On May 4, 2015, the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) launched the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry (“Registry”). Following this Registry, DIFC became the first and only, at this time, jurisdiction in the MENA region where non-Muslim foreign nationals with assets in the Emirate of Dubai are able to register their wills under common law principles, whereby a testator has freedom to dispose of their estate, rather than being subject to any specific legal rules regarding distribution or a forced heirship regime such as Sharia inheritance law. The complex battle between applying Sharia law and the law of the foreign deceased, coupled with costly and time consuming Dubai Courts process in relation to inheritance and succession matters, had created legal and practical uncertainties for non-Muslim individuals regarding acquiring and maintaining assets in Dubai. To avoid expensive and lengthy court procedures regarding inheritance matters, and for other benefits, many foreign nationals transferred their real property assets into offshore setups (currently only possible within the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (“JAFZA”). The benefits of setting up an offshore company still continue to attract many foreign nationals, especially for structuring multiple assets. However, there can be situations in which an expat’s assets are not protected as the expat’s wishes after he or she is gone. In other words, foreign nationals with assets outside of Dubai are still at risk of being subject to Sharia law. The UAE does not recognize the right of survivorship and thus, even though the ownership of a property continues by way of shares in the property of the offshore company, the shares cannot pass down to the heirs of the deceased shareholder, hence the need for a proper will. In addition, there are certain costs associated with registering and maintaining an offshore company which may be justified in different situations, such as protecting multiple assets. The new DIFC Wills and Probate Rules complement the already established rules and mechanisms in the UAE, for the purposes of safeguarding your assets. The Registry now gives peace of mind for non-Muslim expats who own property in Dubai to protect their families and to assure that Sharia law would not govern the wills if something goes wrong. The Registry entitles these individuals to safeguard their assets in Dubai and have them distributed as their wishes should they die. It is important to note that the laws under the Registry apply only to non-Muslims who own property in the Emirate of Dubai. These individuals can also appoint a guardian, in their wills, for their minor children living in Dubai. The Registry will work with the DIFC Courts for the production of grants and court orders for the distribution of assets. As the grant is issued by the DIFC Court, it will be directly enforceable in Dubai without the need to go through the Dubai Courts.
How to Register Your Will
- Prepare a will by a qualified lawyer or qualified will writing services in Dubai. The Registry may invalidate a home-drafted will. Please note that the cost of making a will in Dubai varies depending on several factors such as the number of years of experience of the lawyer, the complexity of the testator’s assets, etc.
- Should you appoint a guardian in your will, make sure he or she has signed a correct declaration.
- Make an appointment with the Registry.
- Bring a witness and sign the will at the Registry in front of a Registry Officer.
Contact +971-44473557 or info@azhari-law.com for further assistance.
