If you have recently relocated to the UAE and own local assets here, it is important to consider drafting a will to gain control of whom your assets are passed down to. Even if you have a will in place in your home country for your assets there, it may not apply to your moveable/immovable assets in the UAE.
As a non-Muslim expat, if you do not have a will in place, the UAE Law of inheritance will be applied on your assets after your demise; and can even effect the guardianship of your children in minor age groups (which is under 21 in the UAE).
At Sanctuary, we assist in the execution of drafting a will in the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”). The DIFC is the financial Free Zone and is the preferred choice for non-Muslim expats, with powers to apply international, rather than local law, in financial matters. This is based on the DIFC being an independent legal jurisdiction with its own court system.
Our experienced team can coordinate the execution of your will in the DIFC and can advise you on ways to ensure the complex process of writing a will or dealing with financial affairs is seamless and hassle-free. If you are looking to draft more than one will (in the region or internationally); we can also co-ordinate with Lawyers in other jurisdictions to ensure your requirements are catered for.
