5 Things Every Dubai Will Should Include — And Why Legal Help Matters

19 July
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Being honest, no one likes to think about wills. It feels too serious, maybe even a little uncomfortable. But in a place like Dubai, where personal status laws don’t always work the way you expect, having a valid will is a responsible move, especially for expats.

Many people assume that making a will is simple: write it down, sign it, and you’re good. But will drafting in Dubai comes with its own set of legal steps that can’t be ignored. Without proper wording or registration, your will may not hold up in a UAE court and that’s exactly why people often turn to Dubai advocates and legal consultants who know the rules inside out.

Before you sit down to write your will, it’s smart to know what absolutely needs to be included. Here are five key things your Dubai will should cover - plus whether you really need legal help to make it official.

1. Name Your Beneficiaries Clearly

It may sound simple, but here is where people usually go wrong. An indistinct or incomplete list of beneficiaries may result in misunderstanding, conflicts or even litigation.

When listing your beneficiaries, you should list:

Full legal names
Nationality
Identification numbers (like Emirates ID or passport number)
Exact relationship to you

2. Appoint a Guardian for Your Minor Children

If you have kids under the age of 21, this is something you need to handle carefully. Without a named guardian in your will, UAE courts will decide who takes custody of your children and that decision might not reflect your wishes.

Choosing a guardian isn’t just a personal choice; it carries real legal weight. You’ll want to make sure your chosen guardian meets the legal requirements in the UAE. Many families choose to sit down with Dubai advocates first to avoid any unpleasant surprises later.

3. List Your Assets- All of Them

Don’t assume your family will know what belongs to you. If you don’t spell it out, things can easily get messy. Make a clear list of everything you own, including:

Real estate (both in Dubai and abroad)
Bank accounts
Business shares or partnerships
Investments and savings
Personal valuables or heirlooms

This is where experienced law firms in Dubai really come in handy. They’ll help you make sure your asset list is airtight and that everything matches your official documents. Leaving things vague could open the door for disputes or worse, your assets ending up where you never intended.

4. Choose the Right Executor

Your executor is the person who will make sure your wishes are followed after you’re gone. Picking the wrong person could mean your estate gets tied up in delays or legal red tape.

Good executors are:

Trustworthy and reliable
Willing to take on the responsibility
Capable of handling paperwork and legal matters
Familiar with local laws, or willing to work with professionals who are

There are cases where individuals even opt to hire proper executors advised by law firms in Dubai, simply to ensure that there is smoothness in the whole process. That way, you are not leaving your family with any extra stress when the time is already hard enough.

5. Get It Registered and Make Sure It’s Legally Sound

This is where many people slip up. Writing a will is one thing. Making sure it’s legally binding is something else entirely. In Dubai, your will must comply with specific legal standards — and that means registration with the right authority.

For non-Muslims, you have options like the DIFC Wills Service Centre or the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Both offer formal registration processes that make your will enforceable under UAE law. The DIFC, for instance, operates under Law No. 15 of 2020, which sets clear rules on probate and will registration.

Dubai advocates and legal consultants often remind clients that skipping this step means your will might not stand up in court and that’s the last thing you want your family to deal with.

Do You Really Need a Lawyer for Will Drafting in Dubai?

In theory, no. You’re allowed to draft a will by yourself. But the real question is- should you?

The UAE’s legal system isn’t exactly simple. It blends civil law, Sharia law, and even elements of common law in certain jurisdictions like the DIFC. What’s considered a valid will back home might not work here.

That’s why so many residents choose to work with Dubai advocates or trusted law firms in Dubai when it’s time to draft a will. Here’s why that makes sense:

They know how to word your will so it holds up in a UAE court
They ensure your assets are listed correctly and legally
They help register your will with the right authorities
They guide you on cross-border legal matters if you own assets abroad

At the end of the day, paying for professional help now could save your family time, money, and a lot of stress later on.

In conclusion

Writing a will in Dubai isn't just a legal procedure - it is also a means of ensuring your family is safeguarded and your insurances honored. Whether this is naming guardians to your children, listing your assets or guaranteeing your will is legally registered, getting this right is important to you.

Engaging with experienced Dubai advocates and legal consultants will give you the certainty you have considered everything. You do not have to do this alone and quite frankly, you should not have to.

Alqada Claim Recovery Services works with clients in Dubai and across the UAE to provide honest, pragmatic legal assistance - including wills drafting and registration. If you have been putting this off, then the time has now come to get this done.

Please contact us and take the first step to securing your family's future.