Abu Dhabi to have registry of wills and probate for non-Muslims
abu dhabi — Non-Muslims owning assets in Abu Dhabi can register their will and decide on inheritance as they wish, according to a new decree passed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
The decision creating a registry of wills and probate for non-Muslims is aimed to offer legal protection for non-Muslims for their assets owned in Abu Dhabi, and also to establish Abu Dhabi as an ideal destination for residence and investment.
The new decree offers non-Muslims the freedom to select the appropriate method to write their will concerning disposal of their estate after their death.
The regulation of the registry of wills and probate for non-Muslims shall include procedures for registering wills in English language and making them available to the public in accordance with the principle of transparency. The data will include conditions relating to the testator,
The creation of the wills and probate registry for non-Muslims comes as a part of identifying the realistic needs of all sectors of society in the emirate of Abu Dhabi Yousef Saeed Al Ibri, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
and others related to will form, as well as rules concerning witnesses, jurisdictions and registration, keeping and archiving of wills.
This decree comes within the framework of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s efforts to establish an institutional infrastructure based on tolerance and acceptance of the other, while conforming to the legislative structure of UAE law and the country’s community culture.
The Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Counsel Yousef Saeed Al Ibri, stated that the creation of the wills and probate registry for non-Muslims comes as a part of identifying the realistic needs of all sectors of society in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and laying down the institutional and legislative mechanisms in order to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals and their various beliefs and ethnicities. He stressed that under the umbrella of the State Constitution in the UAE, foreigners are affirmed the enjoyment of rights and freedoms prescribed in international charters.
Counsel Al Ibri added that the decision will consolidate Abu Dhabi’s leading position as an ideal destination for residence and investment. In addition, this will have a positive impact on attracting people of distinguished expertise to work and live in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. He also indicated that the UAE is the first state regionally and the third globally in attracting international skilled foreign workforce from all over the world.
The registry also offers flexible legal options to assist non-Muslim families in the event of the death of the father or mother; in order to protect assets and properties, especially in the real estate sector and owned fixed assets in particular.