As a young professional in the UAE, you are focused on building your career, accumulating assets, and creating a solid financial foundation. But one important aspect of future planning that often goes overlooked by young professionals is estate planning—particularly creating a will.

While many think of a will as something needed only later in life, for those with families or significant assets, it’s actually an essential tool for any foreigner in the UAE, regardless of age. If you have accumulated assets such as a car, bank accounts, end-of-service benefits, investments, or even digital assets, ensuring those assets are properly managed and distributed in the event of your untimely death is crucial.

Without a valid will in the UAE, your assets will be subject to Sharia law by default, which may not align with your personal or cultural preferences as a foreign resident. In this blog, we will explore why it’s essential for young professionals in the UAE to have a will, regardless of their stage in life, and why it’s critical to have a lawyer or law firm draft it.

Why Young Professionals Need a Will in the UAE

As a young professional, it’s easy to assume that estate planning is something you can deal with later in life. But the reality is that life is unpredictable, and having a will ensures that your assets and belongings are distributed according to your wishes. Here are some key reasons why writing a will is essential for young professionals in the UAE:

1. You Have Assets that Need Protection

Even if you don’t consider yourself "wealthy," you likely own valuable assets that are worth protecting. This could include your car, personal belongings, investments, digital assets (like cryptocurrency or online bank accounts), and even your end-of-service benefits from your employer. A will allows you to specify how these assets should be distributed, ensuring that they go to the people or causes you care about.

• End-of-service benefits: If you’re employed in the UAE, you may be entitled to significant end-of-service benefits. Without a will, these funds may not be distributed as you wish. A will ensures your designated beneficiaries receive this important financial asset.

• Bank accounts: Without a will, your UAE bank accounts may be frozen upon your passing, leaving your loved ones unable to access these funds. A will helps prevent this and ensures that your bank accounts are distributed to the right people.

• Digital Assets: As a young professional, you likely have a wide range of digital assets that need to be accounted for. This could include social media accounts, online business ventures, intellectual property, cryptocurrencies, and other online investments. Without a will, your digital legacy could be left in limbo, inaccessible to your loved ones or business partners. By creating a will, you can provide clear instructions on how these assets should be managed after you’re gone.

• Personal Belongings: Your personal belongings, including jewelry, electronics, artwork, and sentimental items, are often things you hold dear. A will allows you to designate specific items to specific people, ensuring that your personal treasures are distributed according to your wishes.

2. Avoid Sharia Law Distribution

If you are a foreigner living in the UAE without a will, your estate will be distributed according to Sharia law by default. While this legal framework may be appropriate for some, it may not align with the inheritance preferences of many expatriates. A will gives you the ability to bypass these default rules and have your estate distributed in line with your personal beliefs and values.

By preparing a will, you ensure that your estate is managed and distributed as per your own instructions rather than through a court process that may not align with your intentions.

3. You Can Appoint an Executor

A will allows you to appoint an executor, someone who will be responsible for managing and distributing your estate according to your instructions. This can be a trusted friend, family member, or even a professional. Without a will, the courts will appoint someone to handle this responsibility, who may not be the person you would have chosen.

4. You Ensure Financial Security for Your Loved Ones

For young professionals who support family members or dependents financially, having a will ensures that those dependents are cared for if something happens to you. Whether it’s a spouse, parents, or siblings, a will allows you to allocate financial resources to those who need them most.

Why You Should Work with a Lawyer to Draft Your Will

While it may be tempting to use DIY will templates or online tools, working with a qualified lawyer or law firm is the safest and most reliable way to ensure that your will is legally sound and tailored to your specific circumstances. Here’s why you should consider professional legal assistance when drafting your will:

• Compliance with UAE Laws: Estate laws in the UAE can be complex, especially for expatriates. A lawyer can help ensure that your will is drafted in compliance with both local UAE regulations and international legal considerations, reducing the risk of it being challenged or invalidated in court.

• Tailored Solutions for Your Unique Situation: Every individual’s financial situation, family dynamics, and asset portfolio are different. A lawyer will take the time to understand your unique needs and goals, ensuring that your will reflects your personal circumstances and provides the best possible protection for your assets and loved ones.

• Avoid Legal Pitfalls: A poorly drafted will can lead to unintended consequences, legal disputes, or even the invalidation of the entire document. A lawyer ensures that your will is clear, comprehensive, and free from ambiguities, reducing the risk of legal challenges and ensuring that your wishes are honored.

• Ensuring Proper Execution: To be legally valid, a will must be properly executed, including the presence of witnesses and other formalities. A lawyer can guide you through this process, ensuring that your will meets all legal requirements and can be enforced by the courts.

• Peace of Mind: Having a professionally drafted will gives you peace of mind, knowing that your assets, finances, and loved ones will be cared for according to your wishes. You’ll know that your will is legally sound, free of errors, and ready to protect your estate when the time comes.

At Firm Advice, we specialize in providing expert will drafting services. Our legal team understands the unique challenges expatriates face when it comes to estate planning, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 

Contact us to know more about registering a Will in the UAE and ensure that your assets and loved ones are protected. Whether you’re starting your career, building wealth, or looking to secure your digital and physical assets, a professionally drafted will is the best way to protect your future.