Digital Wills in Dubai Are They Legal and How Do They Work?

As the world continues to embrace digital transformation, it’s no surprise that even one of the most traditional legal processes, Will writing, has gone digital. In a city like Dubai, where technology and legal innovation go hand in hand, Digital Wills in Dubai have emerged as a practical and legally valid solution for residents and non-residents alike.

But what exactly is a digital Will? Is it legally recognised in Dubai? And how does one go about creating one? Let’s understand it further:

Are Digital Wills Legal in Dubai?

Yes, digital Wills are legally recognised in Dubai, provided they are created and registered through the appropriate legal authorities that permit digital processing and remote registration.

Currently, two key entities in the UAE facilitate the legal registration of Wills through secure digital platforms:

1. DIFC Wills Service Centre (WSC)

The DIFC Wills Service Centre is specifically designed for non-Muslim expatriates. Operating under common law principles, it allows individuals to:

• Freely distribute their assets according to personal wishes, 
• Appoint guardians for minor children, 
• And avoid the default application of Sharia law to their estate. 

DIFC offers a streamlined digital process, where the Will can be drafted, reviewed, signed, and registered entirely online through secure video conferencing tools.

2. Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)

The ADJD provides Will registration services for both Muslims and non-Muslims, offering separate frameworks depending on religious and personal requirements. Key features include:

• Bilingual registration (Arabic and English), 
• Recognition across all Emirates, 
• And accessibility for UAE residents and non-residents alike. 

Unlike DIFC Wills, which apply to Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, Wills registered with ADJD are enforceable throughout the UAE, making them a suitable option for individuals with assets in multiple Emirates.

A Permanent Legal Framework

Remote Will registration in the UAE was initially introduced as a response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to its efficiency, accessibility, and legal robustness, it has since become a permanent and reliable legal service.

 

How Do Digital Wills Work?

Creating a digital Will in Dubai involves a structured, secure, and legally compliant process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Determine the Right Authority

Your religion, residency status, and preferences will help determine whether to register your Will with the DIFC Wills Service Centre or the ADJD.

Step 2: Engage a Legal Professional

While it’s possible to prepare a Will yourself, it is highly advisable to work with a licensed legal expert or a trusted Will drafting service. They ensure your Will complies with local laws and accurately reflects your intentions.

Step 3: Draft the Will

You can choose from several types of Wills:

• Full Will: Covers all your assets and guardianship wishes. 
• Property Will: Specific to real estate holdings in the UAE. 
• Guardianship Will: Appoints legal guardians for minor children. 

DIFC Wills must be drafted in English, while ADJD Wills require Arabic, or a bilingual version.

Step 4: Book a Remote Registration Appointment

Once the draft is finalised, you can schedule a video appointment with the respective authority. During the session:

• Your identity is verified. 
• You confirm and electronically sign the Will. 
• The Will is officially registered and stored in the authority’s digital records. 

Step 5: Secure Storage

The registered Will is stored securely in the legal registry and is fully enforceable under UAE law.

What Are the Benefits of Digital Wills?

The move toward digital Wills isn’t just about convenience—it offers tangible advantages, especially in an international city like Dubai.

1. Convenience Without Compromise

You can prepare and register your Will from anywhere in the world. No need for repeated physical appointments or long waits.

2. Legally Secure and Recognised

Digital Wills registered with DIFC or ADJD carry full legal weight and are accepted by the courts in the UAE.

3. Ideal for Expats and Non-Residents

Non-Muslim expatriates who may own property, businesses, or bank accounts in the UAE can use digital Wills to ensure their assets are distributed according to their personal wishes, not Shariah law (unless they opt in).

4. Guardian Appointment for Children

A key feature in digital Wills, especially through DIFC, is the ability to legally appoint interim and permanent guardians for minor children in case both parents pass away.

5. Easy to Update

Life changes, your Will should too. Digital Wills are much easier to amend and update than traditional paper-based ones.

As Dubai continues to modernise its legal and administrative systems, digital Wills have emerged as a secure, accessible, and legally secure option for estate planning. Whether you’re an expat protecting your property, a parent ensuring the future of your children, or an investor with assets in the UAE, creating a digital Will is a smart and forward-thinking step.

With the right guidance and through proper channels, the entire process can be completed from the comfort of your home, efficiently, professionally, and legally.

If you haven’t yet created your Will, now is the time to take action, digitally and securely.