ADGM Wills for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi and the UAE
An ADGM Will lets a non-Muslim choose who inherits their UAE assets and who cares for their children, free of the default Sharia rules. It is registered before the ADGM Courts Notary Public, in English and Arabic, and on death is submitted for probate to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, not the ADGM Courts. It is often the natural choice where your assets and family are centred in Abu Dhabi.
What is an ADGM Will?
A civil Will for non-Muslims, registered before the ADGM Courts Notary in English and Arabic. It is made under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status and Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 (as amended), which give non-Muslim expatriates a civil track to move inheritance away from Sharia defaults and dispose of their assets freely. The regime is not based on English common law, but it lets the Will be drafted broadly as you would expect under it, making it a workable, cost-effective solution for most clients.
Who can make one?
Non-Muslims
Aged 18 or over
With assets in the UAE, or appointing guardians for children here
Both let a non-Muslim decide who inherits their UAE assets, free of default rules. Which one fits usually turns on where your assets and family are based, and your wider plans; sometimes the answer is both. We will tell you which to use.
Compare with DIFC WillsFixed fees, in full view
ADGM offers two Will types. Our fee covers basic revisions before registration. ADGM registration is charged separately, per Will.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ADGM Will?+
A Will for non-Muslims registered through Abu Dhabi Global Market and drafted on common-law lines. On death it is administered onshore by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department under Abu Dhabi and federal civil law, rather than in the ADGM Courts, which is the main difference from a DIFC Will.
Should I make a DIFC or an ADGM Will?+
Both let non-Muslims choose who inherits their UAE assets. A DIFC Will keeps registration and probate within the DIFC Courts, in English; an ADGM Will is drafted on common-law lines but administered onshore through the Abu Dhabi courts. The right choice usually depends on where your assets are. We will recommend one, or both.
Can an ADGM Will cover assets across the UAE?+
It can cover assets in Abu Dhabi and, depending on the Will type, elsewhere. We confirm the right coverage for you.
