What Happens to UAE Property When the Owner Dies?

The Default Position — Sharia Law

UAE Federal Law applies Sharia inheritance rules to the estates of foreigners dying in the UAE unless they have registered a will. Under Sharia defaults:

• A wife inherits 1/8 of the estate (if children exist) or 1/4 (if no children)
• Sons inherit twice the share of daughters
• Non-Muslim heirs may face additional complications
• The property may be frozen pending court adjudication — sometimes for months or years

How to Protect Your Property

Option 1: DIFC Wills (recommended) The DIFC Wills Service allows non-Muslim expats to register a will under English law principles that governs their UAE assets (property and financial accounts). A DIFC will:

• Overrides the Sharia default
• Can leave property to any named beneficiary in any proportion
• Is enforceable in UAE courts
• Costs approximately AED 10,000–15,000 to register (lawyer + DIFC fees)

Option 2: Abu Dhabi Court Will A notarised will registered with Abu Dhabi courts. Less flexible than a DIFC will but recognised. Requires translation and notarisation. Less commonly used than DIFC for expats.

Option 3: Company Ownership Holding UAE property through a mainland UAE company or ADGM/DIFC company allows shares to pass under the company's jurisdiction of incorporation — avoiding UAE personal estate law entirely. Suitable for HNW investors with multiple properties.

Joint Ownership

Properties held jointly by spouses (both names on title deed) in UAE freehold zones do not automatically transfer to the survivor under UAE law. A DIFC will naming the survivor as sole beneficiary is still required to ensure clean transfer without court process.

DRE Advisory Note

Any non-Muslim expat purchasing UAE property should register a DIFC will before or shortly after purchase. The cost is modest relative to the asset value and the certainty it provides. District can refer buyers to specialist UAE estate planning lawyers who handle DIFC will registrations routinely.