Registration of non-Muslim wills now available in the ADGM

Through a recent communication published on 22 June 2021, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) has announced that it has developed its notary public services to include the registration of non-Muslim wills, further to a partnership between the ADGM Courts and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

As a result of such expansion, non-Muslim employees of ADGM and ADGM-registered entities, aged 21 years or more, will be able to have their wills notarized conveniently before the ADGM Courts’ Notary Public and Wills Office. Accordingly, a person who wishes to register its will shall be entitled to bequeath their assets within the UAE to whomever they wish and, if required, to appoint guardians to provide care for minor children of the family in the event of the passing of both parents.

Furthermore, upon approaching the ADGM Courts has clarified that the Notary Public will be able to notarize wills over assets located outside the United Arab Emirates, taking into consideration that any grant of probate over such assets will be made in the jurisdiction in which the assets are located.

On the other hand, the ADGM has announced that the new expansion of its notary public’s services will englobe the notarization as well of all ADGM and ADGM registered entities’ private documents and transactions, which may consist of powers of attorney, contracts, acknowledgments, and affirmations.

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