inheritance works differently depending on faith, and this decides what your will can do. For non-Muslims, Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 gives full testamentary freedom. You can leave your assets to whoever you choose, but only if you register a valid will. Without one, a default civil formula applies.
For Muslims, Sharia governs the estate. A Muslim can register a will, but it cannot override the fixed Quranic shares. Only up to one-third of the estate can be freely bequeathed by will, and the rest must pass to heirs in set shares.
This is why the right route differs. Non-Muslims often use the DIFC Wills Service for an English, common-law will. Muslim wills are registered with the Dubai Courts or the ADJD in line with Sharia. We guide you to the correct path for your situation.
Side by Side
Muslim vs Non-Muslim Wills
| Factor | Non-Muslim | Muslim |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Civil law 2022 | Sharia law |
| Freedom to choose | Full freedom | Up to one-third |
| Main route | DIFC or courts | Courts or ADJD |
| Language | English at DIFC | Arabic |
| Override default | Yes, fully | Within Sharia |
| Guardianship | Can appoint | Can appoint |
Why It Matters
Why You Need a Registered Will in the UAE
A registered will turns your wishes into a legally enforceable plan. Without one, the courts decide, and the outcome may be nothing like what you intended.
Control Who Inherits
Decide exactly who receives your property, accounts, and assets, instead of a fixed legal formula.
Appoint Guardians
Name who cares for your children under 21 if both parents pass, rather than leaving it to the court.
Protect Your Spouse
Make sure your partner is provided for, which default distribution may not fully do on its own.
Avoid Frozen Assets
A clear will speeds up access to funds. Without one, bank accounts can stay frozen during probate.
Secure Business Shares
Decide who inherits your company shares, so the business you built passes on smoothly.
Prevent Family Disputes
A registered will removes ambiguity, reducing the risk of costly disagreements between relatives.
Routes
DIFC vs Dubai Courts vs ADJD: Will Routes
There are three main ways to register a will in the UAE. Each suits a different need and budget. Here is how they compare for non-Muslim estate planning.
DIFC | Dubai Courts | ADJD |
|---|---|---|
Common law | Dubai Law 15/2017 | Abu Dhabi civil |
English | Arabic | Bilingual |
From AED 10,000 | Mid-range | About AED 950 |
Dubai or all emirates | Dubai focused | All emirates |
DIFC Courts | Dubai Courts | Abu Dhabi courts |
Certainty & reach | Local assets | Low-cost option |
You want common law | Assets in Dubai | Budget matters |
Fees are indicative for 2026 and exclude VAT and drafting. Confirm current fees with the relevant registry.
What It Covers
What Your Will Can Cover
A will can protect every kind of UAE asset, whichever route you register through. These are the main things people cover, with the DIFC product name noted for each.
Cost
How Much Does a Will Cost in Dubai?
Cost depends on the route, the will type, and whether you register a single or mirror will. These are typical 2026 ranges.
DIFC Single Will
From AED 10,000
A single registered DIFC will for one person, plus 5% VAT. The premium common-law route.
DIFC Mirror Wills
Higher, for couples
Two matching wills for a couple, registered together. Priced above a single will.
ADJD Alternative
About AED 950
The Abu Dhabi route, recognised across all emirates. The most economical option.
What Changes Your Cost
Registration Route
DIFC is the premium route, while the ADJD option is far lower in cost.
Single or Mirror
A mirror will for a couple costs more than a single individual will.
Will Type
A full will covering all assets costs more than a single-asset will.
Drafting Support
Professional drafting and advice are charged on top of the registry fee.
Pricing Disclaimer
All figures are indicative, exclude 5% VAT, and change from time to time. Always confirm current fees through the relevant registry such as the DIFC Courts portal. Riz & Mona provides a personalised quote for every will.
The Process
How to Register a Will in Dubai
A clear path from first consultation to a registered, legally recognised will.
Step 1
Consultation
Your assets, family, and wishes are reviewed to choose the right route and will type.
Step 2
Draft the Will
The will is drafted to the registry's standard, listing assets, beneficiaries, and shares.
Step 3
Executors & Guardians
Executors are named to carry out the will, and guardians appointed for any minor children.
Step 4
Witnessing
The will is signed before two witnesses, which can now be done electronically by video.
Step 5
Registration
The will is registered with the DIFC, Dubai Courts, or ADJD, in person or remotely.
Step 6
Safe Keeping
The registered will is securely recorded, and you keep certified copies for your family.
Get Started
Secure Your Family's Future With a UAE Will
Tell us about your assets and family. We will recommend the right route, prepare your will correctly, and register it with the DIFC, Dubai Courts, or ADJD.
Right route for your case•Guardianship for children•Business shares covered•Remote registration option
Riz & Mona prepares and facilitates will registration. Fees exclude VAT and vary by route. We provide a tailored quote.