The new legislative changes announced on Saturday 7th November 2020 with reference to Wills has been welcomed by expatriates in the UAE. However, there are misconceptions that a Will in the UAE is not necessary. 

Regardless of the new laws, it remains important to arrange the affairs of your estate in the UAE. Having a will in place in the UAE would be recommended in light of these developments as it is confirmation of opting into the application of one’s home country law as the applicable law and not UAE law. Further despite these changes, a Will in the UAE is the simplest way for an expat to ensure their assets are dealt with as per their wishes particularly where expats are living outside their own home country.  Where expatriates own real estate in the UAE as UAE law applies, it’s highly recommended to have a will in the UAE. The actual impact will only become apparent once we have had sight of the official legislation, which is not yet available.

IN SUMMARY - DESPITE THESE REFORMS HAVING A WILL IN THE UAE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

1. To protect the Guardianship of your Children by nominating both permanent and temporary Guardians.
2. To protect property, you own - as UAE Law applies to real estate owned by expatriates in the UAE and is an exception to the home country laws applying to inheritance matters. You are in control of your assets and to whom they go to as opposed to under Sharia Law where the distribution of assets are fixed.
3. You have the freedom to distribute your assets as you wish– you can make specific gifts, ie to a charity. You can stipulate your personal wishes which is not an option under home country laws.
4. As a business owner, it’s very important to consider business succession planning as part of the Wills process.  Besides designating who is to benefit from your estate or shares, your Will also appoints your chosen executors who are responsible for the administration of your estate on death. It is possible for you to make an appointment of an executor to specifically deal with the business aspect of your estate. If you make a Will you can decide who would be the most appropriate person to manage specifically this part of your estate.
5. By having a valid Will in the UAE from a practical perspective the Courts in the UAE will be able to deal with the distribution of your assets, bank accounts etc with ease post death as there is evidence of your intentions.
6. Avoid family disputes and costly court battles - ULTIMATELY - gives you PEACE OF MIND, that if the inevitable happens, your estate will be distributed in accordance with your wishes.

To safeguard your assets, family and to avoid any complications it is still highly recommended to have a Will in the UAE as your home country laws will not enable you to reflect your own personal wishes, dictate specific asset distribution requirements, or deal with your specific gifts/requests and guardianship wishes. 

It is in the best interest of every expat in the UAE to prepare a will to secure their families future and assets.

TOP 5 tips for Wills in the UAE:

1. If you have assets in the UAE and wish to create a Will, it is best practice to use the services of a lawyer who is registered with the Dubai Legal Affairs Department.
2. Choose your executors and guardians carefully
3. Ensure your Will is signed, witnessed and registered properly
4. Review your Will - for example if you remarry or divorce.
5. Keep it in a safe place 

How can TWS Legal Consultants can help you with your Wills?

Our team of authorised Wills Lawyers/ DIFC Wills Draftsmen have been advising international expatriates and UAE residents on DIFC/ Abu Dhabi Wills.  We have vast experience in drafting wills, inheritance matters, Shariah Law, and administering deceased estates for over a decade.

To book your complimentary wills and guardianship consultation with a Wills Specialist Lawyer please visit our page http://www.willsuae.com/personal-services/wills-estates-trusts/

TWS Practice Areas

At TWS, we have vast local experience for over a decade and would be happy to assist you in the following matters:

Private Client Services:

Wills & Estate Inheritance; DIFC Wills; Abu Dhabi Wills, UK/Scottish Wills; Administration of a Deceased’s Estate & Probate; Sharia Law and Inheritance issues; Business Succession Planning; Foundations; Family & Divorce Matters; Custody & Guardianship; Financial Settlements; Division of Assets; Travel Bans; Mediation & Reconciliation; Employment Disputes; Property/Real Estate Matters; Gifting of Property; Second Citizenship/Passports; Powers of Attorney and Certification.

Corporate/Commercial Services:

Company Formation & Business set-ups; Drafting/Negotiating of Contracts and Commercial Agreements; Buying & Selling A Property/Business; Litigation; Dispute Resolution; Labor Law.

Author: Nita Maru, Managing Partner of TWS Legal Consultants

Email: info@twslegal.ae  

or call +971 4 448 4284

Website: www.willsuae.com; www.twslegal.ae 

Address: TWS Legal Consultants DMCC, Office Suite 3307 -3308, Oaks Liwa Heights Tower, Cluster W, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai UAE.