United Arab Emirates is experiencing various natural and man-made developments and is growing rapidly. Over the past decade all 7 emirates have claimed to have something amazing, from Burj Khalifa (Dubai) to Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Abu Dhabi), the UAE is in an aggressive growth cycle. That is why the UAE welcomes thousands of businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs and job seekers from all over the world to live, grow and invest.

While enjoying a tax-free income and luxurious lifestyle in the UAE, most expats tend to forget that the UAE is an Islamic country after all. No matter how liberal this country is with expats adapting westernized culture, being an Islamic state, the emirates strictly follow sharia law.

Unfortunately, death is a bitter truth of life and the question is, under what circumstances will you leave your family behind when you meet your last day?

What happens if you die without a will in the UAE?

1. Sharia law will apply regardless of your religion

2. Custody of the children can go to a family friend instead of the wife

3. Immediate bank accounts are frozen

4. Dependent visas are canceled

5. The benefits of insurance policies can be transferred to your estate instead of to the wife and children.

6. Former partners (husband/wife) can claim your hard-earned money

7. Children, the wife may not receive anything

8. The tax authorities can ask for 40% of your money

9. Family arguments because no one knows what is happening to them

Sharia law is quite complex and confusing, which is why drafting a will requires a professional with a special clause built into the document to address your specific wishes. A will is basically a document that states how his estate will be distributed after his death. You may already have a will drawn up in his home country, but such a will will not work in the UAE as the rules and regulations are different here. An expatriate is expected to have a separate will drawn up by the legal authorities for the DIFC judge or Dubai court to consider his wishes.

Writing a will in the United Arab Emirates is just one piece of the puzzle. There are some other aspects that one must consider in order to overcome the strict property distribution laws.

1. Have an offshore bank account

2. Obtain a life insurance policy and mention it in the Will, addressing the beneficiary

3. Set up a separate visa for your partner

4. List of your assists and responsibilities

5. Last but not least, STOP HIDING

There have been so many cases where the husband dies and when the wife goes to court to claim the property, she has very little or no knowledge about what her husband owns. Right now, millions of dollars sit unclaimed in Dubai banks. So instead of hiding, tell your partner about your assets, bank accounts, insurance policies and cash placement, above all, mention all your monetary possessions, personal and real property in your will with the respective names of the beneficiaries. This step will not only ensure the safe distribution of her estate, but it will also prevent family arguments because everyone will know who gets what.

Don’t leave things undone, act before it’s too late. A will is not just a document that protects your assets or monetary possessions, in fact, this simple piece of paper also protects your family when you are away.