Which age group is showing the strongest growth in UAE will enquiries?

The strongest growth in will enquiries over the past year has been recorded among expatriates aged **35 to 44**, according to a report by Just Wills Legal Consultants.

What are the main reasons expats are seeking to make wills earlier in the UAE?

Key catalysts include **property ownership in the UAE**, becoming parents, getting married, establishing businesses, and accumulating significant assets locally. Guardianship for children is a primary concern for about half of the clients.

Can a will made in an expat's home country cover assets in the UAE?

No, it cannot be assumed that a will prepared in a person's home country will automatically deal with their UAE assets. Appropriate structures must be put in place, considering individual circumstances, asset location, and applicable legal frameworks.

What happens if an expat dies without a will in the UAE?

Without proper arrangements, assets may not automatically pass to a spouse or children in the way a family expects, especially for those with cross-border assets or complex family structures.

Why is estate planning important for expat business owners in the UAE?

Business owners need to plan for both asset inheritance and **business continuity**. A succession plan, including shareholder agreements and management arrangements, ensures the company can continue operating to support dependents while estate procedures are completed.

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Economy·26 September 2026

Younger UAE Expats Prioritising Estate Planning Amidst Growing Assets

Expatriates aged 35 to 44 in the UAE are increasingly seeking to draft wills, driven by property ownership, parenthood, and accumulated assets, reflecting a cultural shift towards earlier estate planning.

A new consumer trends report from Just Wills Legal Consultants indicates a significant increase in estate planning among younger expatriate families in the UAE. While individuals aged 45 to 54 still represent the largest segment of enquiries, the most substantial growth over the past year has been observed in the 35 to 44 age group.

This shift reflects a growing recognition that estate planning is a crucial component of financial and family management, rather than a task reserved for later life. Just Wills Legal Consultants handles approximately 100 to 150 enquiries monthly, with a 20% increase in completed wills compared to the previous year.

Catalysts for Early Planning

Key drivers for this trend include property ownership and parenthood. Approximately 60% of clients have children, and a similar proportion own property in the UAE. Guardianship considerations are a primary motivator for around half of those preparing a will, especially for expatriate families whose relatives and assets may be geographically dispersed.

Samara Iqbal, founder and managing partner of Aramas International Lawyers, notes that major life changes like buying property, having children, getting married, or establishing a business are often the triggers for initiating estate planning. She also highlights a common misconception that a will prepared in a home country will automatically cover UAE assets, stressing that this is not the case and requires specific local arrangements.

Complexities and Considerations

The financial footprint of UAE residents is becoming increasingly complex, encompassing properties, bank accounts, investments, business interests, and digital assets, often across multiple countries. For expatriates, coordinating wills across different jurisdictions is essential to prevent conflicts or unintended revocations.

Estate planning also extends to business owners, who must consider not only inheritance but also business continuity. Salam Pappinissery, CEO of YAB Legal Services L.L.C, explains that a comprehensive business succession plan can include shareholder agreements, management arrangements, and provisions for debts. This ensures the business can continue operating and support dependent households, even during estate procedures.

For Muslim families, succession planning often involves ensuring wealth transfer aligns with Shariah principles. Pooja Bhattia, solicitor at Ma’an Legacy & Legal Consultancy, points to Shariah-compliant Takaful structures as a mechanism to provide liquidity during succession, aiding in wealth distribution without disrupting underlying family businesses.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

Which age group is showing the strongest growth in UAE will enquiries?: The strongest growth in will enquiries over the past year has been recorded among expatriates aged **35 to 44**, according to a report by Just Wills Legal Consultants.
What are the main reasons expats are seeking to make wills earlier in the UAE?: Key catalysts include **property ownership in the UAE**, becoming parents, getting married, establishing businesses, and accumulating significant assets locally. Guardianship for children is a primary concern for about half of the clients.
Can a will made in an expat's home country cover assets in the UAE?: No, it cannot be assumed that a will prepared in a person's home country will automatically deal with their UAE assets. Appropriate structures must be put in place, considering individual circumstances, asset location, and applicable legal frameworks.
What happens if an expat dies without a will in the UAE?: Without proper arrangements, assets may not automatically pass to a spouse or children in the way a family expects, especially for those with cross-border assets or complex family structures.
Why is estate planning important for expat business owners in the UAE?: Business owners need to plan for both asset inheritance and **business continuity**. A succession plan, including shareholder agreements and management arrangements, ensures the company can continue operating to support dependents while estate procedures are completed.

Reported by

Khaleej Times — Real Estate

View original coverage

This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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