International Wills in the UAE

Protect Your Assets.
Protect Your Family.

Register an Open Will through ADJD – full control over your inheritance without Sharia distribution

Book a Consultation
The Reality

What happens to your UAE assets
without a will

Most inheritance problems arise not because of money, but because of one missing document.

Bank Accounts Frozen

Even joint accounts are blocked by the bank. Your family loses access to funds for months.

Property Locked

Cannot be sold or transferred. Your real estate will not pass to your spouse automatically.

Sharia Distribution

The court determines shares under Sharia law. Unequal male/female inheritance. Cannot allocate 100% to one person.

6–18 Months in Court

Sharia Heirs Certificate, multiple hearings, participation of all heirs required. Business operations halted.

"A will is not a document for 'someday.' It is an instrument for protecting your capital, your family, and your reputation."
Comparison

Sharia Court vs International Jurisdiction

Sharia Court Open Will (ADJD)
Distribution Fixed shares determined by law 100% to any person of your choice
Equality Unequal male/female shares Full equality, no restrictions
Timeline 6–18 months 2–8 weeks
Executor Appointed by the court You appoint an Executor in advance
Bank Access Lengthy unblocking process Executor receives authority immediately
Assets Must list everything individually Open Will covers all assets automatically
Asset Changes Must rewrite the will No changes needed – Open Will covers everything
Choosing Jurisdiction

Abu Dhabi (ADJD) vs DIFC

ADJD Building
Recommended

Abu Dhabi (ADJD)

  • Open Will – all assets included automatically
  • Overseas assets can be included
  • Online registration + notarisation
  • Timeline: 1.5–2 weeks
  • One single will covers everything
  • Best execution in practice across all emirates
DIFC Gate Building

DIFC

  • UAE-based assets only – no overseas assets
  • All assets must be individually listed
  • In-person procedure with witnesses required
  • Timeline: 2–3 months
  • Separate wills per asset category
  • Probate Order requires enforcement via Dubai Courts
The Process

Five steps to protection

From document preparation to court attestation – we manage the entire process.

Document Preparation

Passport and Emirates ID copies for the testator, executors, and beneficiaries. For an Open Will, no asset documentation is required.

Will Drafting

Legal drafting of the will, defining the order of succession and appointing an executor.

Legal Translation

Professional translation of the will into English and Arabic.

Notarisation

Online verification of the text and signature with a notary, submission to the ADJD system.

Court Attestation

Final step – attestation of the will by the court. Total process timeline: approximately 1–1.5 weeks.

After the Will Takes Effect

Will Execution

We handle the complete execution process — from obtaining the executory wording to the final transfer of assets, including bank accounts, real estate, and company shares.

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department Dubai Courts Dubai Land Department Department of Economy Free Zone Authorities Banks across all Emirates
Pricing

Transparent pricing

Document Only
6,000
AED
Will drafting and legal review only – you handle court registration independently
1 Open Will
15,000
AED
Full service – drafting, translation, notarisation, court registration and attestation
2 Open Wills
25,000
AED
For couples – two wills at a discounted rate, full service included
Includes: legal drafting, translation,
notarisation, court registration and attestation
Client Stories

What our clients say

★★★★★

"I first tried to register a will on my own through ADJD – spent weeks going back and forth, documents rejected twice. Ended up paying for everything twice. I really wish I had come to these guys from the start. They handled the entire process in 8 days. Smooth, professional, no surprises."

James R.

British expat, Dubai · Property & bank accounts

★★★★★

"We were originally told to go through DIFC, but the team explained that ADJD would cover all our assets across the UAE – and at a fraction of the cost. Saved us over 20,000 AED. The Abu Dhabi jurisdiction was absolutely the right choice for our situation."

Sarah & Michael T.

Canadian couple, Abu Dhabi · Two wills

★★★★★

"Honestly, I had no idea how complex UAE inheritance law is. At every single step – document preparation, translation, notarisation, court submission – there were details I would have gotten wrong on my own. Without their lawyer guiding me through each stage, it would have been a disaster."

Andreas K.

German expat, Dubai · Business & investments

5 legal traps in UAE wills
every expat should know

Most expats discover these only when it's too late. We've compiled the critical pitfalls that can freeze your accounts, delay inheritance for years, or invalidate your will entirely.

Get the free guide – we'll send it instantly

📩 Get via WhatsApp 📩 Get via Telegram
Get Started Today

Book a consultation

Free consultation – we'll discuss your situation and find the best solution for your needs

WhatsApp Telegram

Or request a callback