A Practical Guide to Wills, Guardianship and Estate Planning in the UAE

CVML

Published on March 17 , 2026

For expatriates, high net worth individuals, business owners, and families living in the UAE, building a life here often means accumulating assets across multiple jurisdictions, from real estate and company interests to savings and international investments.

What is less often considered is how those assets and, importantly, family arrangements would be managed under UAE law if no clear plan is in place.

This is not simply a legal technicality. In practice, the absence of a registered will can create immediate and unexpected complications at a time when clarity and continuity are most needed.

In the UAE, where no will is in place, estate administration is subject to local probate processes.

One of the most significant practical consequences is that bank accounts are typically frozen until court procedures are completed. For families, this can create immediate challenges, particularly where those funds are relied upon for everyday living expenses, mortgage payments, school fees or ongoing business commitments.

Where children are involved, the position can become even more sensitive. Without formally documented guardianship arrangements, decisions regarding their care may need to be determined through the courts, introducing an additional layer of uncertainty at an already difficult time.

For individuals with cross-border assets, including business interests and international holdings, the complexity can increase further. Different legal systems may need to be navigated in parallel, often leading to delays in the administration and distribution of assets.

Taken together, these are not isolated issues, they are interconnected considerations that require a structured and coordinated approach.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

1. Wills in the UAE

A properly drafted and registered will is the foundation of effective estate planning. In the UAE, this may include registration through the DIFC Wills Service Centre or other recognised channels, depending on individual circumstances. A will allows individuals to clearly set out how their assets should be distributed and ensures that their intentions are formally recognised within the applicable legal framework.

2. Guardianship and Family Protection

For families with minor children, documenting guardianship arrangements is a critical component of estate planning. A will enables individuals to appoint guardians and provide clear direction, helping to avoid uncertainty and ensuring that decisions are aligned with their wishes.

3. Business and Asset Structuring

For business owners and individuals with significant assets, estate planning extends beyond personal arrangements. Company shares, real estate holdings and international investments all require careful consideration to ensure continuity and minimise disruption.

4. Probate and Estate Administration

Understanding how estates are administered in practice is equally important. Without a clear structure in place, probate processes can take time and may involve multiple stages, particularly where assets span different jurisdictions.

Each of these elements forms part of a broader picture. Addressing them in isolation can leave gaps; taking a coordinated approach ensures that personal, family and business interests are aligned and protected.

For many individuals, putting these arrangements in place is something that is easy to defer. However, having a clear and legally robust structure is ultimately about providing certainty, both for yourself and for those who depend on you.

At CVML, we advise expatriates, HNWIs, families and business owners on UAE-specific and cross-border estate planning, with a focus on delivering clear, practical solutions tailored to each client’s circumstances.

We have developed a dedicated Wills package designed to make the process straightforward and efficient. This includes:

guidance on the most appropriate will structure in the UAE
preparation and drafting of the will
support with registration (including DIFC, where applicable)
consideration of cross-border assets and wider estate planning needs

Our approach is to simplify what can often feel like a complex process, ensuring that arrangements are both legally robust and aligned with your broader personal and business interests.

CONCLUSION

Estate planning in the UAE is not a single decision, but a series of connected considerations — from wills and guardianship to business interests and cross-border assets.

Putting a clear structure in place provides certainty, reduces the potential for disruption, and ensures that your intentions are understood and respected.

If you would like to discuss any element of this update in more detail, or to find out more about CVML’s Wills package, please reach out to your usual CVML contact, or email:

Perla Baaklini, Associate, CVML (p.baaklini@cvml.ae)