Why and How to Write a Will in Dubai

For many people, taking a decision to write a will in Dubai takes ages. It’s true, most people tend to ignore what they don’t want to see or do, and this is certainly true about writing a will. In fact, recent studies estimate that more than 60% of the global population has yet to write one, and the absence of this legal document is a big deal in the event of death.

But what does this mean exactly?

It means that writing a will in Dubai is not only necessary but also something that can help save your family and dependents immense frustration. However, before we know why, it’s important to better understand the principles and features of a will.

Quick Overview: Why You Should Write a Will in Dubai:

Writing a will in Dubai is much the same as anywhere else in the world. This important document helps protect your family and loved ones and ensure your estate goes to the right place. With this in mind, it’s especially important to write a will in Dubai if you have children or dependents that might depend on you in terms of financial support.

But What is a Will?:

Your will is a legal document that states the person(s) who will inherit your estate and how it will be divided.

The person or entity in charge of organizing your estate is also stated, along with other instructions such as what type of funeral you would prefer or maybe the individual (s) who should take responsibility for your children.

These are just a few examples, and there’s really no end of instructions that you can state on a will in Dubai.

What to Keep in Mind when Writing a Will in Dubai:

While writing a will in Dubai is essential, there are just as many reasons to ensure your will’s validity and accuracy. A will is a legal instruction which means if you fail to prepare this document correctly, it might not be valid. Inheritance tax is also due to whatever property or money you leave behind, which further complicates writing a will in Dubai. This is why lawyers are usually recruited to compile a will and ensure that everything is in the right place – right down to the very last detail.

Writing a will in Dubai is not as complicated as it might sound. For instance, no special paper or stamps are required for writing a will. It’s really just a case of identifying what you own and to whom you would like your estate to go. After that, you can decide which way to have the will written, but while it’s possible to write your own will in Dubai, most people contact a lawyer to ensure no mistakes or oversights.

Types of Wills in Dubai:

There are two types of wills in Dubai

Dubai Courts Will
Wills registered through Dubai court apply to all Emirates. They have to be translated to Arabic only, and Muslims can submit wills as well.

Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) Will
Only non-Muslims can apply for a will through DIFC. It is significantly more costly than Dubai courts will.
Wills don’t have to be translated. But unlike Dubai court wills, Wills registered with the DIFC only apply to Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.

Steps of Writing a Will in Dubai:

While you can do the entire process alone, we recommend using a consultant to verify various documents, and processing is easier with such agencies. Ensure that they are specialized in this field and always go through a trusted reference.
There are certain steps of writing a Will in Dubai that we are summarizing below:

Drafting the Will
This is the most important step of the process; therefore, it is highly recommended to get the will drafted with a professional’s help in the UAE, preferably a lawyer. Drafting your will in the wrong way might lead to long legal battles for your loved ones. Most specialized consultants offer this service as an add-on, and costs can range anywhere around AED 3,000 to AED 5,000.

Translation to Arabic
As mentioned in the previous section, only wills registered to Dubai courts need to be translated to Arabic in case you are registering your will to DIFC, then no need for the translation.

Registering the Will
After drafting your will and translating it (if necessary), you need to submit it to the court.

How Much Does it Cost to Write a Will in Dubai?:

The cost of writing a will in Dubai might vary depending on whether it is a single will or a mirror will (will for the husband and wife).
While Dubai court wills might cost somewhere around AED 8,000 (total of drafting, translating, and submitting), DIFC wills cost might reach around AED 16,000.

Final Thoughts - Why You Need to Write a Will in Dubai:

As for why you should write a will in Dubai, it’s the very same reason as the rest of the world. Without a will, the law will essentially decide what to do with your estate.

Now, that’s not to say your possessions will be distributed to random people but rather to explain the importance of being specific. Because without a will, the law will usually divide and share your estate in a standard way that may not be to your approval. And while you might not want to think about this right now, it’s important to remember that most people ignore what they don’t want to see and then fail to recognize the great importance this document will have for their family and loved ones after they die.