There are several reasons why you should create a Will in Dubai or UAE. First of all, if you are living in the country with children or have a joint bank account, the law will freeze it if you die without a Will. Second, if you do not leave a Will, the law will start the process of dividing your assets, which could include giving them to distant relatives based on an arbitrary formula.
Non-Muslim expatriates:
There are two ways for non-Muslim expatriates to leave a will in Dubai. They can file a will through the Dubai International Financial Center Courts, which oversees the administration of estates. Both avenues have their procedures and considerations, so seeking legal guidance is strongly recommended. The process of filing a will is similar for both avenues, but there are some differences.
Residents of Dubai:
Wills are crucial for people who live in the UAE and need to decide who should receive what after their death. However, residents of the UAE may be unaware of the legal requirements for a Will. The new legislation will take effect on Saturday 7th November 2022. Though the law has been welcomed by expatriates living in the UAE, there are some misconceptions about the process.
Cost of registering a will in Dubai:
The process of registering a will in Dubai can be a costly affair. The fee for a DIFC will exceed AED15, 000, which is prohibitively expensive for expatriates. However, it is less expensive than the registration fee for a will in your home country. However, it is important to note that the DIFC does not accept wills made by Muslims. Therefore, if you are a Muslim, you will have to apply for a religious exemption for registering a will with them.
Legal opinion required for drafting a will:
If you live in the UAE, you may consider hiring a legal consultant to help you draft a will. Although you are free to use any lawyer or professional in the UAE, it is essential to have an expert in UAE law review your draft, as an incorrect document can cause problems for your beneficiaries. In addition, you must have your documents translated for legal purposes, as Dubai Courts require them to be. It is important to use a legal translating center that is registered with the Ministry of Justice and Dubai Courts.
