What Is Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 and Why It Matters

In 2023 the UAE introduced a landmark change to how non-Muslim estates are handled. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 reshaped the default rules and gave expat families a clearer framework than ever before.

In 2023 the UAE introduced a landmark change to how non-Muslim estates are handled. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 reshaped the default rules and gave expat families a clearer framework than ever before.

What the law does

Effective 1 February 2023 across all seven emirates, the law codifies a civil framework for non-Muslim personal-status matters, including succession and guardianship. It operates alongside, not within, the Personal Status Law that governs Muslim matters.

Crucially, where there is no registered will or proof of home-country law, the Act itself supplies a statutory default distribution rather than automatically defaulting to Sharia.

The default distribution

Under the default rules, half the estate may pass to a surviving spouse, with the remainder divided among children. While this is a meaningful safety net, it may still not match your personal wishes or your home country's expectations.

Why you should still register a will

To apply your home-country succession law cleanly, and to keep full control over distribution and guardianship, the reliable path remains registering a will through DIFC, ADJD, or Dubai Courts. The law is a backstop, not a substitute for planning.