DIFC & ADGM Wills in the UAE 2026 – Protect Your Assets & Family

For non-Muslim expatriates living in the UAE, a registered common-law will is the clearest way to decide who inherits your local assets and who cares for your children. Without one, the distribution of property, bank balances and company shares held in the UAE may fall under local default rules rather than your personal wishes. A will registered through the DIFC Wills Service Centre in Dubai, or through ADGM in Abu Dhabi, gives you a recognised, enforceable framework built on common-law principles.

What a DIFC or ADGM will covers

These wills are designed specifically for non-Muslims and let you direct exactly how your UAE-based estate is handled. Depending on your circumstances, you can register different types of will:

• Full will covers all your UAE assets and the guardianship of minor children.
• Property will focuses on real estate held in the Emirates.
• Business will deals with company shares and business interests.
• Guardianship will appoints guardians for children if a parent passes away.
• Financial-assets will covers bank accounts and other financial holdings.

Who should consider one

Any non-Muslim resident who owns property, holds bank accounts, controls company shares or is raising children in the UAE has good reason to register a will. Where no valid will exists, local and Sharia principles of succession may be applied to your UAE estate, which can produce an outcome very different from what you intended. Registering with DIFC or ADGM lets you name your own beneficiaries and appoint guardians you trust.

What DBS handles

We guide you through choosing the right type of will, preparing an accurate schedule of your UAE assets, drafting clear and valid wording, and completing registration at the DIFC Wills Service Centre or in ADGM. We coordinate the appointment, make sure your executors and guardians are properly named, and keep the process straightforward from first consultation to final registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a UAE resident to register a DIFC or ADGM will? Residency is not always required, but the framework is designed for non-Muslims with assets or interests in the Emirates. We confirm your eligibility during the initial review.

Does this will cover assets outside the UAE? DIFC and ADGM wills are intended for UAE-based assets. Property held in other countries is usually best addressed by a will made under the law of that country.

Can I appoint a guardian for my children? Yes. A guardianship provision lets you name who would care for your minor children, which is one of the most important reasons parents choose to register.

Can I update my will later? Yes. A will can be revised as your family, assets and wishes change, and we can assist with updates and re-registration.