Wills and estate planning for non-Muslims in Dubai

If you’re living in Dubai, you’ve probably heard of RERA forms, Ejari and Golden Visas. But what about wills? For non-Muslims, having a will in place is more than just paperwork. It’s peace of mind that your wishes will be respected and your family protected.

Dubai has a dedicated legal framework that allows non-Muslims to register wills and manage their estates with clarity and confidence. Here’s what that means in practice and why it matters for anyone with assets in the UAE.

The law governing non-Muslim wills in Dubai

Back in 2017, Dubai introduced Law No. 15, which set clear rules for how non-Muslims can handle inheritance, probate and wills. Whether you live in the city or in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the law gives you a recognised legal route to make your wishes official.

The result was the creation of a Non-Muslim Wills and Probate Registry in both Dubai Courts and DIFC Courts. Register your will here and it becomes legally enforceable in the UAE.

The law also lays down the essentials: how wills should be drafted, what executors are responsible for, the rights of beneficiaries and how disputes or appeals are managed. Importantly, any non-Muslim will registered before this law came into effect is still valid.

Wills as part of estate planning

A will is the cornerstone of estate planning, but it’s only one part of the picture. Estate planning also considers guardianship, how assets are structured and how your affairs will be handled in the future.

For expats in Dubai, this framework makes it easier to put a proper plan in place. Registering a will here doesn’t just cover your assets locally, it gives you the reassurance that your estate will be managed the way you intended.

Estate planning vs will – what’s the difference?

A common question we hear: is estate planning the same as a will? 

The short answer: no. A will decides who gets what. Estate planning is broader. It makes sure your assets, dependents and financial obligations are all covered.

Think of it this way: a will is a single piece of the puzzle. Estate planning puts the whole picture together. For non-Muslims in Dubai, the two go hand in hand.

How to register a non-Muslim will in the UAE

The process is straightforward. Wills can be registered either through Dubai Courts or the DIFC Courts, both of which run the Non-Muslim Wills and Probate Registry. Once registered, your will is legally binding in Dubai and recognised by the courts.

This step takes the uncertainty out of the process and ensures your estate is protected according to your wishes.

Beneficiaries in non-Muslim wills

The law also defines the role of the beneficiary in a will of non-Muslims. Beneficiaries are entitled to inherit assets, but they also have obligations to meet the terms of the will. Executors, meanwhile, are responsible for making sure everything is distributed fairly and legally.

Clear rules around beneficiaries and executors mean fewer disputes, smoother processes and more certainty for families.