Muslim Wills in Abu Dhabi: How to Register Your Sharia-Compliant Will with ADJD in 2026

💡 Why This Matters for Expat Families

Without a registered will, assets in the UAE are distributed under default Sharia rules — regardless of your home country’s laws or your personal family arrangements. This can result in unequal distribution among children, exclusion of non-Muslim spouses or partners, delayed probate proceedings, and costly family disputes. A registered ADJD will resolves all of these risks proactively.

Step 1 — Eligibility Check

ADJD will registration is available to non-Emirati Muslim expats, whether residents or non-residents with UAE-based assets. UAE nationals and GCC nationals are excluded — they remain governed by mandatory Sharia inheritance rules under UAE federal law.

Step 2 — Draft the Will

The will must be prepared in a bilingual (Arabic/English) format, with Arabic serving as the binding version. For a Sharia-compliant will, it must respect fixed heir shares (fara’id) and use the wasiyyah framework for any bequests to non-heirs. For a civil will with greater flexibility, a legal expert should advise on the available options under current ADJD practice.

Step 3 — Gather Your Documents

• Valid passport and/or Emirates ID
• Comprehensive list of UAE-based assets (real estate, bank accounts, investments)
• Completed bilingual will draft
• Proof of UAE residency (if applicable)
• Details of proposed guardians for minor children (if applicable)

Step 4 — Submit Your Application

Applications are submitted through the ADJD portal at www.adjd.gov.ae, typically authenticated via UAE Pass. You will upload a signed copy of the draft will along with all supporting documents.

Step 5 — Review & Payment

ADJD reviews the submitted will for legal compliance. The standard registration fee is approximately AED 950. Additional legal drafting, translation, and advisory fees apply separately (see the cost table below).

Step 6 — Video Call Appointment & Notarization

In 2026, identity verification and will confirmation are conducted via video call. During the appointment, the officer will verify your identity, read through the will with you, and confirm your understanding and consent.

Step 7 — Registration Complete

Upon successful notarization, you receive a certified copy of your registered will. The will becomes legally enforceable across the entire UAE. Registration can be updated or revised at any time by following the same process.

🇷🇺 Russian Investor with Abu Dhabi Real Estate

A Russian Muslim investor owns multiple Abu Dhabi properties. Without a registered will, default Sharia distribution could result in fragmented ownership among heirs who may disagree on management or sale. By registering a Sharia-compliant will with ADJD — and using wasiyyah provisions to fine-tune distribution — the investor ensures a smooth, dispute-free transfer of assets to the intended beneficiaries.

🇨🇳 Chinese High-Net-Worth Expat with Charitable Intentions

A Chinese Muslim expat wishes to direct one-third of their UAE estate to a charitable foundation. Using ADJD’s framework, the wasiyyah provision covers the charitable bequest (up to 1/3), while the remaining two-thirds are distributed according to Sharia among legal heirs. A bilingual will drafted by Vesta Solutions ensures the charitable intent is fully documented and enforceable.

🇬🇧 European Family with Minor Children

A European Muslim couple with two young children living in Abu Dhabi wants to appoint a specific guardian outside the default Sharia hierarchy. An ADJD-registered will with detailed guardianship clauses ensures their chosen guardian is legally recognized — avoiding court appointments or family conflicts in the event of the parents’ untimely passing.

🇪🇸 Spanish Residency Seeker with Cross-Border Assets

A Spanish Muslim investor holds assets in both the UAE and Spain. An ADJD will covers all UAE-based holdings, significantly reducing probate delays and jurisdictional confusion. Combined with estate planning in Spain, this ensures seamless cross-border asset transfer.