Succession planning in the UAE is an integral part of UAE family law. The UAE hosts a huge number of expatriates from all around the world. To accommodate them in the UAE society the civil laws are present. Success planning is a crucial aspect of inheritance law that differs for Muslims and non-Muslims in the UAE.
For the Muslims in the UAE, Sharia or Islamic rules are followed. Conversely, for non-Muslim, Civil laws are placed. 2025 is the year of groundbreaking reforms. The new changes are initiated to further clarify and ease the non-Muslims.
This outlines the need for establishing valid and legal wills for clear succession planning according to the personal wishes. However, this arrangement is a legal obligation. It is rather a choice available. The prime objective is to safeguard the families and their assets. Emirati lawyers are the great support for Sharia as well as civil laws.
Expansion in Federal Decree Law
The Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status has undergone key changes. The expansion was made to the law in 2025 to further simplify the success planning arrangement. It was initiated by Abu Dhabi, which is now expanded all over the UAE.
The law permits non-Muslims in the UAE to create wills and manage succession planning under the civil laws rather than the Sharia principles. This also allows the person to honor their desires and personal choice.
Furthermore, inheritance distributes is equally divided among male and female heirs. The individuals are free to allocate assets as per their aspirations.
This provides a greater level of flexibility to expatriates. The initiative was taken, which aligns with the best international practices. We suggest to ask questions from professional attorneys in the UAE.
Civil Transactions Law in the UAE
The Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, which is also called UAE Civil Transactions Law. It continues to play a vital role in the family matters of inheritance. Where there is an absence of wills, the Sharia laws are used for wealth distribution.
However, if the deceased opted for civil law via the registered will procedure. In the year 2025, new updates are made regarding this law.
The prime objective is to have a registered formal will; the stress is laid to register the will to avoid the unintended application of sharia-based laws. For your information the legal experts having master in Civil law are called as civil lawyers.
Registries of DIFC and ADGM Wills in the UAE
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) provide specialized will registries. Normally, they are tailor-made according to the personal choice of non-Muslims in the Emirates.
These registries allow expatriates to register their English-language wills. It may cover the movable and immovable assets and properties.
They enable the residents to safeguard the properties, bank accounts, and guardianship arrangements for children. Mostly, all such services are fully recognized by the courts in the UAE. This makes it a credible and reliable option for wills and succession planning in the UAE. “Wills and Succession planning” is must be handled always by
The changes to Guardianship Provisions
This is one of the more sensitive parts of success planning where there is direct involvement of guardianship of minor kids. As per Islamic law, it is not automatically passed on to the surviving spouse.
Consequently, under the Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, civil rules were introduced to facilitate non-Muslims in the UAE. This allows them to designate the guardians in their wills and succession planning.
It makes sure that children remains in safer hands and cared for by the most trusted individuals chosen by their parents. It also offers a greater level of security and peace of mind.
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The urge to draft wills in the UAE
Preparing the wills is a crucial step for non-Muslims in the UAE. Those who wish to control the division of wealth and assets must opt for a registered will; the registered will is applied in the UAE courts. Otherwise, the courts may apply Sharia rules. This may contradict the decreased intentions and plans.
Moreover, the valid and legit will ensure the business share, assets, property, and personal wealth in secure hands. It is distributed as per personal desires.
It is highly suggested to involve a well-talented family lawyer in Dubai. They are capable of drafting the wills. They will ensure compliance with federal laws and the local registry requirements.
The law firms in the UAE have a set of legal experts and paralegals who can swiftly manage the matter. They can also provide legal advice regarding wills and succession planning.
Interaction between Federal and Local Laws:
From wills and succession planning, the UAE legal system combines the federal and local laws. The Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 gives broad guidance to the local authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, they have introduced their own mechanisms through DIFC and ADGM.
This is a prevailing dual system that allows expatriates a greater level of flexibility. It also creates complexity at various stages, but understanding the laws simplifies it.
A family lawyer in UAE has deeper knowledge regarding the federal and local regulations and laws. They will apply to specific assets as per the legislature.
Professional guidance from palpable family attorneys in the UAE will ensure compliance and also meet the requirements. This simplifies the procedure and also offers greater security to the family members.
