Wills And Estate Planning In The UAE: What You Need To Know

Wills and estate planning are important considerations for anyone who wants to ensure the protection and distribution of their assets after death. In the United Arab Emirates, it is important to understand the laws and regulations surrounding wills and estate planning to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. 

Laws governing Wills and estate planning in the UAE:

The laws governing will in UAE and estate planning vary depending on the jurisdiction in which the deceased lived and owned assets. In general, UAE has two separate legal systems: a civil law system for citizens of the UAE and a common law system for expatriates.

Wills for expatriates:

For expatriates living in the UAE, a Will can be written according to the laws of their home country, provided that the Will does not contravene UAE law. This means that an expatriate can choose to have a Will written according to the laws of their home country, even if they live in the UAE.

Estate planning in the UAE:

Estate planning involves making arrangements for the distribution of your assets after death and taking steps to minimize tax liabilities and other costs. In the UAE, estate planning may include:

• The creation of a Will.
• Setting up trusts.
• Making arrangements to transfer assets to your beneficiaries.

Choosing an executor:

An executor is responsible for managing the distribution of your assets after your death. It would help if you chose someone you trust to fulfil your wishes and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your Will.

Trusts in the UAE:

Trusts are a common tool for estate planning in the UAE, as they offer a way to transfer assets to beneficiaries while minimizing tax liabilities and other costs. Trusts can be used to provide financial support to your loved ones, to support a charity, or to achieve other estate planning goals.

Wills and estate planning are important considerations for anyone who wants to ensure the protection and distribution of their assets after death. By understanding the laws and regulations surrounding wills and estate planning in the UAE, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are taken care of after your passing.