Wills and Guardianship in the UAE: Why More Expatriates Are Acting Early

The UAE is seeing a noticeable rise in wills and guardianship filings, with younger expatriates and high-net-worth individuals increasingly taking proactive steps to protect their families and assets. As personal wealth grows and international mobility becomes the norm, succession planning is no longer viewed as a later-life consideration, but as an essential part of responsible long-term planning.

This shift reflects a broader awareness among UAE residents of the importance of clarity around asset distribution and the care of minor children, particularly in a multi-jurisdictional context.

Planning for certainty in a cross-border environment

For expatriate families, the absence of a valid and properly structured will can create uncertainty at critical moments. Guardianship arrangements, in particular, are a key concern for parents with minor children, as default legal outcomes may not align with personal wishes or family circumstances.

Putting appropriate wills and guardianship arrangements in place allows families to define their intentions clearly and ensure that those intentions are recognised under UAE law.

A changing legal landscape

Recent legislative developments have further reshaped the estate planning environment in the UAE. The introduction of Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024, the new Personal Status Law, has brought important changes to custody, guardianship and inheritance frameworks.

These reforms underline the need for up-to-date advice and properly drafted documentation that reflects current legal requirements, rather than relying on outdated assumptions or informal arrangements.

Jurisdiction matters

The UAE offers several recognised forums for wills and guardianship planning, each with its own scope and procedural framework. These include the DIFC, ADJD and the Dubai Courts (Notary Public). Selecting the appropriate jurisdiction — and structuring documents accordingly — is a critical part of effective estate planning.

At Swiss Group, clients are supported across all major UAE jurisdictions to ensure that their arrangements are aligned with both their personal circumstances and the applicable legal framework.

Estate planning services are led by Michael Lane, a registered wills draftsman, who advises clients on drafting UAE-compliant wills, establishing guardianship arrangements, and integrating succession planning into broader wealth and asset management strategies.

Safeguarding family and legacy

As the number of expatriates and internationally mobile families in the UAE continues to grow, early and informed estate planning is becoming a key component of sound personal governance. Addressing wills and guardianship proactively helps reduce legal uncertainty, protects beneficiaries and ensures continuity across jurisdictions.

An overview of this growing trend has also been highlighted in Arabian Business:

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