Expats – Make the right Will whilst in the UAE

Many British people spend lengthy periods living and working abroad. They form ‘expat’ communities in many parts of the world. One increasingly popular destination is Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

So if you are living in Dubai, for example, do you know what happens there if you die intestate? Are you confident that your estate will not be dealt with underSharia Law?

Just as in the UK you are wise to have Will in place. In Dubai you may may that not having a Will and not planning for the event could have very serious consequences, especially for women and female descendants.

Be careful how you go about having a ‘local’ Will in Dubai, as the local court may interpret this as a request to be dealt with by Sharia law. If it is only dealing with property owned in Dubai and you have another Will for your assets in the UK that could be the best course of action. It all depends on your circumstance and the exact outcome remains unclear.

Sharia Law favours distribution of the estate to male children and smaller amounts pass to a female spouse and female children.

As always take good advice and make the right Will. Especially if you live in places like Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the UAE.