How inheritance actually works in the United Arab Emirates?
In the United Arab Emirates, estate administration follows rules that can surprise those used to Western systems. Many foreign investors do not realise that, without a registered will, their assets may be distributed under Sharia, regardless of religion or nationality. This article explores how succession works in the UAE, the risks of not having a will, and how to protect your wealth lawfully and securely.
Islamic succession: rules and application
If a person dies intestate, their estate is automatically divided according to Sharia, with no room for personal choice:
- Male children receive twice the share of female children.
- The surviving spouse, when there are children, may receive only ⅛ of the estate.
- Brothers, sisters and other relatives can inherit fixed shares even if the deceased would not have chosen them.
What happens if the deceased is not Muslim?
Expatriates who die without a will may still have Sharia applied to their estate unless the heirs formally request application of the law of the deceased’s home country. Without a registered will, that request can be lengthy and complex.
The risks of dying without a will in the UAE
- Long delays and high costs: Succession can take months or years.
- Forced distribution: Beneficiaries you did not choose may inherit.
- Possible exclusion of spouse or minor children where instructions are unclear.
How to protect your assets
Registering a will with a local court is the only way to ensure your wishes are respected. The process involves:
- Drafting the will with professional support.
- Translating and legalising it if not in Arabic or English.
- Official registration to secure legal validity.
