What is a Global Will and who should have one in Dubai?

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What is a Global Will
Living in Dubai often means living a global life. Many residents work in the UAE, own property in another country, hold bank accounts overseas, and have family members spread across multiple jurisdictions.
This international lifestyle creates a critical question: Is one local will enough or do you need a Global Will?
This article explains what a Global Will is, who should have one, and when it is a better solution than relying only on separate local wills.

What is a Global Will?

A Global Will is an estate planning approach designed to manage and distribute assets located in more than one country in a coordinated and legally effective way. Rather than treating each country in isolation, a Global Will strategy:

  • Considers all assets worldwide
  • Accounts for different inheritance laws
  • Ensures documents work together, not against each other

In practice, a Global Will may be:

  • A single overarching will (in limited cases), or
  • A carefully coordinated set of wills, each valid in a specific country

The key is coordination and clarity.

Global Will vs Local Will: What’s the Difference?

A local will is usually drafted to deal with assets in one country only.
A Global Will strategy looks at the full picture.
For people with cross-border assets, relying only on local wills often leaves gaps.

Why Expats in Dubai Should Consider a Global Will?

Different Countries Apply Different Laws

Each country has its own inheritance system:

  • Some enforce forced heirship
  • Others allow full freedom of distribution
  • Probate processes and timelines vary widely

Without a Global Will, foreign courts may:

  • Ignore your UAE will
  • Apply default inheritance rules
  • Freeze assets until local probate is completed

The Risk of Conflicting or Revoked Wills

One of the biggest risks with multiple local wills is accidental revocation. For example:

  • A later will in one country may cancel an earlier will elsewhere
  • Generic wording like “this is my last will” can invalidate other documents

A Global Will strategy avoids this by careful drafting and coordination.

Who Should Have a Global Will in Dubai?

A Global Will is not only for the ultra-wealthy. It is relevant for many everyday expats.

1. Expats with Property in More Than One Country

If you own:

  • A home in Dubai, and
  • Property in your home country or another jurisdiction

A Global Will helps ensure each property is transferred smoothly under the correct legal system.

2. Individuals with Overseas Bank Accounts or Investments

Many expats maintain:

  • Foreign bank accounts
  • Investment portfolios abroad
  • Shares in overseas companies

A Global Will ensures these assets are not delayed or disputed during foreign probate.

3. International Families

If your:

  • Spouse and children live in different countries
  • Family members have different nationalities

A Global Will helps reduce confusion, disputes, and unequal outcomes.

4. Long-Term UAE Residents Planning for the Future

If Dubai is your long-term base but:

  • You expect to retire elsewhere, or
  • You may acquire assets in new countries

A Global Will offers flexibility and future-proof planning.

When a Global Will is better than Separate Local Wills?

Separate local wills can work, but only when they are:

  • Professionally drafted
  • Properly coordinated
  • Regularly reviewed

A Global Will strategy is usually better when:

  • You own assets in three or more countries
  • The value of overseas assets is significant
  • Family circumstances are complex
  • You want one clear estate planning roadmap

How a Global Will Works in Practice?

Step 1: Asset Mapping

All assets are identified and grouped by country:

  • Real estate
  • Bank accounts
  • Investments
  • Business interests

Step 2: Legal Review by Jurisdiction

Each country’s:

  • Inheritance laws
  • Probate rules
  • Recognition of foreign wills

are reviewed before drafting documents.

Step 3: Coordinated Drafting

Wills are drafted so that:

  • Each applies only to specific assets
  • None revoke or override the others
  • Your overall wishes remain consistent

Common Mistakes Expats Make Without a Global Will

  • Assuming one UAE will covers everything worldwide
  • Using online templates not valid internationally
  • Forgetting to update wills after buying new property
  • Ignoring forced heirship rules in foreign countries

These mistakes often cause delays, legal costs, and family stress.

FAQs - What is a Global Will

1. Is a Global Will one document or multiple documents?

It depends. Often it is a coordinated set of wills across jurisdictions.

2. Do I need a Global Will if I already have a UAE will?

Yes, if you own assets outside the UAE.

3. Can a Global Will reduce probate delays?

Yes, significantly, when structured correctly.

4. Are Global Wills legally recognised?

Yes, when drafted to comply with local laws in each country.

5. How often should a Global Will be reviewed?

After major life events or acquiring new assets abroad.

6. Is a Global Will expensive?

It costs more than a single local will but often saves far more in legal fees later.

Conclusion

What Is a Global Will and Who Should Have One in Dubai? comes down to one simple idea: If your life and assets span multiple countries, your estate plan should too.

A Global Will provides:

  • Legal clarity
  • Cross-border coordination
  • Peace of mind for your family

It ensures that your wishes are respected no matter where your assets are located.

Speak to our Global Wills specialists to protect your international assets.

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