The World Health Organization (WHO) provides data on the leading causes of death in the United Arab Emirates. According to the latest available WHO country-level estimates, the most recent comprehensive cause-of-death data currently cover 2021. These figures provide the latest available WHO data on mortality patterns in the UAE and are included here for context.
For women in the UAE, the leading causes of death in 2021 included:
- COVID-19 – 18.2 deaths per 100,000
- Ischaemic heart disease – 15.9
- Stroke – 9.5
- Breast cancer – 8.5
- Kidney diseases – 5.0
- Diabetes mellitus – 4.6
- Road injury – 3.9
- Colon and rectum cancers – 3.2
- Congenital anomalies – 3.1
- Lower respiratory infections – 3.0
For men in the UAE, the leading causes of death in 2021 included:
- Ischaemic heart disease – 30.6 deaths per 100,000
- COVID-19 – 15.5
- Stroke – 12.4
- Diabetes mellitus – 8.3
- Road injury – 7.1
- Kidney diseases – 5.7
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – 5.3
- Hypertensive heart disease – 4.9
- Lower respiratory infections – 3.9
- Cirrhosis of the liver – 3.7
The WHO notes that these figures are statistical estimates based on available data and should be interpreted with caution. The UAE’s death registration data is considered unavailable or unusable for these estimates due to quality issues.
While these statistics provide an indication of mortality patterns in the UAE, they also highlight the importance of considering what happens to a person’s assets and family arrangements following their death.
Many people who live and work in the UAE may not be aware of the importance of having a valid and properly registered will. For expatriates in particular, estate planning can be an important part of protecting assets, providing for beneficiaries and making arrangements for minor children.
Wills and Inheritance in the UAE
Having a valid will can provide greater certainty about how a person’s assets should be dealt with following their death. It can also allow individuals to make arrangements concerning beneficiaries, executors and, where applicable, guardians for minor children.
The UAE provides different legal mechanisms for registering wills, and the appropriate option will depend on factors such as the individual’s religion, nationality, location of assets and family circumstances.
For non-Muslims with assets or family interests in the UAE, two commonly used options include:
- Wills registered through the DIFC Courts Wills Service
- Civil Wills registered through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)
The DIFC Courts Wills Service provides eligible non-Muslims with the option to pass on their assets and appoint guardians for their children in accordance with the instructions in their Will. The service is available to individuals who are at least 18 years old, are not and have never been Muslim, and own assets in the UAE and/or have minor children residing in the UAE. UAE residency is not required to register a DIFC Courts Will.
The DIFC Courts Wills Service currently provides several types of wills, including Full Wills, Guardianship Wills, Property Wills, Business Owners Wills and Financial Assets Wills. A Full Will can cover movable and immovable assets in the UAE, while more specific types of wills can be used for particular categories of assets.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department also provides a Civil Wills service. According to the ADJD, non-UAE nationals may register a will with the Abu Dhabi Civil Wills Office regardless of their religion.
Importance of Effective Estate Planning
Effective estate planning involves more than simply preparing a will. Individuals should consider their assets, intended beneficiaries, executors and, where relevant, arrangements for minor children.
A will should also be reviewed when there are significant changes in personal or financial circumstances. For example, a person may wish to review their will after acquiring new property, establishing a business, experiencing changes in family circumstances or changing their intended beneficiaries or executors.
The type of will required may also depend on the nature and number of assets involved. For example, the DIFC Courts Wills Service offers different options for individuals who wish to deal with property, business interests, financial assets or guardianship arrangements.
Estate planning can be particularly important for individuals who own property, investments, bank accounts or business interests in more than one jurisdiction. In such circumstances, professional legal advice can help ensure that the relevant succession arrangements are properly considered.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in the UAE?
The consequences of dying without a registered will can depend on the applicable legal regime and the circumstances of the deceased and their assets.
It is therefore not accurate to state that the same inheritance rules automatically apply to every person who dies without a will in the UAE. The applicable rules can depend on factors including the emirate in which assets are located and the legal framework applicable to the deceased.
For example, the DIFC Courts Wills Service states that the laws of the local courts in the emirate or emirates where the assets are located will apply by default to a person who dies without a DIFC Courts Will.
For this reason, individuals who own property, bank accounts, investments or business interests in the UAE should consider obtaining appropriate legal advice and understanding which inheritance and succession rules may apply to their particular circumstances.
For eligible individuals, registering a valid will can provide greater certainty and allow them to set out their wishes regarding the distribution of their estate. A registered will can also help reduce uncertainty and potential complications for beneficiaries following the individual’s death.
Registering a Will in the UAE
Preparing a will and registering it correctly are important steps in effective estate planning. The registration requirements will depend on the authority through which the will is being registered.
For a DIFC Courts Will, individuals can prepare their will themselves or seek assistance from a registered Wills Draftsman. The DIFC Courts Wills Service provides administrative support for the Wills Registry for Non-Muslims, while legal advice regarding the contents and suitability of a will should be obtained separately where required.
DIFC Courts Wills can also be registered through the available virtual registration process, making the service accessible to eligible individuals who are not physically present in the UAE.
It is important to ensure that the will accurately reflects the individual’s wishes and takes account of their assets, family circumstances and any applicable legal requirements.
Legal Advice on Wills and Inheritance in the UAE
Preparing a will is an important aspect of estate planning for individuals who own assets or have family interests in the UAE. The appropriate legal arrangements can vary depending on factors including nationality, religion, residency, location of assets and family circumstances.
At James Berry & Associates Legal Consultants, our Wills and Inheritance Department assists clients with matters relating to wills, inheritance and estate planning in the UAE. Our lawyers can provide advice on the available options and assist with preparing and registering a will that reflects your individual circumstances and wishes.
If you are considering making a will in the UAE or require advice regarding inheritance and succession, please contact Romano Dolbey of the Wills and Inheritance Department.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. UAE laws and regulations may change, and the application of inheritance and succession rules depends on the specific circumstances of each individual. Professional legal advice should be obtained before making decisions regarding wills, inheritance or estate planning.
