The Civil Transactions Law effective from June 2026 contains separate rules for succession and wills. It expressly applies UAE law to a foreigner’s will concerning UAE immovable property. Do not assume that choosing Iranian law settles every issue involving a Dubai property.
DIFC Courts wills have non-Muslim eligibility requirements. ADJD’s current guidance separately permits non-UAE citizens to register civil wills regardless of religion. These are different routes: confirm eligibility, governing rules and asset coverage before selecting either or using a standard template.
Prepare an inventory of assets, debts, registered owners and intended beneficiaries, including assets outside the UAE. Coordinate any existing foreign wills so a new document does not unintentionally revoke them. Registration does not remove estate debts or the later administration and transfer procedures.
A practical next step
Bring ownership documents, family details and all existing wills to an estate-planning review. Ask for a written explanation of the chosen route and which assets it covers.
Official sources
Civil Transactions Law — Article 17
Personal Status Law — applicability and estates
Civil Personal Status Law — Articles 1, 11 and 13
Wills FAQ — eligibility and asset coverage
Civil Family Court — civil wills eligibility
Adapted from a photo post shared on Dr. Bahrami’s Instagram and checked against official sources. This page provides the updated guidance.