Legal Services
Legal Solutions / Legal Documents
Maryanne Advisors understands the businesses and individuals requirements for legal documents required in UAE for smooth operations of business and securing the future of loved ones in form of wills
Our team can assist with preparation of Wills , Power of Attorneys , Contracts drafting and Notarization.
Securing Your Legacy: The Cost and Value of Making a Will in Dubai
In Dubai, the cost of creating a will varies based on elements like the kind of will to establish (UAE local courts or DIFC wills), the complexity of assets, and if the will includes local or global goods. Basic wills typically start at around AED 2,500 to AED 7,500 while more complex or specialized wills may cost more. Other costs could include: registration fees with the relevant authorities (for example the DIFC Wills Service Centre).
Understanding Wills in Dubai
Wills enable non-Muslims living in the UAE or who hold assets in the country to decide what will happen to their assets when they die. The writing of wills and testaments makes sure that your desires are legally in place and honored.
Wills registered with the Notary Public probate via Dubai Courts and wills registered with the DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre probate at DIFC Courts. They are then validated to be enforced in the emirate by Dubai Courts as DIFC probate orders.
In Dubai, the wills have to be drafted in English and Arabic and can be registered under two primary systems:
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Notary Public (Dubai Courts)
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DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre
Process of Drafting a Will
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Drafting the Will
Your UAE Will(s) Drafts will be ready within four (4) working days from the date of order. -
Review, and Changes
Review the document once the draft Will(s) have been provided to you. We shall amend based on your advice and will submit the finalised draft after your approval if there are any changes required. -
Notary Public Registration
Can the final Will(s) be registered at the Notary Public in Dubai? The whole process takes only about 30 minutes to complete on site in the Notary Public offices.
Power of Attorney in Dubai and the UAE
For those seeking a way to delegate authority in both their personal and business life in the UAE, the Power of Attorney is a critical instrument.
Knowing the types of POAs, their general purpose, and the process for notarizing one will help ensure that it is legally binding, and that it serves the intended purpose well.
Different Types of Power of Attorney in the UAE
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Personal Power of Attorney
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Corporate Power of Attorney
Notarization of Power of Attorney in the UAE
POAs must be notarized to be legally valid. There are Two Ways to Get Notarization:
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Physical Notarization:
The principal goes to a Notary Public office in person to sign and register the POA. -
E-Notarization:
In Emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, notarization is carried out remotely using video conferencing tools like Cisco WebEx or BOTIM. E-notarized POAs are issued digitally and are valid across the UAE.
Notarizing a Power of Attorney Outside the UAE
The following must be done in order for POAs from outside the UAE to be effective locally:
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Have the POA notarized by a local Notary Public.
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Authenticate it with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country.
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Get it Attested By UAE Embassy
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This document must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after arriving in the UAE.
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Have the POA translated into Arabic by a licensed translator accredited by the UAE Ministry of Justice
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Final attestation from the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Digital Notarization in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
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Abu Dhabi E-Notarization
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) provides e-notarization via platforms such as Cisco WebEx. Verification requires a valid Emirates ID and the document is issued electronically.
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Dubai E-Notarization
n Dubai, e-notarization is a similar process to regular notarization, and is often performed remotely through video conferencing tools. The notarized POA is issued in a digital format by the Dubai Courts, and can be used all over the UAE.
Power of Attorney ( POA ) is a significant legal document that enables individuals and businesses in the UAE to appoint someone to represent them in specific or all matters. Power of Attorney’s are used extensively to authorize transactions, legal representation and business operations throughout the Emirates.
FAQ's
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Can I Create My Own Will? (Notarized Will)
Yes, you can write a will yourself and get it notarized. Nonetheless, it is very important that your will meets the UAE legal requirements in terms of its content, wording, and being translated into English and Arabic. It is therefore highly recommended that you seek professional legal advice to avoid mistakes or disputes.
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How to Write a Will or Living Will
When you use a will, you will number your things, whom you want them to go to, and who you want to administer the process. A living will, in contrast, details your healthcare wishes should you become unable to speak for yourself. It is less common in Dubai, but it's best to consult a legal expert to ensure it's compliant with local laws. By ensuring that you register your will correctly, you can be sure that your assets are protected, as well as the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your affairs are in order for you or your family.
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Can Muslims have wills in the UAE?
Yes, Muslims in the UAE can make wills, however their inheritance is based under the Sharia law. But unlike wills for expats, which allows non-Muslims to allocate their inheritance the way they see fit, wills for Muslims in the UAE can outline precise wishes but are still written as per Sharia inheritance laws.
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Do expats need a will in the UAE?
Yes, wills for expats in UAE are recommended so that assets are distributed accordingly as per their wishes. If there is no will, local laws — in particular Sharia law is applied which can complicate inherited wealth for non-Muslim expatriates. Drafting wills gives expats reassurance that loved ones and assets will be taken care of, with legal cover to avoid both complications and disputes.
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What are the advantages of registering Wills in Dubai?
Appoint Beneficiaries - Distribute your assets according to your wishes and avoid Shariah Law. Minor Guardianship - Appoint guardians for minors under 21. Executors - Appoint trusted executors to enforce your Will. Specific Instructions - Leave specific instructions for personal affairs. Seamless Probate - Dubai Courts handle the probate process smoothly and efficiently. Legal Certainty - Offers clarity, protection, and peace of mind.