DIFC launches Wills and Probate Registry

As part of the initiatives of the Dispute Resolution Authority (DRA), the DIFC has launched the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry, established by Resolution No. 4 of 2014. The new service aims to provide non-Muslim expatriates the ability to register English language wills that will allow their assets to be transferred upon death according to their wishes. The new rules have been drafted on the basis of Common Law principles from the Estates Act and Probate Rules of the UK, and legislation of other leading common law jurisdictions such as Singapore and Malaysia. While the rules are comprehensive, they are also easily accessible to legal professionals in the UAE.