In our last article, we explained what happens to your assets if you pass away without a Will in the UAE. The next question is: how do you register one?

For many UAE residents, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) is one of the simplest and most affordable options. Here is what you need to know.

What Is an ADJD Will?

An ADJD Will is a Will registered with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. It sets out who inherits your assets and who will look after your children if something happens to you.

• Fully online: no need to visit a court. Signing is done by videocall.
• English and Arabic: the Will is registered in both languages.
• No witnesses needed.

Who Can Register?

The ADJD Will is mainly for non-Muslims living in or holding assets in the UAE. You do not need to live in Abu Dhabi. Residents of Dubai and the other emirates use it too. Couples each register their own Will, often with matching terms (known as "mirror Wills").

What Documents Do You Need?

The list is short:

• Emirates ID
• Passport
• UAE Pass, which is needed to log in and submit your application online
• Your Will in English and Arabic. You can either use the ADJD's own Will template, or use your own template. If you draft your own Will in English, it must have an Arabic translation stamped by a legal translator.

On the day of signing (online), you only need your Emirates ID.

The Process, Step by Step

1. Prepare your Will using the ADJD template or your own template with a stamped Arabic translation.
2. Submit online through UAE Pass, with your Emirates ID and passport.
3. ADJD reviews it and sends you an SMS to approve it or ask for changes.
4. Pay the fee online.
5. Sign by video call with an ADJD notary, with your Emirates ID ready. Your registered Will is then issued digitally.

How Long Does It Take?

Most ADJD Wills are completed within one to two weeks, depending on how quickly the Will is prepared and when a video call slot is available.

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Quick Answers

Do I need to go to court? No. Everything, including signing, is done online.

I live in Dubai. Can I use the ADJD? Yes, it is open to residents of all emirates.

Can I change my Will later? Yes, by registering an updated Will.

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How Onecentive Can Help

At Onecentive, we help clients prepare and register their ADJD Wills from start to finish, from drafting and translation to submission and the online signing.

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For more information, reach out to our team of experts:

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📧 info@one-centive.com

🌐 www.one-centive.com

📍 Office 508, The Binary by Omniyat, Business Bay,Dubai, UAE

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Onecentive LLC-FZ is licensed under Meydan Free Zone, Dubai, UAE. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Each family's situation is different, please contact us for advice specific to your circumstances.

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