my husband and I (both expats) in the UAE are thinking of writing a will for my husband, just in case, since the law here is not always in favor of the wife. Any advice on how a will has to look like to be valid over here etc?

You've opened a big topic there. I know someone who does this for a living and he's very good. You'd be better seeking professional advice on this than asking in a forum. If you PM me I'd be happy to pass on his details to you.

Regards

N.

Alexalexa

I have answered you in another forum

See also my notes in the UAE Wiki. I give regular seminars on just this issue.


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So would you mind issuing a brief synopsis on here, please?

But it is in the wiki! Can you not look at that? And I have covered this a few other times.

Sharia Law is applied to assets held in the UAE, no matter the religion or domicile of the resident. On death a man's bank account, both single and joint, will be frozen. Cars is his name will also be impounded. Visas for dependents can be revoked in 30 days.

Wills should be written in accordance with the laws of your home country, but can be translated into Arabic and attested by the courts in the UAE. You are far more likely to have your wishes taken into consideration if you can provide proper stamped documentation that the courts recognise. Under Sharia Law an individual has free over just one third of their assets. This usually means that the spouse could recived just this third with the remainder being distributed in accordance with islamic rulings - male children and/or male relatives of the man. All depends in the judge's decision when it gets to court.

This is why expats should keep the bulk of their assets offshore to avoid the implications of Sharia Law. Wives should ensure that they have access to sufficent funds in their own name or offshore/overseas accounts should their husband die.


Note - this is a brief synopsis. I go into more detail at my seminars. Wills can be written in the UAE - there are several decent lawyers I can recommend -and are valid in the home country if verified by the relevant embassy or consulate.
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What about a single woman, no dependants? I don't have a will in this country at the moment, how will my estate be distributed if I die without a will? (not that I have much of an estate but my shoes/dresses are worth a lot! )

it would go to your next closest male relative

Patsy, can I have your super duper gym machines if you roll a double seven?

Cheers ginge