A wake-up call for every expat: My story and the urgent need for a UAE will

For over a decade, Legal Inz has helped thousands of expats secure their legacies, from safeguarding children’s guardianship to protecting digital assets, property, and businesses

When Muhammad Tariq, founder of the UAE’s leading will-writing and legacy planning law firm, walked into a hospital for what he thought would be a routine check-up, he didn’t expect to face a life-threatening emergency surgery. Despite having helped thousands of clients create wills over more than a decade, he had never finalised his own.

“The first thing I thought of wasn’t the surgery itself,” he recalls, “it was my family. If I didn’t make it back, would they be protected?” That moment changed everything.

In his most recent podcast, Tariq opens up about facing his own mortality and why it pushed him to act immediately. He clears up common myths about Wills, explains the hidden risks of delay, and shares how a registered Will can save your loved ones from unnecessary legal and financial stress. This is a wake-up call for anyone building a life in the UAE.

Why every expat in the UAE needs a will?

Life in the UAE offers incredible opportunities, but inheritance laws here combine civil law and Sharia principles, making them very different from those in most expats’ home countries. Without a registered UAE Will, your assets, guardianship decisions, and even access to joint bank accounts are decided by the courts, often in ways you never intended.

Here’s what can happen without a Will:

• Joint bank accounts are frozen, even if both names are listed.

• Guardianship of minor children defaults to the paternal grandfather, with mothers needing court approval to access funds.

• Property, assets, and businesses may face costly delays or disputes.

A will is not just paperwork, it’s a clear plan that spares your family from uncertainty and ensures your wishes are respected.

Where to register your will in the UAE

The UAE has two main options:

DIFC Wills Service Centre

• Based on the common law, for non-Muslims with assets across the Emirates.

• English-language drafting, registration possible via video call.

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)

• Civil law; available to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

• Requires Arabic translation; generally, more cost-effective.

Beyond wills: Planning for business owners

For entrepreneurs, Wills are only part of the solution. While they address asset transfer, they still involve probate, which can delay business continuity. Tariq emphasises that foundations are often a better tool for business succession, operating much like trusts to provide governance and control without court delays.

Guardianship and minor children’s welfare

One of the most sensitive and misunderstood areas is guardianship. Without a Will:

• The court decides who becomes a guardian.

• Mothers may have custody but not financial control without court approval.

• Children’s inheritance is held by the court until they reach legal age.

With a will, you can nominate both permanent and temporary guardians, set conditions for fund access, and ensure your children’s welfare is protected without legal disputes.

Start early. Decide clearly. Leave no uncertainty

Making a will in the UAE doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right guidance, it can be completed quickly, affordably, and even entirely online. For over a decade, Legal Inz has helped thousands of expats secure their legacies, from safeguarding children’s guardianship to protecting digital assets, property, and businesses.

As Tariq says: “Wills aren’t about death; they're about love, responsibility, and making life easier for those you care about most.”

Creating a will in the UAE can be quick, affordable, and fully online. Whether you choose DIFC or ADJD or add a foundation for business continuity, the most important step is starting now.