What happens to a non-Muslim’s estate without a will in the UAE?

Under federal civil law, half generally goes to a surviving spouse and the rest is split equally between the children. Heirs can ask the court to apply the deceased’s home-country law instead.

Are joint bank accounts frozen when someone dies in the UAE?

They can be. Banks often freeze accounts, sometimes including joint accounts, until a court confirms the heirs.

Who gets custody of children if a parent dies without a will in the UAE?

A court decides who looks after children who are minors. A registered will lets parents name guardians in advance.

Does my home-country will work in the UAE?

It may be recognised, but using it can be slower and less certain. A UAE-registered will for UAE assets is usually smoother.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in the UAE?

In short

For non-Muslims, federal civil law generally gives half to a spouse and splits the rest equally between the children.
For Muslims, Sharia rules set fixed shares for heirs.
Bank accounts, even joint ones, can be frozen until a court confirms the heirs.
A court decides who looks after children who are minors.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. How the rules apply depends on your nationality, religion and assets.

The short answer

Without a registered will, your UAE assets are distributed under default inheritance rules, your bank accounts can be frozen while the court process runs, and a court decides who looks after your children. A registered will replaces most of that uncertainty with your own choices.

For non-Muslims: the federal civil law default

Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status, in force since February 2023, sets the default for non-Muslims who die without a will:

Half the estate goes to a surviving spouse.
The rest is split equally between the children, with no difference between sons and daughters.
If there are no children, parents and then siblings inherit under the law’s order.

Heirs can also ask the court to apply the law of the deceased’s home country, with supporting documents.

For Muslims: Sharia rules

Muslim residents’ estates are generally distributed under Sharia, which sets fixed shares for different heirs. A will can usually only direct part of the estate, so specific advice is important.

Bank accounts can be frozen

Banks typically freeze accounts when they learn of a death, including joint accounts in some cases, until a court confirms who the heirs are. That can take months, which is hard on a family still paying rent and school fees.

Property and company shares

UAE property and shares in a UAE company form part of the estate. Transferring them needs the court process to finish, and a business can find its bank access, license renewals and decisions held up in the meantime. See wills for business owners.

Who looks after your children

If there’s no recognised arrangement, a court decides who looks after children who are minors, and it may not be the person you would have chosen. A guardianship will lets you name guardians in advance.

How a will changes this

A will registered with the DIFC Courts or the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department lets you choose your beneficiaries, executors and guardians. Read how to make a will in the UAE, or start your will application.