Frequently Asked Questions

In Dubai, where many expatriates own property, have savings accounts, or make local investments, having a will is not just important—it’s essential. Without a will, your local assets and estate could be subject to UAE laws, including Sharia principles, which may not align with your personal wishes, particularly for non-Muslims.

For property owners and parents, here’s why a will is crucial:

1. Control Over Assets: Your property, savings, and investments in the UAE will be distributed based on local laws if you don’t have a will. This could lead to outcomes that don’t align with your intentions, especially if you have specific plans for your estate.

2. Child Custody: If you have minor children, the court will decide who takes care of them. A will allows you to choose a guardian, ensuring that your children are raised by someone you trust.

3. Avoid Delays and Disputes: Without a will, your loved ones may face lengthy delays and complicated legal processes to settle your estate. This can lead to disputes, particularly around the ownership of local assets like property, which may create unnecessary tension at an already challenging time.

4. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your local assets and children are taken care of according to your wishes offers immense peace of mind, protecting both your financial legacy and your family’s future.

In a country with its own legal system and diverse expat population, understanding the local laws is vital. If you own property or have investments in the UAE, or if you have young children, creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your family’s future.

Don’t leave things to chance. Connect now to take the first step forward.

Another essential tool that complements your will and ensures your wishes are fully protected is the Power of Attorney (POA). While a will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you’re gone, a POA gives someone you trust the authority to act on your behalf while you're still alive—whether you're incapacitated, abroad, or simply unable to handle certain matters.

Here’s why a POA is just as important:

Healthcare Decisions: If you're unable to make healthcare decisions due to an illness or accident, a POA allows you to designate someone to make those decisions on your behalf, ensuring that your medical care aligns with your wishes.

Financial and Legal Matters: A POA can authorize someone to manage your finances, pay bills, or handle legal matters, such as signing documents and contracts, which is especially important if you travel often or live abroad for work.

Real Estate and Investments: For property owners in the UAE, having a POA means someone can handle the sale or purchase of property, manage rental agreements, or oversee your investments if you're unavailable or incapacitated.

Business Continuity: If you own a business, a POA ensures that operations can continue smoothly without interruption if you're unable to manage things personally.

Peace of Mind for Your Loved Ones: A well-structured POA gives your family clarity and reduces potential stress during an already difficult time. It ensures your affairs are taken care of according to your plan.

In the UAE, where the legal system differs from what many expatriates may be familiar with, understanding the importance of both a will and a POA is critical to securing your family’s future and your assets.

Taking the time to set up these documents now can save you and your loved ones a lot of heartache and complications in the future.

Connect with me today to discuss how a POA, along with your will, can help safeguard your assets and protect your family. 

If you're a non-Muslim expatriate living in the UAE, registering a Will is crucial to ensure your assets are distributed as per your wishes. The UAE offers three main options for Will registration, each with its own benefits and considerations.

🔹 DIFC Wills Service Centre (Dubai International Financial Centre - WSC)

✅ Follows Common Law – No application of Sharia Law

✅ Covers all Emirates & overseas assets

✅ Ideal for those with significant assets & global reach

❌ Higher cost – Starting at AED 10,000

🔹 Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Wills

✅ Lower cost (AED 950+)

✅ Legally recognized across UAE

✅ Follows Civil Law principles (not Sharia)

❌ Primarily for Abu Dhabi residents

🔹 Notary Public Wills (Dubai Courts & Other Emirates)

✅ Most affordable option (AED 2,000–5,000)

✅ Suitable for UAE-based assets

❌ May require additional court approvals for enforcement

Choosing the right option depends on your asset location, legal preferences, and budget. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing a detailed breakdown of each option. Stay tuned!

Have questions about Wills in the UAE? Connect now!

🏛 DIFC Wills – The Best Option for Expats with Global Assets?

If you’re a non-Muslim expat in the UAE, the DIFC Wills Service Centre (WSC) offers one of the most secure ways to protect your assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes.

Why Choose DIFC Wills?

✅ No Sharia Law Application – Assets distributed per your Will

✅ Global Recognition – Follows Common Law principles

✅ Covers UAE & Overseas Assets – One Will can handle it all

✅ Multiple Will Options – You can register for all assets, real estate, business shares, bank accounts, or guardianship

✅ Quick & Secure Execution – No need for additional court approvals

Considerations Before Registering:

❌ Higher cost – Starting from AED 10,000 for a single Will

❌ Only for Non-Muslims – Muslim expats cannot register

❌ Process in English – While convenient for many, it may require legal assistance for clarity

💡 If you have assets in multiple Emirates or overseas, a DIFC Will is worth the investment. It provides legal clarity, protects your family, and avoids unnecessary complications.

Thinking about registering your Will? Let’s connect! 

⚖️ ADJD Wills – Affordable Will Registration for Expats in UAE

If you're a non-Muslim expat looking for a cost-effective way to register your Will in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Wills is an excellent option.

Why Consider an ADJD Will?

✅ Lower Cost – Starting at AED 950, making it more accessible

✅ Follows Civil Law Principles – Not subject to Sharia inheritance laws

✅ Legally Recognized Across UAE – Secure and enforceable

💡 Best For: Expats with assets in Abu Dhabi or those seeking a low-cost, legally recognized estate planning option.

Do you know anyone who might benefit from this? Connect them with us today!

Did you know that in the UAE, all your local bank accounts are immediately frozen upon death? This legal process aims to secure assets during inheritance proceedings, but it can create sudden financial challenges for your family.

Imagine this:

➡️ Your loved ones lose access to essential funds needed for daily expenses, mortgage payments, or even school fees.

➡️ Joint accounts? They’re frozen too—leaving both personal and business finances in limbo until the estate is settled.

Here’s where offshore bank accounts come in. 🌍

Maintaining an account outside the UAE ensures your family has uninterrupted access to funds when they need it most. It offers:

✅ Financial Continuity: Immediate liquidity for loved ones during difficult times.

✅ Global Access: Manage your finances seamlessly across borders.

✅ Diversification & Security: Spread financial risk across jurisdictions.

While offshore accounts offer peace of mind, they should complement—not replace—proper estate planning tools like Wills and Powers of Attorney. Together, they create a robust safety net for your family’s future. 🛡️

Have you considered how an offshore account fits into your estate planning strategy? Let’s discuss how to safeguard your family’s financial well-being. 

"What would happen to your family if you weren’t around tomorrow?"

It’s a question no one wants to think about—but avoiding it doesn’t change reality. Life is unpredictable, and so are health emergencies. A single moment can turn financial stability into uncertainty.

🚨 Did you know?

📌 As per cancer.gov, approximately 40.5% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes

📌 In USA, every 40 seconds, someone suffers a heart attack or stroke.

📌 Medical expenses are one of the biggest reason for bankruptcies worldwide.

Now, imagine facing a serious illness or, worse, an untimely passing—without financial protection. How would your family cope?

✅ Who will cover your mortgage or rent?

✅ How will your children’s education be funded?

✅ Can your family maintain their lifestyle without your income?

This is where Life Insurance + Critical Illness Cover become non-negotiable. It’s not just an investment—it’s a responsibility.

🔹 Life Insurance ensures your loved ones are financially secure even if you’re not there.

🔹 Critical Illness Cover provides a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness, helping with medical bills, household expenses, and income replacement.

Without these protections, the financial burden falls entirely on your family. And in times of crisis, the last thing they should worry about is money.

Life is uncertain, but your family’s security shouldn’t be. Have you secured their future yet? Let’s talk.

Nominee vs. Legal Heir: Are You Protecting Your Assets the Right Way?

When it comes to securing your assets—bank accounts, insurance policies, investments—"nominee" is a term we often come across. But do you really understand what it means and how it impacts inheritance?

🔹 Who is a Nominee?

A nominee is a person you appoint to receive your assets in case of your demise. However, a nominee is not necessarily the legal owner of these assets. Their role is simply to hold the asset on behalf of the legal heir.

🔹 Is a Nominee the Same as a Legal Heir?

No. A nominee is a custodian of assets, while a legal heir, as determined by succession laws or a will, is the rightful owner. If no will is in place, the assets will be distributed as per succession laws, regardless of who the nominee is.

🔹 Why is Nomination Important?

✅ Ensures a smooth transfer of assets without immediate legal hurdles.

✅ Prevents delays in accessing bank accounts, insurance claims, or investments.

✅ Helps avoid disputes and confusion among family members.

🔹 Does Nomination Override a Will?

No! If you want a specific person to inherit your wealth, you must write a will stating the legal heir. Otherwise, nomination alone does not guarantee inheritance rights.

🚨 What Should You Do?

✔️ Review and update your nominations regularly.

✔️ Ensure your nominee is aligned with your intended legal heir.

✔️ Most importantly, draft a will to clearly outline asset distribution.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for everyone who wants their loved ones to avoid unnecessary legal hassles. Are your nominations and will in place? Let’s talk! 

Wills Protocol: A will ensures your assets are distributed as per your wishes, but poor planning can lead to disputes, legal battles, and unintended consequences. Here are key takeaways from real-life cases to help you avoid common pitfalls:

1. Inform your executor about the will’s location and execution details, but do not disclose beneficiary details to anyone to prevent disputes and entitlement issues.

2. Ensure your will meets the legal requirements of the country where your assets are located—witnessing is required in some countries, while notarization is the key in others.

3. Update your will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, relocations, or significant financial changes to ensure it reflects your current wishes.

4. Avoid conflicting instructions by ensuring nominees in financial instruments align with the heirs named in your will to prevent legal battles.

5. Store your will securely in a safe, accessible place and inform your executor, especially in jurisdictions requiring notarization, to avoid intestacy issues.

📌 Do you have a will in place?📌 Has anything changed after your last will? 

 Let’s Make It Simple and Unbiased.

We’ve all heard financial advisors preach that starting early is the biggest advantage in achieving financial independence. Yet, the reality is—most people don’t truly grasp this until their mid-30s. Suddenly, the questions pile up:

💰 Where do I start?

📄 What’s the best investment vehicle?

🔎 How do I navigate KYC, SIPs, and fund selection?

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help.

Unlike traditional advisors who act as Mutual Fund Distributors and earn a lifelong commission on your investments, we operate on a fixed-fee model. This means:

✅ No hidden agendas—we don’t push products for higher commissions.

✅ Personalized guidance—we map investments to your actual risk-return profile.

✅ Empowered decision-making—we explain what matters so you make informed choices.

The best time to start investing was yesterday. The second best time is today.

💡 Ready to take control of your financial future? Let’s get started. 

Why Women Need to Take Charge of Their Finances—Now More Than Ever

The rise of grey divorces—separations happening later in life—is a stark reminder of why financial independence is not optional for women.

For too long, many women have taken a backseat in financial decision-making, trusting that stability will last forever. But life is unpredictable. While we always assume that misfortune happens to others, we rarely prepare for it ourselves.

The truth is: financial security is power.

Whether it’s divorce, widowhood, or any unforeseen crisis, being financially aware ensures you are not left vulnerable. It’s not just about managing household expenses—it’s about understanding investments, planning for retirement, and securing a future where you are in control.

If you haven’t taken an active role in your finances yet, start today. Educate yourself. Get involved. Ask questions. Seek guidance. Because in uncertain times, your financial independence is your greatest asset.

💡 Need help getting started? Let's talk. At Catalyst Consulting, we empower women with the right financial strategies to build a secure future.