If you live in Dubai, there isn't one "Dubai will". There are four registration routes, run by three different court systems. They all produce a valid will, but they differ a lot in cost and in who can use them. Here is the short version, then the detail.
The four routes at a glance
| Route | Who can use it | Court or registry fee per will | How it's signed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department) | Non-UAE nationals, any religion | AED 950 | Video call with a court notary |
| ADGM Courts wills office | Non-Muslims, 21 and over | AED 950 to ADJD, plus about USD 155 to ADGM | Fully digital |
| DIFC Courts Wills Service | Non-Muslims | From AED 5,000; AED 10,000 for a full will | Registry appointment |
| Dubai Courts notary | Non-Muslims | Around AED 2,000 plus smaller service fees | Notary appointment |
Fees are the published court or registry fees at the time of writing. They change, so check before you rely on a figure.
ADJD: the route most families use
The ADJD civil will service covers residents of every emirate, including Dubai. It's the cheapest official route, it's open regardless of religion, and the whole process runs online, ending with a short video call. The will is bilingual, in English and Arabic.
For most people with a home, savings, a car and children in the UAE, the ADJD route does everything they need. Our step-by-step ADJD guide walks through it in detail.
ADGM: a digital channel into the same system
The Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts run a digital notary service for non-Muslim wills in partnership with the ADJD. You pay the ADJD fee plus an ADGM fee. It isn't a separate probate court: when the time comes, the estate is still dealt with through the ADJD. Some people choose it for its fully digital, English-first process.
DIFC: English common-law framework, at a price
The Dubai International Financial Centre Courts run a wills service built on common-law principles, in English. It suits people with complex estates, business structures or strong ties to common-law countries who want that framework. The trade-off is cost: registration alone starts at several thousand dirhams, before any drafting fees. It is only open to non-Muslims.
Dubai Courts notary
Non-Muslims can also have a will notarised through Dubai Courts. It's less common for expat families than the ADJD route and costs more at the registration stage.
Which one should you choose?
- You have a typical family estate (home, savings, car, children) → ADJD. It's the lowest cost and it's open to everyone.
- You want a fully digital, English-first process and you're not Muslim → ADGM is worth a look, at a small extra cost.
- You have business interests, trusts or a complex cross-border estate → speak to a lawyer about DIFC.
Whichever route you choose, the biggest risk isn't picking the "wrong" court. It's not having a registered will at all. See what happens without one.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ADJD will valid in Dubai?
Yes. An ADJD-registered will is recognised across the UAE, including Dubai. Later steps for a particular asset can depend on where it is held and which court deals with it.
Is a DIFC will better than an ADJD will?
Not better, just different. DIFC suits complex estates that benefit from its common-law framework. For most families, an ADJD will does the same job for a fraction of the court fee.
Can Muslims use these routes?
The ADJD civil will service is open to non-UAE nationals regardless of religion. The DIFC, ADGM and Dubai Courts non-Muslim services are, as their names suggest, for non-Muslims.
Do I need a separate will for my home country?
Often, yes. A UAE will is designed for assets here. Many expats keep a home-country will for assets there, worded so the two don't cancel each other out.
This guide is general information about UAE wills, not legal advice for your situation. Court fees and procedures change, so check the current position with the court before relying on a figure. Emirates Wills is not a law firm.