DUBAI, UAE: Dubai Courts has announced the establishment of the first division for the inheritance of non-Muslims and the execution of their wills in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The department aims to enable non-Muslims to execute their wills within a framework that guarantees the application of their personal laws and the management of their probate matters.
This significant step reflects Dubai’s commitment to respecting cultural diversity and advancing its integrated and advanced system of services.
Judge Mohammed Jassim Al-Shamsi, Head of The Special Court of Inheritance in Dubai, affirmed that the decision aligns with the directives of the wise leadership and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai.
The establishment of this department aims to facilitate and expedite procedures for individuals. Al-Shamsi emphasised that Dubai Courts attaches great importance to the probate matters of non-Muslims in the Emirate, ensuring the application of their personal laws and developing litigation procedures to make them enforceable.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No. 15 of 2017, which applies to all wills and probate matters concerning non-Muslims in the Emirate including the Dubai International Financial Centre. This comprehensive law aims to empower non-Muslims to prepare their wills within a clear legislative framework that ensures the application of their personal laws.
Furthermore, it seeks to enhance litigation procedures related to their wills and probate matters, simplifying and making them enforceable.
The law also encourages non-Muslims to register their wills and manage their estates in Dubai, addressing the legal issues associated with inheritance and probate cases and finding appropriate solutions. Ultimately, it promotes investment in Dubai with confidence and transparency.
