Inheritance Rights in UAE
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Inheritance in the UAE is governed by Sharia law by default, but non-Muslims now have legal options to apply different rules:
- Sharia distribution: For Muslims, inheritance is distributed according to fixed shares. Male heirs generally receive twice the share of female heirs of the same degree. Spouses, children, and parents are primary beneficiaries.
- Will limitations (Muslims): A Muslim can only bequeath up to one-third of their estate by will. The remaining two-thirds must follow Sharia distribution rules.
- Non-Muslim opt-out: Since the 2022 amendments, non-Muslim residents can choose to have their home country's inheritance law applied instead of Sharia. They can also distribute their entire estate by will.
- DIFC Wills: Non-Muslims can register wills with the DIFC Wills Service Centre, which is recognised by UAE courts across all seven emirates and allows full testamentary freedom. Will registration costs start from around AED 7,500 for a single will.
- Bank accounts and property: Without a valid will, a non-Muslim's UAE bank accounts and property may be frozen until a court determines the heirs under Sharia rules.
When does it apply?
- You are a UAE resident (citizen or expatriate) with assets in the UAE.
- Muslims are subject to Sharia inheritance rules automatically.
- Non-Muslims can opt out by registering a will with the DIFC Wills Service Centre or through the ADJD.
What to Do If You Are a Non-Muslim Expatriate Who Needs a Will in the UAE
- Write a will — this is especially critical for non-Muslim expatriates. Without one, Sharia rules apply by default.
- Register your will with the DIFC Wills Service Centre (covers assets across all emirates) or with a notary public.
- Nominate guardians for minor children in your will — without this, the court decides guardianship.
- Keep your will updated when major life events occur (marriage, birth of a child, property purchases).
What should you NOT do?
- Do not assume your home country's will covers UAE assets — UAE courts may not recognise a foreign will without additional steps.
- Do not leave property or accounts solely in one spouse's name without a will — joint ownership is not automatically recognised in the same way as in Western countries.
- Do not delay — if a family member passes away without a will, assets can be frozen for months.
Common Questions
When does it apply — inheritance rights?
You are a UAE resident (citizen or expatriate) with assets in the UAE.Muslims are subject to Sharia inheritance rules automatically.Non-Muslims can opt out by registering a will with the DIFC Wills Service Centre or through the ADJD.
What should I do to protect my assets in the UAE as a non-Muslim expatriate without a will?
Write a will — this is especially critical for non-Muslim expatriates. Without one, Sharia rules apply by default.Register your will with the DIFC Wills Service Centre (covers assets across all emirates) or with a notary public.Nominate guardians for minor children in your will — without this, the court decides guardianship.Keep your will updated when major life events occur (marriage, birth of a child, property purchases).
What should you NOT do — inheritance rights?
Do not assume your home country's will covers UAE assets — UAE courts may not recognise a foreign will without additional steps.Do not leave property or accounts solely in one spouse's name without a will — joint ownership is not automatically recognised in the same way as in Western countries.Do not delay — if a family member passes away without a will, assets can be frozen for months.