How to Create a Will in Abu Dhabi: Step-by-Step Checklist for Residents and Expats
Creating a will in Abu Dhabi is one of the most important steps to secure your assets and protect your family’s future. Whether you are a UAE national, a Muslim resident, or a non-Muslim expatriate, having a valid and registered will ensures your estate is distributed according to your wishes and not left to default legal interpretation.
This comprehensive step-by-step checklist explains who can make a will in Abu Dhabi, the types available, how to register one, and what makes it valid inside and outside the UAE.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before creating a will, make sure you meet the basic criteria:
- You must be at least 18 years of age and of sound mind.
- You should have assets located in Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE.
- Non-Muslims can register a civil will under Abu Dhabi law or through the ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market).
- Muslims may make a will in line with Sharia principles, typically covering up to one-third of their estate as free disposition.
Step 2: Identify the Type of Will You Need
There are several kinds of wills recognized in Abu Dhabi, each serving a specific purpose:
- Muslim Will (Sharia-based): For UAE nationals and Muslim residents, distribution follows Islamic inheritance principles.
- Non-Muslim Will (Civil Will): For expatriates who wish to distribute their estate based on personal wishes rather than Sharia law.
- ADGM Will: Suitable for individuals or businesses registered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
- Parallel or International Will: Recommended for those with assets both in the UAE and abroad.
Step 3: List Your Assets and Beneficiaries
Prepare a comprehensive list of your assets and specify who should receive them. Include:
- Real estate properties such as villas, apartments, or land.
- Bank accounts, savings, and investment portfolios.
- Vehicles and business shares.
- Digital assets, insurance policies, and personal valuables.
- Names of beneficiaries, such as family members, dependents, or charities.
Step 4: Appoint Executors and Guardians
Appoint a responsible executor to carry out your wishes and manage the estate after your passing. If you have minor children, name guardians to care for them. It is also advisable to appoint an alternate executor and guardian as a backup option.
Step 5: Draft the Will
Engage a licensed lawyer or a registered legal consultant in Abu Dhabi to draft your will. The document should clearly include:
- Full personal information of the testator and beneficiaries.
- A detailed list of assets and how they should be distributed.
- Executor and guardian details.
- A clear statement of your religion and, for non-Muslims, an opt-out clause from Sharia distribution.
- Signatures of the testator and witnesses.
Step 6: Review and Sign the Will
Once drafted, review every detail carefully — names, passport numbers, and asset descriptions must be accurate. The will should be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. For non-Muslim wills, signing must take place before an authorized officer at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department or ADGM registry.
Step 7: Register Your Will
You can register your will at one of the following authorities in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD): Handles wills for UAE nationals and non-Muslim residents.
- ADGM Wills and Probate Registry: Used for wills covering assets or entities within the ADGM free zone.
Registration ensures that your will is officially recognized and can be executed smoothly when needed.
Step 8: Store and Share Safely
Keep the original registered will in a secure location such as a home safe or with your lawyer. Inform your executor and close family members about where the will is stored. You may also keep a digital copy in encrypted storage for reference.
Step 9: Update Your Will Regularly
A will should reflect your current life circumstances. Review and update it whenever there is a significant change, such as:
- Buying or selling property.
- Moving to another Emirate.
- Marriage, divorce, or birth of a child.
- Major changes in financial assets or business ownership.
- Updates to UAE inheritance laws.
Step 10: Execution of the Will
After your passing, the executor will:
- Obtain your death certificate.
- Present the registered will to the Abu Dhabi court or ADGM registry.
- Prepare a detailed inventory of your assets.
- Distribute the estate as per the instructions in your will.
- Manage cross-border probate if assets exist outside the UAE.
Creating a will in Abu Dhabi gives you peace of mind that your loved ones are protected and your legacy is handled according to your intentions. The process is straightforward if approached systematically and with the help of a qualified legal expert.
Even if you already have a will from your home country, it may not automatically apply in Abu Dhabi. Registering your will locally ensures it is fully valid under UAE laws and prevents future complications for your family.
Start planning today and secure your legacy in Abu Dhabi with confidence.
