SAMPLE WILL FOR NON MUSLIMS

Need a Sample Will in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Your Complete Guide to Non-Muslim Will Templates [2025 Update]

Will Samples Available:

DIFC Will Format
Abu Dhabi Non-Muslim Will Template

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Overview of Wills in Dubai for Non-Muslims

Creating a will is one of the most critical legal documents for protecting your legacy in the UAE. For non-Muslim residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, properly structured and carefully crafted templates that align with both civil law and local regulations are not just important—they’re essential to prevent the automatic application of Islamic Shariah law to your estate.

Quick Facts About UAE Wills:

  • Valid for all non-Muslim residents
  • Covers both mainland and free zone assets
  • Available in English and Arabic
  • Protects inheritance rights
  • UAE civil law requirements
  • Local legal regulations
  • DIFC framework standards
  • Abu Dhabi court protocols

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through professionally crafted will templates specifically designed for non-Muslim expatriates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These templates comply with UAE legal requirements while ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

The templates below provide a basic structure, but independent legal advice is recommended to ensure the will meets your needs.

DIFC WILL | Form of Will 1: Property and Guardianship

I. Basic Details
  • Full Name: [Your Full Name]
  • Address: [Your Full Address]

Declaration:

  • I declare that I am not Muslim and have never been a Muslim.
II. Scope of the Will
  • Applicable Assets: This will covers both my immovable (real estate) and movable property located in:
    • [The United Arab Emirates (“my UAE Estate”)] or
      • [Insert other geographical scope if necessary]

Note: Consult with a legal advisor to confirm the will’s validity across different jurisdictions.

Learn more about property and assets in Dubai wills

III. Revocation of Previous Wills
  • I revoke all previous wills and testamentary dispositions to the extent that they relate to:
    • [My UAE Estate] or
    • [Insert other geographical scope]

Learn more about property and assets in Dubai wills

IV. Appointment of Executor and Trustee
  • Executor: The executor is the person responsible for managing the estate and ensuring that all instructions in this will are followed.
    • Executor/Trustee Name(s): [Executor’s Full Name] [(also known as [Alias or Nickname])]

The executor’s role includes handling debts, distributing assets to beneficiaries, and addressing any expenses associated with the estate.

Learn more about the role of an executor in a will

V. Appointment of Guardian for Minor Children
  • I appoint [my [husband/wife] or the children’s [father/mother]] as the guardian of my child(ren) upon my death, unless legal issues affect their guardianship eligibility.
    • If my [husband/wife or the children’s [father/mother]] predeceases me, I appoint [ ] to be the [interim and permanent or (only) permanent] guardian(s) of my child(ren) during their minority.

Guardians are responsible for the care and welfare of minor children. If no guardian is appointed, a court may decide on guardianship.

Learn more about appointing guardians for minor children in Dubai

VI. Specific Gifts
  • I leave the following specific gifts to designated individuals:
    • [Description of specific gift, e.g., “My gold watch to my brother John Smith”]

Specific gifts may include money, property, or personal items. They are distributed before the residuary estate.

Learn more about specific gifts in wills

VII. Instructions for Executors
  1. Payment of Debts and Expenses:
    My executor shall pay all debts, funeral expenses, administrative fees, and other liabilities from my estate.
  2. Distribution of Residuary Estate:
    The remaining estate, known as the residuary estate, will be distributed to beneficiaries as per my instructions.

Learn more about executor duties and residuary estate distribution

VIII. Residuary Estate Distribution
  • Any remaining assets, known as the residuary estate, will be distributed as follows:
    • [Residuary gifts and instructions]

The residuary estate consists of all assets left after debts, expenses, and specific gifts have been handled.

Learn more about residuary estate in wills

IX. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
  1. Governing Law:
    This will is governed by the laws and rules of the Dubai International Financial Centre, including the DIFC Wills and Probate Rules.
  2. Jurisdiction:
    The DIFC Courts have exclusive jurisdiction in any proceedings involving rights or obligations under this will.

Learn more about DIFC jurisdiction and governing law

Signatures

Signed by [Name] to confirm the terms of this will, in the presence of witnesses present at the same time, who each signed this will in my presence.

Signature of Testator: ______________________________

Date: ______________________________

Witness Signatures ______________________________

1st Witness Signature: ______________________________

1st Witness Name: ______________________________

1st Witness Address: ______________________________

2nd Witness Signature: ______________________________

2nd Witness Name: ______________________________

2nd Witness Address: ______________________________

This will is void if the Testator becomes Muslim at any time before death.

DIFC WILL| Form of Will 2: Guardianship Only

I. Basic Details
  • Full Name: [Your Full Name]
  • Address: [Your Full Address]

Declaration:

  • I declare that I am not Muslim and have never been a Muslim.
II. Appointment of Guardian for Minor Children
  • I appoint [my [husband/wife] or the children’s [father/mother]] to be the guardian of my child(ren) upon my death unless legal issues affect their eligibility.
    • If my [husband/wife or the children’s [father/mother]] predeceases me, I appoint [ ] to be the [interim and permanent or (only) permanent] guardian(s) of my child(ren) during their minority.

Learn more about appointing guardians in Dubai wills

III. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
  1. Governing Law:
    This will is governed by the laws and rules of the DIFC, including DIFC Wills and Probate Rules.
  2. Jurisdiction:
    The DIFC Courts have exclusive jurisdiction in matters involving rights or obligations under this will.

Learn more about DIFC jurisdiction for guardianship

Signatures

Signed by [Name] to confirm the terms of this will, in the presence of witnesses present at the same time, who each signed this will in my presence.

Signature of Testator: ______________________________

Date: ______________________________

Witness Signatures ______________________________

1st Witness Signature: ______________________________

1st Witness Name: ______________________________

1st Witness Address: ______________________________

2nd Witness Signature: ______________________________

2nd Witness Name: ______________________________

2nd Witness Address: ______________________________

This will is void if the Testator becomes Muslim at any time before death.

ADJD Sample Wills for Non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi

The ADJD offers a will framework for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi to ensure that assets and guardianship are managed according to their wishes. This will structure provides guidance for asset distribution and custodial designations under ADJD jurisdiction.

Learn more about ADJD rules for non-Muslim wills in Abu Dhabi.

Form of ADJD Will 1: Property and Guardianship
I. Basic Details
  • Full Name: [Your Full Name]
  • Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
  • Nationality: [Your Nationality]
  • Passport Number: [Your Passport Number]
  • UAE ID Number (if applicable): [Your UAE ID Number]
  • Residence Address in UAE: [Your Address in the UAE]
  • Declaration:
    • I am over the age of 21, sound of mind, and make this will freely.
II. Appointment of Executors and Trustees
  • Primary Executor:
    • I appoint [Executor’s Full Name, DOB, Passport Number, UAE ID (if applicable)] to act as my executor and trustee.
  • Alternate Executors:
    • If the primary executor is unable to fulfill this role, I appoint [Alternate Executor(s) with full details] as substitute(s).
III. Debts and Funeral Expenses
  • Directive:
    • My executor is instructed to pay all lawful debts, funeral expenses, and administrative fees from my estate.
IV. Insurance Proceeds
  • Insurance Beneficiaries:
    • All proceeds from my insurance policies shall be distributed as per my current nomination forms. If no nomination form exists, the insurance benefits will follow the instructions of this will.
V. Distribution of Estate Proceeds
  • Primary Beneficiary:
    • I direct that the entirety of my estate shall be given to [Primary Beneficiary’s Full Name, DOB, Passport Number, UAE ID (if applicable)].
  • Contingency Beneficiaries:

    • If the primary beneficiary does not survive me, the estate shall be distributed as follows:
      • [Percentage of Estate] to [Beneficiary Name, DOB, Passport, UAE ID]
VI. Guardianship for Minor Children
  • Permanent Guardian:
    • I appoint [Guardian’s Full Name, DOB, Nationality, Passport, UAE ID] as the permanent guardian of my minor children.
  • Interim Guardian:
    • If the primary guardian cannot fulfill this role, [Alternate Guardian’s Name and Details] will act as the interim guardian.
VII. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
  • Applicable Law:
    • This will follows the laws of the United Arab Emirates.
  • Interim Guardian:
    • All testamentary matters shall be settled in accordance with UAE law.
Signatures

Testator’s Signature:

Signature: ______________________________

Date: ______________________________

Witness Signatures

1st Witness Signature: ______________________________

1st Witness Name: ______________________________

1st Witness Address: ______________________________

2nd Witness Signature: ______________________________

2nd Witness Name: ______________________________

2nd Witness Address: ______________________________

This will is void if the Testator becomes Muslim at any time before death.

FAQs About Wills in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for Non-Muslims

Non-Muslim expatriates can include worldwide assets in their UAE will. However, for optimal protection, we recommend creating a comprehensive will that specifically addresses both UAE and international assets [ only in DIFC ], as cross-border enforcement may require additional legal steps.

A: Key Differences:

  1. Jurisdiction: DIFC mainly follows common law jurisdiction, while ADJD will primarily follow UAE federal law.
  2. Language: DIFC uses English exclusively; ADJD requires Arabic translation.
  3. Cost: ADJD registration is more economical than DIFC.
  4. Asset Coverage: DIFC covers global assets; ADJD limited to UAE assets.

[Note: Choose your template based on asset location, budget, and specific inheritance requirements]

While online templates can serve as a starting point, DIFC and ADJD will require specific formatting and content requirements. We recommend having your will template reviewed by a professional before registration to ensure compliance and validity.

Using non-UAE-specific templates risks your will being invalidated or subject to Sharia law. UAE-specific templates ensure compliance with local legal requirements, proper asset distribution, and recognition by UAE courts.

Disclaimer: These templates are for general guidance. For personalized advice and to ensure compliance with all legal requirements, please consult a professional for wills and probate laws in the UAE.

Legal Glossary

  • Executor: The person appointed to manage the estate and carry out the terms of the will.
    Read more about executors
  • Beneficiary: An individual or entity designated to receive assets from the estate.
    Read more about executors
  • Residuary Estate: The remainder of the estate after all debts, expenses, and specific gifts have been paid.
    Read more about executors
  • Testator: The person making the will.
    Read more about executors
  • Jurisdiction: The legal authority governing the administration of the will.
    Read more about executors

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