Understanding which UAE assets can be included in a Will can help you make sure your estate plan reflects what you actually own. This guide looks at the main types of assets that can be covered by Wills in the UAE and what you should know about including them in your Will.

1. Real Estate

Property is one of the most important assets to consider when preparing a UAE Will. This can include apartments, villas, land, and other real estate that you legally own in the UAE.

For example, you may want to leave a particular villa to your spouse, divide an investment property between your children, or leave a specific property to another beneficiary. The important point is to clearly identify the property you want to include. For a DIFC Courts Property Will, this can include up to five properties, or a share in up to five properties, located in the UAE.

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2. Bank Accounts and Investments

Financial assets may also form part of your estate. These can include money held in UAE bank accounts, brokerage accounts and certain investments.

You can specify who should receive the funds or investment interests you own, helping to make your wishes clear and easier for your executors to follow. It is important to provide enough information to identify the relevant accounts or investments, particularly if you hold assets with more than one financial institution.

3. Business Interests and Company Shares

If you own a company or hold shares in a UAE business, your business interests may need to be addressed in your Will. This can include shares in a UAE company, ownership interests in a business, or other interests you legally hold.

You can use your Will to state who should inherit these interests after your death. Your company and the nature of your ownership should be clearly stated to make the administration of your estate easier. However, the transfer of business interests may also be subject to the company’s constitutional documents, applicable laws and any restrictions on transferring shares or ownership.

4. Personal Belongings and Other Movable Assets

Personal belongings and other movable assets can also form part of your estate. These may include jewellery, watches, vehicles, artwork, furniture and other valuable possessions that you legally own.

Your Will can specify who should receive particular items after your death. Clearly describing valuable or significant belongings can help make your wishes easier to understand and reduce the possibility of disagreements between beneficiaries.

5. Digital Assets

Digital assets are another category that you may want to consider when preparing your Will. These can include digital investments, online accounts, intellectual property and other assets or interests that you manage or own digitally.

The way these assets are dealt with can depend on their type and the terms governing them. Including relevant digital assets in your estate planning can help ensure they are not overlooked when your estate is administered.

6. Overseas Assets

If you own assets outside the UAE, you should also consider how they fit into your estate plan. These may include overseas property, bank accounts, investments, business interests or other assets held in another country.

However, a UAE Will does not necessarily determine how every overseas asset will be dealt with. The laws of the country where the asset is located may also apply, so you may need separate estate planning or legal advice for assets held outside the UAE.

What Happens to Assets Not Included in Your Will?

It is important to consider all significant assets when preparing your Will rather than focusing only on your most valuable possessions. If an asset is not specifically addressed in your Will, how it is dealt with after your death may depend on the applicable laws and the type of asset involved.

For this reason, reviewing your overall estate before preparing or updating your Will can help you identify what you own and decide how you want those assets to be dealt with. Professional legal advice can also help you understand which assets can be covered and whether any specific rules apply.

Protect Your Assets with a UAE Will

When preparing a UAE Will, it is important to consider all the assets you own and how you want them to be dealt with after your death. Whether you own property, financial assets, business interests, or valuable personal belongings, clearly including them in your estate plan can give you greater peace of mind. If you are preparing a Will in the UAE, it is advisable to work with a qualified lawyer who can help you identify the assets that can be included and ensure your Will is properly drafted and registered. This can help ensure it reflects your current circumstances and complies with the relevant legal requirements.

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