The Enforcement of DIFC Wills in Ras Al Khaimah

Ruksana Ellahi - Senior Associate - Private Client Services / Family Business / Tax

February 2017


His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, commented that as a result of these agreements:

“Individual residents can have even greater trust that their property and assets will be secure here.”

This development will allow DIFC registered Wills to encompass both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah assets. The DIFC Wills and Probate Registry was established to introduce a new avenue for succession and inheritance matters for non-Muslims holding assets in Dubai, and now Ras Al Khaimah, backed by protocols concluded with other public authorities.

The new rules, which broadly follow UK law and practice, create legal certainty for the inheritance of individuals’ assets after death and the appointment of guardians for their children. This not only allows individuals to have testamentary freedom to dispose of their assets as they wish, it also provides peace of mind that an individual’s estate will be distributed according to their wishes.

The Registry provides a simple and efficient mechanism for non-Muslims to pass on their estates, subject to a formal Will registration process which functions as an opt-in mechanism. All probate grants are issued by judges of the DIFC Courts.

 

Learn how our Wills services team offer assistance for matters relating to consultation and registration of wills in the Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai & UAE.