Alan Wells Business Consultant
DIFC Will vs ADJD Will – What should you choose?
DIFC Will vs ADJD Will - The What, The Why, The Which
If you plan to register your will in the UAE, choosing the appropriate jurisdiction depends on your religion, asset location, and preferred legal framework.
The UAE offers two most popular registration options for residents and non-residents:
- DIFC Courts Wills (offered by the Dubai International Financial Centre)
- ADJD Wills (offered by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department)
Before registering a will in the UAE, it’s crucial to understand the differences between DIFC Courts Wills and ADJD Wills. These systems provide structured legal mechanisms for estate planning but vary in jurisdiction, eligibility, costs, and enforcement.
DIFC Exclusive to Non-Muslims While ADJD Serves All Faiths
Significant Cost Variance: AED 5,000-15,000 vs AED 950-1,900
DIFC Covers Dubai Assets While ADJD Spans All Seven Emirates
DIFC Operates in English vs ADJD’s Arabic Documentation Requirements
DIFC Requires Two Witnesses While ADJD Has No Witness Requirement
DIFC Can Cover International Assets Unlike ADJD’s UAE-Only Focus
Table of Content
- Which Court Should You Choose for Your Will?
- What to Know Before Registering Your Will in DIFC Or ADJD?
- Eligibility: Who Can Register?
- Language Requirements
- Cost Comparison
- Types of Wills Available
- Witness and Executor Requirements
- Probate Process and Enforcement
- International Recognition & Asset Coverage
- Final Decision: Which Will Is Best for You?
Which Court Should You Choose for Your Will?
Choosing the right will registration court in the UAE depends on jurisdiction, eligibility, cost, and legal framework.
✅ Choose DIFC Wills If:
✔ You are non-Muslim.
✔ Your assets are in Dubai or worldwide.
✔ You prefer a common law system with English-language documentation.
✔ You need a will that may cover international assets.
✔ You are comfortable with higher costs for structured probate.
✅ Choose ADJD Wills If:
✔ You are Muslim or non-Muslim.
✔ Your assets are spread across all seven emirates.
✔ You want a cost-effective estate planning solution.
✔ You are comfortable with Arabic documentation (translation required).
✔ You prefer a simpler, no-witness registration process.
✔ ADJD wills enable expat wills as well as sharia compliant wills in the UAE
What to Know Before Registering Your Will in DIFC Or ADJD?
Legal Framework and Jurisdiction
DIFC Wills: Common Law System with Limited Jurisdiction
The DIFC Wills Service Centre was established by Resolution No. 4 of 2014 and reinforced by Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017. DIFC Wills function under a common law system influenced by English legal principles, providing a familiar legal framework for expatriates.
However, the jurisdiction of DIFC Wills is limited:
✅ Recognized and enforced primarily in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah courts.
🚫 For assets in other emirates, enforcement may require additional legal steps.
ADJD Wills: UAE Civil Law System with Broader Coverage
ADJD Wills operate under the UAE federal civil law system, specifically Abu Dhabi Law No. 14/2021 on Civil Marriage and Regulation 8/2022.
Key jurisdictional differences:
✅ Covers all seven emirates in the UAE, unlike DIFC Wills which covers UAE and worldwide assets.
🚫 While ADJD claims nationwide enforcement, it has strongest recognition in Abu Dhabi courts.
Key Takeaway:
- DIFC Wills offer a common law approach but are best suited for assets in the UAE and Worldwide.
ADJD Wills follow the UAE civil law system and offer coverage across the entire UAE.
Eligibility: Who Can Register?
| Factor | DIFC Wills | ADJD Wills |
| Religion | Only for Non-Muslims | Open to Both Muslims and Non-Muslims |
| Residency | Available to UAE residents & non-residents | Available to UAE residents & non-residents |
| Visitors | Yes, can register remotely | Yes, can register remotely |
🚀 ADJD Wills are more inclusive, as they allow both Muslims and non-Muslims to register, whereas DIFC Wills are restricted to non-Muslims.
Language Requirements
| Factor | DIFC Wills | ADJD Wills |
| Language | English | Arabic (or translated) |
| Translation Required? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes, if not in Arabic |
📌 DIFC Wills are drafted in English, which is an advantage for expatriates.
📌 ADJD Wills must be in English Arabic, requiring translation for non-Arabic speakers.
Cost Comparison
| Type of Will | DIFC Courts Wills | ADJD Wills |
| Single Will | AED 5,000 – 10,000 | AED 950 |
| Mirror Will (Couples) | AED 7,500 – 15,000 | AED 1,900 |
💰 ADJD Wills are significantly cheaper than DIFC Wills, making them a cost-effective choice.
Get Free Consultation: Discuss Pricing Today!
Types of Wills Available
DIFC Will Options
DIFC Courts offer five specialized will types:
- Full Will – Covers all UAE assets & appoints guardians.
- Guardianship Will – Focuses on guardianship of minors.
- Property Will – Covers up to 5 real estate properties in the UAE.
- Business Owners Will – Covers up to 5 UAE-based company shares.
- Financial Assets Will – Covers up to 10 UAE bank/brokerage accounts.
ADJD Will Options
ADJD Wills provide two primary options:
- Single Will – Covers assets & guardianship.
- Mirror Will – Designed for couples with joint estate planning.
📌 DIFC Wills offer more customized options, while ADJD Wills follow a simpler structure.
Witness and Executor Requirements
| Factor | DIFC Wills | ADJD Wills |
| Witnesses Required? | ✅ Yes (2 witnesses) | ❌ No witnesses required |
| Executor Appointment? | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory |
🔍 ADJD Wills have a simpler registration process, as they do not require witnesses.
Probate Process and Enforcement
DIFC Will Probate Process
- Probate applications are handled by DIFC Courts.
- Grant of Probate is issued, allowing the executor to manage assets.
ADJD Will Probate Process
- Probate applications go through Abu Dhabi Courts.
Grant of Probate is issued for asset distribution.
International Recognition & Asset Coverage
| Factor | DIFC Wills | ADJD Wills |
| Covers International Assets? | ✅ Possible (case-dependent) | ❌ UAE assets only |
| Covers All UAE Assets? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, but visitors’ wills only apply to UAE assets |
🌍 DIFC Wills may be recognized internationally, depending on local laws.
🇦🇪 ADJD Wills apply only to UAE assets.
Final Decision: Which Will Is Best for You?
Decide which court meets your requirements for estate planning
🔹 Choose DIFC Wills if you have assets in Dubai and prefer English-language documentation under a common law system. Click here to view DIFC Wills template
🔹 Choose ADJD Wills if your assets are spread across multiple emirates and you want a more affordable estate planning option. Click to view ADJD Sample will template
⚖ Still unsure? Consulting a will-writing service professional can help you make the best choice for your estate planning needs.
Get Free Consultation: Discuss Pricing Today!
Written By
Business Consultant
Reading Duration:
10 Min Read
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