Pursuant to the recently promulgated Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2024 (the “New Civil Transactions Law”) and its related legislative instruments, the statutory age of majority in the United Arab Emirates has been reduced from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian years. This legislative reform represents a substantive recalibration of civil capacity within the UAE, aligning the jurisdiction with widely accepted international standards concerning legal majority and contractual competence.
As previously analysed in our earlier publication, this amendment carries material implications for testamentary capacity, guardianship structures, and estate administration within the UAE. At the time of writing that article, we noted that formal clarification was awaited from the DIFC Courts as to whether the change would be implemented within the framework of the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry.
We can now confirm that, as of 19 February 2026, the DIFC Courts have formally adopted the revised age of majority. The change will come into operational effect on 2 March 2026, from which date the updated age threshold of 18 Gregorian years shall apply within the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry regime.
Scope of Application Within the DIFC
The assumption is that the revised age of majority will apply comprehensively to individuals participating in the DIFC testamentary process, including:
- Testators, in respect of testamentary capacity;
- Executors, in relation to eligibility for appointment;
- Guardians, with respect to eligibility and enforceability of guardianship provisions;
- Witnesses to wills; and
- Translators, where required in the DIFC will registration process.
This confirmation provides long-awaited certainty to practitioners and clients alike and ensures consistency between the DIFC regime and the amended federal civil framework.
Impact on Existing Registered Wills
Importantly, individuals who have already registered their Wills with the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry are not required to amend their existing testamentary instruments solely by virtue of this legislative development.
Where a testator has children who are over the age of 18 but under 21, no revision to the Will is necessary. Guardianship provisions contained in previously registered Wills will, following implementation, only become operative and enforceable in respect of children who are under the age of 18 years at the relevant time. In effect, the threshold for minority — and thus the need for testamentary guardianship — has now been recalibrated to 18 years of age.
Wills Pending Registration
For individuals whose Wills have been prepared but not yet registered, the DIFC has confirmed that appointments for DIFC will registration may be scheduled on or after 2 March 2026, at which point the new age of majority will apply automatically. Testators who wish their testamentary arrangements to reflect the updated legal capacity framework may therefore proceed accordingly without necessitating structural amendments beyond ensuring compliance with the revised age requirement.
Interaction with Existing Dubai Legislation
By way of context, under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017, governing wills for non-Muslims in the Emirate of Dubai, a testator was previously required to have attained the age of 21 years in order to possess full legal capacity to execute and register a valid Will. That position has now been rendered effectively obsolete within the DIFC procedural framework, insofar as the DIFC Courts have expressly adopted the amended federal majority age of 18 years.
It must, however, be emphasised that formal confirmation is still awaited from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department regarding whether the ADJD will similarly adopt the revised majority age within its own testamentary registration regime. Until such confirmation is issued, a degree of jurisdictional distinction may remain between the DIFC and ADJD processes.
Concluding Remarks
The formal adoption by the DIFC Courts of the revised age of majority represents a significant development in the UAE’s testamentary landscape. The harmonisation of civil capacity at 18 Gregorian years enhances legal clarity, reduces interpretative ambiguity, and aligns the DIFC regime with contemporary international standards of majority and capacity.
We will continue to monitor developments, particularly in respect of the ADJD’s position, and will provide further updates as and when official guidance is issued.
Should you require tailored advice regarding the impact of these amendments on your existing or proposed DIFC wills or UAE estate planning arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Head of Wills and Inheritance