Wills That work when they matter most

A Will is a legal document that generally records how you want your assets distributed after your death, who should act as guardian of your minor children, and who you appoint to administer your estate. Depending on the type of will, it may also address other matters, such as end-of-life wishes, funeral arrangements, and provisions for incapacity.

It is not a financial plan. It is not a trust. It does not take effect during your lifetime. It is a set of instructions that a court or registration authority will consider, and in most cases follow, when the time comes.

Probate is the legal process through which a court confirms the validity of a will and authorises its execution. In the UAE, probate proceedings are conducted through the relevant court or registration system, depending on how and where the will was registered.

A will does not prevent all disputes. It does not override every legal restriction. But a properly drafted and registered will significantly reduces uncertainty, delay, and cost for those you leave behind.

Wills in the UAE: The Landscape

The UAE offers several routes for preparing and registering a will. The right route depends on your personal circumstances, including your nationality, religion, residency, the location of your assets, and your family structure.

The principal options available to residents in the UAE are as follows.

ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department)

The ADJD operates a will registration service through the framework established by Abu Dhabi law. This is one of the most widely used routes for UAE residents. Non-Muslim citizens and foreign residents may register a will with the ADJD and distribute their entire estate to beneficiaries of their choosing, without limitation. Certain Muslim foreign residents may also be eligible to register under this regime if specific criteria relating to nationality, country of marriage, or form of marriage are met. Our assessment identifies whether this route is available to you.

ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)

The ADGM is a financial free zone with its own legal system, operating under common law principles based on English law. The ADGM maintains a wills register and offers a registration process that may be familiar to those from common law jurisdictions. ADGM will registration is available to non-Muslims aged 21 and over who own assets in the UAE. The ADGM does not provide a probate service; probate applications are processed through the ADJD.

Notary Public

Wills may also be registered with a Notary Public in the UAE. This route is available to Muslim testators (citizens and foreign residents) and provides a means of recording testamentary wishes within the framework of Islamic succession law. A will registered through this route is subject to the one-third limitation: the testator may bequeath up to one-third of the net estate, with the remaining two-thirds distributed in accordance with Sharia principles.

DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)

The DIFC Wills and Probate Registry operates a common law framework for residents of Dubai and the Northern Emirates. It provides a structured registration and probate process under principles derived from English law, similar in concept to the ADGM system. Our online service currently covers ADJD and ADGM wills; DIFC wills will follow in due course.

There is no single correct route. The appropriate choice depends on where you live, where your assets are held, your personal and religious circumstances, and in some cases, the preferences of your family. Our assessment process is designed to help you understand which route may be suitable before any commitment is made.

When a Will May Be Appropriate

A will is advisable in many situations, but it is not universally required. Whether you need one depends on your circumstances.

A will is particularly important if:
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You have minor children and wish to appoint a guardian and custodian of your choosing, including a temporary custodian pending formalisation of permanent arrangements.
You own real property in the UAE.
You wish to record end-of-life wishes, incapacity treatment preferences, or funeral arrangements.
You want to appoint a specific person or persons to administer your estate.
You wish to make specific bequests, whether financially valuable or personal in nature (for example, requesting your trustee to give a family member or friend a particular item as a keepsake, or to give a portion of your estate to charity).
You are part of a couple and want to ensure your spouse is provided for.
You are in a marriage where one spouse is Muslim and the other is not, because under UAE law the default position is that persons of different religions do not inherit from each other on intestacy.
You hold multiple nationalities, or your nationality differs from that of your spouse.
You are in an inter-faith marriage between members of different religions more broadly, because there may be religious or other laws that could limit or restrict inheritance.

In any of these situations, and in others involving a cross-border or multi-legal element, one of the risks that can arise is that heirs may seek to apply the law of a particular nationality, or a particular religious law, over another if doing so gives them an advantage in the distribution of the estate. A will with clearly expressed wishes and a defined applicable law is one of the most effective ways to reduce that risk.

A will may not be the only solution needed if:

Your circumstances involve layers of complexity that a standalone will cannot fully address, such as business succession, multi-jurisdictional assets, or trust structures. In these cases, a will is likely to form part of a broader estate plan, but additional instruments or coordinated legal advice across jurisdictions may also be required. We identify these situations through our assessment and advise accordingly.

We do not take the position that everyone must have a will. We take the position that everyone should understand whether they need one, and if so, what kind. That is the purpose of our free assessment.

What We Have Seen in Practice

We have been advising clients on wills and succession matters in the UAE for many years. In that time, we have seen what works and what does not. The following observations are drawn from real experience.

Wills that could not be enforced

A registered will is not the same as an enforceable will. We have encountered wills that were technically registered but contained provisions a court could not or would not enforce.

Disputes arising from poor drafting

Ambiguous language is the most common source of will disputes. Where a will fails to clearly identify beneficiaries or address common contingencies, it creates room for disagreement.

Guardianship provisions that were ignored or challenged

Appointing a guardian in a will is important, but it is not a guarantee. Courts retain discretion, and we have seen provisions challenged because the named guardian was not suitable in the eyes of the law.

Frozen assets and delayed estates

Without a registered will, releasing frozen bank accounts can take months. A properly registered will with a clearly appointed executor substantially reduces this delay.

Template wills that missed the point

Standard templates do not account for blended families, business interests, or multi-jurisdictional assets. A will that does not reflect your circumstances may fail when it matters.

These are not hypothetical risks. They are outcomes we have worked to resolve for real clients. Our approach to drafting is shaped by what we have seen go wrong, not by what looks acceptable on paper.

Our BENEFITS

A clear gap exists in the UAE wills market. Between costly bespoke advice and low-cost, low-rigour platforms. We bridge it with a structured, lawyer-led process that delivers properly drafted wills at proportionate, accessible pricing.

Lawyer-led, not software-led.

Every will is reviewed and approved by a qualified lawyer. The process supports, but never replaces, professional judgment.

Built from enforcement experience

Our drafting reflects what we’ve seen challenged in court—where ambiguity arises and where safeguards fail.

Transparent and proportionate

Fixed fees for standard matters. No hidden costs or unnecessary upgrades. If your case is complex, we’ll tell you upfront.

How It Works

A clear, step-by-step process, from initial assessment to drafting and registration.
Handled by qualified lawyers with efficiency and precision.

Step 01

Free Assessment

Complete a short questionnaire on your circumstances, family structure, and assets. We assess eligibility, outline available registration options, and confirm whether your matter suits our standard service. No cost, no obligation.

Step 02

Paid Drafting

If suitable, you proceed to the paid stage. You complete a detailed questionnaire, submit supporting documents, and pay a fixed fee. A qualified lawyer reviews your instructions, prepares the draft, and shares it for your review.

Step 03

Finalisation and Registration

Once approved, we guide you through execution and registration with the relevant authority. We coordinate the process, ensure compliance, and provide your registered will, along with clear guidance on storage and next steps.

What People have said about us

I had an excellent experience working with the team on my will. They were professional, warm, and genuinely attentive, taking the time to explain everything clearly and making sure no detail was missed. They also really understood the added complexities of being an expat dealing with multiple jurisdictions, which gave me a lot of confidence. Everyone I dealt with was accommodating and easy to work with, making the whole process feel simple and stress-free. I’m delighted to see them launching their new online wills service and would happily recommend the team to anyone looking for reliable, thoughtful legal support.

nayla nawfal

I had the pleasure of working with Salloum & Partners LLC for the preparation of my will, and I can confidently say that the experience exceeded all expectations. From the very beginning, their team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to understanding my specific needs. Every step of the process was handled with clarity, precision, and a high level of care, which made what can often be a complex and sensitive matter feel straightforward and well-managed. What truly stood out was their ability to combine deep legal expertise with practical, tailored advice. As a firm with decades of experience in the UAE legal landscape and a reputation for delivering comprehensive solutions to complex matters, they bring both confidence and reassurance to their clients. The entire process was seamless, efficient, and conducted with the highest standards of professionalism. I felt fully supported and confident that everything was handled correctly and in my best interest. We now consider Salloum & Partners not just as legal advisors, but as our trusted law firm. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking reliable, knowledgeable, and truly client-focused legal services.

Consultant Psychiatrist and CEO Reem Neuroscience Centre

Dr. Samer Makhoul

Get your will done right.

Most people put it off. When they do act, they often choose the wrong route, use the wrong template, or miss provisions that matter. Our free assessment takes a few minutes and tells you exactly where you stand, which registration route applies to you, and what to expect before you commit to anything.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ADJD will and an ADGM will?

An ADJD will is registered with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department under Abu Dhabi law. It is available to non-Muslims and, in certain circumstances, to Muslim foreign residents who meet specific eligibility criteria. An ADGM will is registered with the Abu Dhabi Global Market under a common law framework based on English law principles; it is available to non-Muslims only. The ADGM does not provide a probate service; probate is processed through the ADJD. Our assessment helps identify which route is suitable for your circumstances.

Can I appoint a guardian for my children through my will?

Yes. A will is the primary legal instrument for appointing a guardian and custodian for minor children. You may also appoint a temporary custodian to act in the interim period pending formalisation of permanent arrangements. Without a will, guardianship decisions are made by the courts at their discretion. We recommend that both parents prepare wills with clear guardianship and custodianship provisions. However, courts retain ultimate discretion, and these provisions should be drafted with an understanding of how courts approach such decisions.

Is the free assessment legally binding?

No. The free assessment is a preliminary screening tool designed to help you understand your options and determine whether our standard service is suitable. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. We include this clarification because the assessment is based solely on the information you provide at that stage, and a fuller picture may emerge during the drafting process. If you proceed to the paid stage, formal engagement terms apply.

How long does the process take?

Timelines vary depending on complexity and the completeness of your documents. For straightforward matters, the process from assessment to registered will can typically be completed within a few weeks. We provide a more specific estimate once we have reviewed your responses.

Do I need a will if I already have one in my home country?

It depends. A foreign will may be recognised in the UAE, but enforcement can involve additional procedural steps, translation requirements, and delays. In many cases, a UAE-registered will provides a faster and more certain path for your UAE assets. Whether you need a separate UAE will depends on the nature and location of your assets, and we address this in our assessment.

What documents will I need to provide?

We will ask you for all necessary documents during the drafting phase. The specific requirements depend on the type of will and the chosen registration route. We provide a clear checklist once your matter has been assessed.

Can a UAE will cover assets held outside the UAE?

A UAE will can include provisions relating to overseas assets. However, whether those provisions are recognised and enforced depends on the laws of the relevant jurisdiction. For significant overseas assets, we recommend obtaining local legal advice to ensure full coverage.

What if my situation changes after registration?

You should review and update your will following any major life event: marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, acquisition of significant assets, or a change in your choice of executor or guardian. We assist with amendments and re-registration as needed.

Is this service suitable for Muslim clients?

Yes. There are two principal routes, each with materially different outcomes.

Notary Public route: Muslim clients may prepare a will within the framework of Islamic succession law, which permits testamentary disposition of up to one-third of the net estate.

ADJD route: Muslim foreign residents who meet certain criteria relating to nationality, country of marriage, or form of marriage may be eligible to register a will with the ADJD under a regime that permits distribution of the entire estate without the one-third limitation. Our assessment identifies which route applies to your circumstances.

What if my spouse and I are of different religions or nationalities?

Where one spouse is Muslim and the other is not, the default position under UAE law is that persons of different religions do not inherit from each other on intestacy. Without a will, the surviving spouse may receive nothing from the deceased spouse’s estate. A will is the most effective way to address this.

For inter-faith couples more broadly, there may be religious or other laws that could limit inheritance in the absence of clear testamentary instructions. Similarly, where spouses hold different nationalities or one spouse holds multiple nationalities, a will with clearly expressed wishes and a defined applicable law helps prevent disputes in which heirs seek to apply whichever legal framework gives them the greatest advantage. Our assessment takes these factors into account.

Your will, handled properly.

Whether you are preparing a will for the first time or reviewing an existing arrangement, we can help you understand your options and take the right next step.

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