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A complete guide to the ADJD will for Muslim expats: eligibility, AED 950 fees, guardianship rules, and the witness-free remote registration process in the UAE.
An ADJD will for Muslim expats lets non-GCC Muslim nationals register a civil will with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department to gain full testamentary freedom over their UAE assets, bypassing the fixed heirship shares that would otherwise apply under Sharia inheritance rules. This matters because, without a registered will, a Muslim expat’s UAE assets are distributed according to fixed shares set out in Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024, regardless of personal wishes. As of 2026, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court remains the only route for non-GCC Muslim expats to secure this level of control over how their property, bank accounts, and other UAE-based assets pass to their chosen beneficiaries.
- Non-GCC Muslim expats can register a civil will through the ADJD Civil Family Court under Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021.
- Registration costs AED 950 for a single will and AED 1,900 for mirror wills covering both spouses.
- The process is fully remote and witness-free; no witnesses are required at any stage.
- Without a registered will, UAE assets default to fixed heirship shares under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024.
- GCC nationals remain excluded and stay subject to mandatory Sharia-based estate rules.
The Sharia Default Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024
Before looking at how an ADJD will for Muslim expats changes the picture, it helps to understand what happens without one. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024, the UAE’s Personal Status Law, took effect on 15 April 2025 and governs marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance for Muslims across the country. You can read the official summary on the u.ae portal.
Fixed Heirship Shares
Under this law, a deceased Muslim’s estate is divided among heirs according to fixed shares. These shares are calculated by relationship (spouse, children, parents, and further relatives), and they apply automatically unless a valid will directs otherwise. Consequently, many expats find that the default distribution does not match their actual family circumstances or intentions.
The One-Third Bequest Limit
Article 173 of the law permits a Muslim to bequeath up to one-third of their estate, after debts and funeral costs, to beneficiaries of their choosing. However, anything beyond that one-third, or any bequest made directly to an existing heir, requires the consent of the other heirs under Article 193, except where there are no heirs or the spouse is the sole heir. This consent requirement can create friction, delay, and disputes precisely when a family needs clarity.
Cross-Religion Validity
Notably, Article 182 confirms that wills between people of different religions, including spouses and relatives, remain valid under the new law. This is a meaningful update for mixed-faith families living in the UAE, though it does not remove the one-third limit or the heir consent rule for Sharia-compliant wills.
How Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 Changes the Equation
Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 on Personal Status for Non-Muslim Foreigners, as amended by Law No. 15 of 2021, established the civil framework administered by the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. While the law was drafted with non-Muslim foreigners in mind, in practice the court permits Muslim expatriates from non-GCC countries to register civil wills under this same framework. This is the legal basis for what is commonly called an ADJD will for Muslim expats.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility rests on nationality, not religion. As the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court states, its services are open to “anyone, regardless of religion,” provided the applicant is “not a citizen of the UAE.” See the official page on the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website. In other words:
- Non-GCC Muslim expats: eligible for a civil will covering UAE assets.
- GCC nationals: not eligible; they remain subject to mandatory Sharia-based rules regardless of residency.
- UAE nationals: excluded from the civil framework entirely.
What Full Testamentary Freedom Means in Practice
Once registered, an ADJD civil will governs the testator’s UAE-based assets, including real estate, bank accounts, and financial interests, according to their own instructions rather than fixed heirship shares. This freedom does not extend to assets located outside the UAE, and it does not apply to GCC nationals. For broader context on how this compares with other UAE registries, see this comparison of DIFC, ADJD, and Dubai Courts wills.
What to Include in an ADJD Will for Muslim Expats
A well-drafted ADJD will for Muslim expats typically addresses several core elements. Because the court reviews each application individually, precision in drafting matters more than length.
Executors and Their Powers
The will should name one or more executors and define exactly what authority they hold, such as managing bank accounts, selling property, or settling debts before distribution. Clear executor powers reduce delays during probate and give the family a single point of accountability.
Guardianship of Minor Children
For parents with minor children, the will can nominate both a temporary guardian, who should be based in the UAE, and a permanent guardian for the longer term. This two-tier structure ensures a child is cared for immediately after a parent’s death while permanent arrangements are finalised.
Funeral Wishes, Bequests, and the Residuary Estate
Testators can also record funeral wishes, though the court reviews these on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the will can set out specific bequests to named individuals or organisations, along with instructions for the residuary estate, meaning everything not otherwise assigned. Firms offering will drafting services can help structure these sections so they align with both personal intentions and ADJD requirements.
Registration Process and Fees: No Witnesses Required
One of the most reassuring features of this process is that it is witness-free. Unlike some other UAE will registries, the ADJD does not require witnessed signing at any stage, which simplifies matters for expats without a ready network of local contacts.
Step-by-Step Overview
- Draft a bilingual English and Arabic will covering executors, guardianship, and asset distribution.
- Upload the draft to the ADJD portal along with a passport and Emirates ID.
- Pay the applicable government fee online.
- Complete a notary video appointment to finalise registration remotely.
Because the entire process runs online, applicants can complete it from anywhere, including outside the UAE, and the court aims to finalise cases within one month. This makes the ADJD route notably convenient for expats who travel frequently or relocate between assignments.
Government Fees
The regular registration fee is AED 950, while a special or express service costs AED 2,500. Couples registering mirror wills together pay AED 1,900, calculated as two single fees of AED 950 each. In contrast, a DIFC will typically involves witnessed signing and costs around AED 10,000, making the ADJD option considerably more accessible for many families.
Comparing Your Options: No Will vs Sharia-Compliant Will vs ADJD Civil Will
The table below summarises how the three main paths compare for a Muslim expat with UAE assets.
| Factor | No will (Sharia default) | Sharia-compliant will (wasiyya) | ADJD civil will |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution of UAE assets | Fixed heirship shares under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 | Up to one-third to non-heirs (Article 173); remainder by fixed shares | Full testamentary freedom over UAE assets |
| Bequests to heirs | Not applicable | Require other heirs’ consent (Article 193) | Permitted at the testator’s discretion |
| Guardianship of minor children | Court-appointed | Can be nominated, subject to court approval | Temporary and permanent guardians appointed in the will |
| Witnesses | Not applicable | Depends on registration route | None required (witness-free) |
| Eligibility | Applies by default | Any Muslim | Non-GCC foreign nationals, including Muslim expats |
| Government fee | Not applicable | Varies by registry | AED 950 single / AED 1,900 mirror wills |
Importantly, non-UAE nationals may, in some circumstances, request that their home-country law apply instead, subject to the conflict-of-laws provisions in the UAE Civil Transactions Law. This is a narrower and more uncertain path than registering an ADJD civil will, so most advisors treat it as a fallback rather than a primary strategy. More detail on the non-Muslim personal status framework is available via u.ae, and a broader legal breakdown of the 2024 amendments is available from Horizons & Co.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Muslim expat register a will with the ADJD in the UAE?
Yes, non-GCC Muslim expats can register a civil will with the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court under Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021. This gives them full testamentary freedom over their UAE-based assets, an option not available to GCC nationals or UAE citizens.
How much does an ADJD will for Muslim expats cost?
The standard registration fee is AED 950 for a single will. Couples registering mirror wills pay AED 1,900 in total, while a special or express service is available for AED 2,500.
Do I need witnesses to register an ADJD will?
No, ADJD will registration is entirely witness-free at every stage. The process instead relies on document upload, identity verification, and a remote notary video appointment, which makes it considerably simpler than witnessed registries such as the DIFC.
What happens to a Muslim expat’s UAE assets if they die without a will?
Without a registered will, a Muslim expat’s UAE assets are distributed according to the fixed heirship shares set out in Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024. In limited cases, non-UAE nationals may request application of their home-country law, subject to the UAE’s conflict-of-laws rules, though this is not guaranteed.
Can GCC nationals register an ADJD civil will?
No, GCC nationals cannot use the ADJD civil will framework. They remain subject to mandatory Sharia-based estate rules regardless of how long they have resided in the UAE.
Can I register an ADJD will remotely from outside the UAE?
Yes, the entire ADJD will registration process can be completed online from anywhere. Applicants upload their documents, pay the fee, and complete a video notary appointment without needing to be physically present in the UAE.
What should a Muslim expat include in an ADJD civil will?
A typical ADJD civil will names executors and defines their powers, appoints temporary and permanent guardians for minor children, records funeral wishes, and sets out specific bequests along with instructions for the residuary estate. Working with an advisor experienced in legal consultation for estate matters can help ensure each section meets ADJD expectations.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Rules and fees in the UAE change frequently. Before acting on anything you read here, speak to a qualified advisor — we are happy to help.