In all honesty, writing a will is not something that most of us sit around and fantasize about. For many, even the thought feels heavy, like it’s tempting fate. But in Dubai, a city where people of all backgrounds can be found-a proper will is not about saying goodbye, it is about making life simpler to the people you love.

Yet, for all the good reasons to get one, plenty of myths stop people from taking that first step. Some believe wills are only for the super wealthy, others think it’s too complicated, and some assume “the law will just work it out.” The problem is, many of those beliefs don’t hold up when you look at the facts.

Take this for instance: we often meet people who push back against drafting will in Dubai because they think “I don’t have much, what’s the point?” But if you own even a tiny apartment, share a business, or have kids in school here, you do have something meaningful to protect.

Myth One: “Wills are only for rich people”

This one comes up constantly. People imagine wills are for millionaires with villas on the Palm or companies on Sheikh Zayed Road. In reality, it doesn’t matter whether you own a studio flat or a string of investments-what matters is control. Who gets your savings? Who takes responsibility for your kids?

Under UAE law (Federal Law No. 28 of 2005, to be precise), inheritance-if you don’t have a will-often defaults to Shariah principles. That means your assets may not divide in the way you assume. A will is your tool to decide, no matter the size of your estate.

Myth Two: “I’m an expat-law from my own country will cover me”

It seems logical, right? You live in Dubai but think your home country’s laws will kick in automatically if something happens. Unfortunately, that’s not how it plays out. Unless you have a registered will, your estate is handled here by the local courts.

For non-Muslim expats, that often means defaulting to Shariah distribution, unless a valid will is in place. So let’s flip the myth: if you actually want your home country’s inheritance laws applied, you need to write that into a will. That’s something legal consultants in Dubai can guide you through, step by step.

Myth Three: “The process is a nightmare”

A lot of people drag their feet because they assume writing a will is a red-tape jungle. Endless forms, confusing clauses, expensive sessions… truth be told, it’s nowhere near as complicated as people make it out to be.

With the DIFC Wills Centre and Dubai Courts offering streamlined systems for non-Muslims, the basics are straightforward. Sit down with a legal consultant in Dubai, list your assets, write your preferences, and register the document. Done. It’s not exactly a weekend activity, but it’s no harder than renewing a lease. With the right legal firm in Dubai, you’ll be surprised how much smoother it feels.

Myth Four: “I don’t need a will, I’m young”

No one likes thinking about the unexpected. But here’s a question: what if something did happen tomorrow-what happens to your children, your partner, your responsibilities?

For younger families, guardianship is a crucial issue. Without a will, guardianship of children can end up decided by the courts. That’s something most parents would rather decide themselves. So even if you’re years away from retirement, a will is one of the smartest safety nets you can create.

Myth Five: “My family will automatically get everything”

This might be the most dangerous assumption. In a lot of people’s heads, if the husband passes, the wife inherits everything. Or if both parents are gone, kids automatically step in. That’s not how the UAE system always works.

Take Shariah rules: a widow can claim only a 1/8th of what her husband possessed, the rest among other members of the family. Then, in case you would like to be sure that your spouse or children are taken care of in the manner that you believe is correct, a will is necessary. That’s one reason many families turn to Dubai advocates who specialize in drafting documents that actually reflect personal wishes.

Myth Six: “Once I write a will, it’s locked forever”

A will isn’t carved into stone. Life changes-you might buy property, get married, have kids, or even start a business. Luckily, you can update or rewrite your will anytime. Some people even review theirs every couple of years to make sure it’s still in sync with the life they’re living.

Think of your will as a working document, not a final verdict. The flexibility alone should ease the fear around getting one started.

Why Wills Matter More Here Than You Think

Dubai is unique. It’s a place where expats make up the majority of the population, and with that comes diverse family structures, assets spread across borders, and varying expectations. That can cause legal confusion if matters are left unmanaged.

The choice is open to non-Muslims in particular: you can either process your will with the help of the DIFC (operating according to the common-law system), or you can have your will registered at the Dubai Courts. Neither is right or wrong, it is a matter of what fits your circumstances best. The experienced team of Dubai advocates and legal consultants can clarify the difference in layman terms and prevent untidy shocks in the future.

Cases aren’t rare where families face delays or disputes because no will existed. Assets end up frozen until courts make decisions-which can take months. One documented example in Dubai showed children waiting nearly a year to gain access to their father’s estate simply because no will had been filed. Imagine the financial and emotional strain that creates.

Final Thoughts-It’s About Peace, Not Paperwork

The funny part is, will drafting isn’t about you-it’s about those you love. When you push it off, you’re not so much avoiding paperwork as you are handing future headaches to your family. And those myths-the ones about complexity, youth, or “automatic” inheritance-only cloud the picture.

A Little Push to Get Started

At Alqada Claims Recovery Services, we’ve seen families breathe easier once their wills were in place. It’s not about being wealthy; it’s about being wise. Our team offers reliable legal services in Dubai, helping residents untangle laws and put their wishes into writing.

If you’ve been procrastinating, maybe this is your sign. Reach out, ask questions, explore your options, and take that one simple step forward. Because at the end of the day, planning ahead isn’t about preparing for the worst-it’s about caring for the ones who matter most.