If you are an expat living in the UAE and you own property in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, writing a will is no longer something you “might do one day”. For many families, it has become a practical necessity- especially when there is a spouse, minor children, and more than one asset to manage.
People often assume that their home-country rules will automatically apply after death, or that everything will simply pass to the spouse. In reality, when someone passes away with assets inside the UAE- particularly real estate- local procedures and inheritance administration requirements come into play. A well-prepared will helps your family avoid uncertainty, delays, and legal complications at the exact moment they need clarity and stability.
Below we will explain why wills in the UAE, particularly wills in Dubai, matter so much for expats, what can happen without a will, what a good will should include, and what to expect regarding the cost of making a will in Dubai.
Real estate is a “local” asset. Even if you are a foreign national, property registered in Dubai or Abu Dhabi must be transferred through UAE-based legal and administrative steps. Without a clear will, your family may need to go through longer court-driven processes to prove heirs and determine shares, and they may face restrictions on how and when the property can be dealt with.
This becomes even more important if you have:
A will is not only about “who gets what.” It is also about how your family can manage and access assets quickly, and who has the authority to sign, rent, sell, or maintain property.
Many expats only discover the importance of a will after a difficult real-life case involving friends or relatives. The key risks without a will include:
1) Delay and administrative complexity
When there is no will, the family usually needs to initiate formal procedures to establish heirs and deal with the estate. If assets exist in multiple places- especially multiple properties- the process can become more time-consuming and document-heavy.
2) Additional complications when there are minor children
This is one of the biggest reasons wills for expats are strongly recommended in the UAE.
When children are minors, their shares and financial interests are treated with extra protection measures. In practice, this can mean that certain actions- such as selling a property, refinancing, or handling funds linked to a minor’s share- may require additional approvals and structured oversight. Even when the family agrees internally, the legal process may still require formalities designed to protect minors.
Index Legal Translation prepares bilingual wills in Arabic and English in line with the applicable UAE legal framework. We translate and format the will professionally, stamp it with our sworn/legal translator seal, and handle its notarisation through the proper official channels so the document is completed correctly.
In simple terms, you get an end-to-end service – from A to Z: drafting support, bilingual preparation, certified translation sealing, and full notarisation. We also stay with you for any questions or consultations you may need throughout the process.
