03/07/2026
As we know both UAE’s infrastructure and laws are ever evolving.
Initially all UAE residents, expats and nationals alike came under Sharia law -being the law of the land for all legal matters including inheritance distribution.
As the laws evolved, Wills were introduced, initially for asset protection exclusively for expat non-Muslims.
While writing a Will was still available only to non-Muslims, towards the end of 2018, the UAE introduced Foundations. This structure is specifically designed to allow people of all communities including Muslims to hold and transfer assets in a way that worked for them, legally and within their values.
With UAE’s forward-thinking rule enhancements, a few years later, in 2022, Wills were also introduced for expat Muslims in the UAE.
The Will & Foundation structures together have made passing down legacies comfortable for members of all communities including nationals.
So today, the conversation is no longer about whether a solution exists. It is about what suits a family’s circumstances.
Based on assets, jurisdictions and long-term perspective, we are able to guide families towards the structure that serves them best.