Overview
Several official services deal with wills and inheritance in the UAE. The DIFC Courts run a Wills Service, Dubai Courts has an Inheritance Court for heirs, and in Abu Dhabi the ADGM Courts Notary Public offers non-Muslim wills services. Which rules apply to an estate is a legal question, so speak to a licensed UAE legal professional about your own situation.
What this area involves
Wills and inheritance cover planning what happens to your assets, and dealing with an estate after someone dies. In the UAE, more than one official service is involved, and which one fits depends on the person and the assets.
Which rules apply to a particular estate or will is a legal question. A licensed UAE legal professional can advise on your situation.
Common situations
- You want to make a will for assets or children in the UAE.
- A family member has died and has assets in the UAE.
- You are an heir and need to deal with an estate.
- You live abroad and hold assets in Dubai.
Official bodies and where to start
| Body | What it says it does | Official page |
|---|---|---|
| DIFC Courts Wills Service | "The DIFC Courts Wills Service is a joint initiative of the Government of Dubai and the DIFC Courts" | difccourts.ae: Wills Service |
| Dubai Courts: Inheritance Court | "This service allows the heirs to avail themselves of the services provided by the Court of Inheritance." | dc.gov.ae: Inheritance Court service |
| ADGM Courts Notary Public (Abu Dhabi) | "ADGM Courts Notary Public offers Notarisation and non-Muslim Wills services." | adgm.com: Notary Public |
| UAE government portal | For non-Muslims: "The Federal Decree Law covers matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody." | u.ae: Personal status for non-Muslims |
Official pages checked 13 October 2026.
Documents and information to keep
- Identity documents for the person and the family members involved
- A list of assets in the UAE, with any registration documents
- Any existing will, wherever it was made
- Contact details for the family members concerned
Frequently asked questions
Where can I make a will in Dubai?
The DIFC Courts run a Wills Service, which they describe as a joint initiative of the Government of Dubai and the DIFC Courts. Whether it suits your situation is a legal question, so take advice before you choose.
Which court deals with inheritance in Dubai?
Dubai Courts has an Inheritance Court. Its service page says it "allows the heirs to avail themselves of the services provided by the Court of Inheritance."