DIFC wills now cover UAE-wide and global assets

Previously, the service only applied to properties and holdings in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah

Non-Muslims can register wills through the DIFC Wills Service Centre, which now covers assets throughout the country and worldwide. Photo courtesy DIFC Courts

Wills registered at DIFC Courts now cover resident and investor assets across the UAE, as well as internationally.

Existing registered wills can be amended free-of-charge until August 31, the Courts' Wills Service Centre said on Wednesday. DIFC Courts is the first jurisdiction in the Mena region to offer this service. Previously, non-Muslims could only register wills covering Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah properties and holdings through the DIFC Wills Service Centre, which was established in 2014.

“With almost eight million expatriates residing in the UAE, the government of Dubai and the DIFC Courts recognised the need for an innovative legal solution for non-Muslims that provides peace of mind for residents and investors, as well as enhance Dubai and the UAE’s attractiveness as a destination for expatriate talent and investment,” said Zaki bin Azmi, chief justice and chief registrar of the DIFC Courts.

“Recognising the increased demand, we have now amended our rules to expand the remit of this public service to assets across all the emirates of the UAE and beyond."

The Wills Service Centre is a joint initiative of the government of Dubai and the DIFC Dispute Resolution Authority. Through the service centre and the DIFC Courts Wills Registry, non-Muslims have the option of passing on their assets and/or appoint guardians for their children, in accordance with the instructions in their wills. Probate matters and claims are handled through the courts.

Since 2015, the DIFC Courts have registered more than 5,000 wills. More than 85 lawyers representing more than 80 law firms, based in the UAE and overseas, are registered as officially vetted Wills Draftsmen.

The UAE’s inheritance laws are based on Sharia, which prescribes a fixed share allocation of assets. The DIFC Courts, which administers an English-language common law system, provides the option for non-Muslims living or investing in the UAE to circumvent this allocation.

In addition to the DIFC Courts, non-Muslims can attest their wills by a notary public in Dubai Courts or through the Non-Muslim Wills & Probates Office at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, covering all emirates.