The Economic Times

Expat in UAE with assets but no Will? The 2026 amendment changes how your assets will be transferred to your legal heirs

UAE's inheritance laws are changing for expats in 2026. Non-Muslims dying without a will will see their estates divided equally between spouse and children, or passed to parents/siblings. Previously, assets of heirless expats went to the state; now they'll become charitable endowments. Muslim residents continue to follow Sharia law by default.