What is an ADJD will? (2026)
4 min read · Updated 7 October 2026
An ADJD will is a civil (non-Sharia) will registered with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the court system of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It lets a non-citizen living in or owning assets in the UAE decide who inherits their UAE estate and who looks after their children, instead of the default rules applying.
Although it is registered in Abu Dhabi, it covers UAE assets in all seven emirates, which is why most of the people who register one live in Dubai. It is written on the court's own bilingual template, in English and Arabic side by side, and the court attests it in a short video call.
The short version
- What it is: a will on the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court's official form, registered with the court's Civil Wills Section under Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021.
- Who can make one: any non-UAE, non-GCC citizen over 21, regardless of religion, per ADJD's published guidance.
- What it covers: your assets in the UAE, in every emirate: property, bank accounts, vehicles, company shares, end-of-service benefits and personal belongings.
- What it decides: who inherits and in what shares, who acts as executor, and who becomes guardian of your children.
- What it costs: a court registration fee of AED 950 per will, paid to ADJD, plus whatever you pay to have the document prepared.
- How it is registered: online through the ADJD portal with UAE Pass, then a video call with the court's notary.
Why it exists
Without a registered will, the UAE applies its default succession rules to an expat's estate. For a family used to their home country's system that can mean a surprising distribution, frozen bank accounts while the court decides, and no say over who cares for the children. In 2021 Abu Dhabi introduced a civil personal-status framework for non-citizens, and the ADJD will is its instrument for inheritance: you write your own distribution, the court registers it, and your family follows it.
How it compares to the other routes
The DIFC Courts Wills Service in Dubai registers wills for non-Muslims under common-law style rules, at roughly ten times the court fee. The ADGM Courts run a digital notary channel in partnership with ADJD for non-Muslim wills that are already bilingual and certified. The ADJD civil will is the route most expats choose because the form is the court's own bilingual template, the fee is AED 950, the process is online, and it is open to Muslim expats as well.
How WillReady fits in
WillReady prepares the document: you answer plain-language questions, and your will is generated on the official ADJD form in English and Arabic, reviewed by our reviewing lawyer, an experienced lawyer with UAE experience. You see the complete will before paying. Then we file the application on the ADJD portal for you, included in the price: you approve the login on your UAE Pass app and we complete every screen. The court fee is paid by you directly to ADJD, and you attend the short video call yourself.
Frequently asked
Is an ADJD will valid in Dubai?
Yes. It covers UAE assets in all seven emirates, including property and bank accounts in Dubai. Most people who register one are Dubai residents.
Can a Muslim expat make an ADJD will?
Yes. ADJD's published guidance allows any non-UAE citizen to register a civil will regardless of religion. UAE and GCC citizens are not eligible.
Do I need to visit Abu Dhabi?
No. The application is submitted online and the will is attested in a video call with the court's notary. You need your original passport, Emirates ID and the signed will with you on the call.
Does an ADJD will cover assets outside the UAE?
It is registered under UAE law for UAE assets. Whether another country recognises it depends on that country's rules, so most people keep a separate will for assets abroad.
How long does it take?
Preparing the document takes about 20 minutes with WillReady. The court's review usually takes a few working days, then the fee is paid and the video call is booked.
Make your UAE will in about 20 minutes
Guided questions on the official ADJD form — see your finished bilingual will before paying anything.
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General information about the process, not legal advice about your circumstances — see our Disclaimer. Figures and procedures reflect published information at the date above; courts can change forms, fees and requirements at any time.