United Arab Emirates

Many non-Muslim expats believe that once they’ve signed a notarial will, their plans for guardianship and inheritance are secure. But despite appearing compliant, these wills can still be subject to local interpretation and may not offer full protection. For greater legal certainty, many now turn to the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry, which provides a common law framework specifically designed for non-Muslims in the UAE. The result is a process that offers greater consistency and fewer unknowns. This article explains how notarial wills leave gaps, how the DIFC process closes them and why that difference matters if you have children, property or future plans tied to the UAE. What is a notarial will, and where it falls short A notarial will is signed in the presence of a Dubai Courts notary, usually in Arabic, sometimes with an English version attached. For expats, it’s often seen as a quick and affordable way to set out who inherits what and who should act as executor or guardian. It’s simple on paper, but in practice, the structure has clear limits. These wills are stored within the court system but aren’t part of a searchable registry. That can make them hard to retrieve or confirm, particularly if the family lives overseas or isn’t fluent in Arabic. There’s also no guarantee a notarial will is enforced as intended. Judges have wide discretion when deciding whether the document meets legal standards. If parts of it are vague, unregistered or poorly translated, the court may apply default rules instead of following what’s written. This has happened in practice. One case involved a European expat who left instructions for his Dubai property to go to his wife and children. The will was valid in form, but the court split the estate based on fixed shares, citing the way the document had been drafted and filed. Guardianship cases show the same kind of risk. Courts don’t always follow the named guardian if the will lacks clarity or hasn’t gone through a recognised system. Depending on the situation, guardianship could be granted to extended family, another party, or in rare cases, to the state, particularly when both parents are gone or unavailable. These outcomes don’t apply across the board, but where there’s legal ambiguity, the court has room to decide. That means, without a well-defined structure, families can lose control over key decisions. How DIFC wills ensure certainty The DIFC Will avoids this uncertainty by operating under a separate legal system. It’s prepared and registered under DIFC Courts, which follow common law and support full testamentary freedom for non-Muslims. That allows parents to appoint guardians, spouses to transfer property, and beneficiaries to be named without restrictions. These instructions are legally binding and enforced by the DIFC without needing approval from Dubai Courts. The process is clearly laid out. Wills are registered electronically, witnessed in person or remotely via video, and held securely in the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry. Disputes, if they arise, are resolved directly within the DIFC Court system. There’s no need for referral to a local court, no requirement for Arabic translation and no judicial discretion over the substance of the will. The outcome follows the document as written. DIFC Wills can be created as Single Wills or Mirror Wills for couples, and can cover real estate, bank accounts, business shares, personal belongings and guardianship appointments. The process is open to non-Muslim residents or property owners aged 21 or over with assets in the UAE. For families with children, interim and permanent guardianship provisions can be built into the will. These allow for short-term care decisions to be made immediately, without delay, while longer-term arrangements are formalised. This framework reflects recent changes in the law. Under Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022, non-Muslims can now manage inheritance and family matters through civil law, rather than Sharia principles. The DIFC Will provides a recognised way to do this, with a clear enforcement route and minimal procedural risk. The process can even be completed via remote video signing if you are based overseas. Most appointments are completed within a few days and the registration itself is typically handled by legal or corporate service firms familiar with the formalities. A simple step that protects what matters If you're a non-Muslim expat with dependents or assets in the UAE, a DIFC Will can give you structure, clarity and legal certainty. The DIFC system removes ambiguity, ensures your instructions are recorded in the right format, and offers a direct route to enforcement without the need to rely on secondary court approval. How can The Knightsbridge Group help? The Knightsbridge Group has over a decade of experience guiding international families through succession planning, DIFC Will registration and guardianship arrangements in the UAE. If you’re ready to put the right structure in place to protect your assets and dependents, we’re here to help. To speak with a specialist, email us at [email protected].

Few would have predicted that one of the brightest stories in global fintech would come from the Middle East and North Africa, yet in less than a decade the region has turned into a centre of momentum. While investment across Europe and North America has cooled of late, funding in the MENA region passed USD 2 billion in 2024 with the number of active firms climbing beyond 1,500. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are at the forefront, creating new unicorns and attracting global investors to a market that offers the conditions fintech startups need to succeed at scale. This article looks at why MENA has emerged as one of the most promising regions in the world for fintech growth, and what sets it apart from established hubs elsewhere. Capital flows and investor appetite Much of the region’s momentum comes from how capital is being deployed. Gulf sovereign funds and large family groups have made fintech part of their wider investment strategies, often backing firms at a speed and scale that founders elsewhere struggle to match. In Saudi Arabia alone, fintech startups raised about USD 1.3 billion across 2023 and 2024, with deals such as stc Bank’s USD 200 million round setting new benchmarks for the sector. The UAE has followed a similar course, with Dubai-based funds leading a significant share of Gulf fintech rounds in 2024. This depth of liquidity shortens the path from seed to growth stage, cutting out the long pauses and down rounds that are common in Europe and North America. Average deal times in the Gulf are often measured in weeks rather than months, which changes the rhythm of building a company and gives startups in the region a rare advantage. Regulation and supportive frameworks The other reason startups have gained pace in the region is the way regulators have opened the door while keeping oversight firm. In Saudi Arabia, the central bank has played a leading role, issuing three digital bank licences and running a sandbox that has now approved more than 50 new models in payments, lending, and wealth tools. That mix of permission and supervision has allowed firms to test at scale without losing the confidence of customers or investors. Elsewhere, Dubai’s DIFC and Bahrain have taken a similar course, giving early stage companies structured routes to trial products under watch before moving into full licences. Open banking is also being phased in, with Saudi Arabia mandating rollout across banks by 2025. These steps give smaller firms access to data once held tightly by incumbents and make it clearer how startups can grow within the system without the regulatory grey areas seen in other markets. Demographics and consumer demand The strength of the region’s fintech market also rests on its demographics. More than half of the population is under 30, and smartphone penetration in Gulf states sits above 90 percent. That combination of youth and digital access has created a consumer base ready to adopt new financial services at speed. In Saudi Arabia, where about 70 percent of adults were outside the formal banking system only a decade ago, the use of digital wallets has grown by more than 40 percent year on year. Buy-now-pay-later services have also surged, with adoption rates among the highest in the world. This shows how quickly consumer behaviour is changing. Egypt is seeing the same effect, with mobile payments now processing transactions in the billions each year. For fintech founders, it means the region offers a customer base that’s both young and highly engaged with new ways of managing money. Government agendas and infrastructure Fintech growth in the region is also being shaped by government strategies that treat digital finance as part of wider economic reform. In Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 set a target of raising cashless transactions to 70 percent by the end of the decade, and programmes like Fintech Saudi have already helped hundreds of startups move from pilot to market. Public backing has also included direct funding, incubators, and links between regulators, banks, and universities to build a stronger talent base. The UAE has taken a parallel route, with DIFC and ADGM both promoting fintech hubs that connect early stage firms with capital and licensing support. Bahrain has positioned itself as a first mover in regional open banking rules, drawing in cross-border entrants. These initiatives mean startups can access clearer licensing routes, stronger institutional backing, and a deeper pool of skilled talent, all of which make it easier to build and scale. Global positioning and cross-border growth Beyond domestic policy, the regional fintech story has an international dimension. Saudi Arabia has pushed forward on cross-border payments, with the central bank linking systems to the UAE and experimenting with digital currencies for trade settlement. Several Gulf-backed fintechs have already expanded into Egypt, Pakistan, and parts of Africa, using the region’s location as a bridge between large neighbouring markets. Global comparisons highlight the scale of this progress. While London and Singapore remain established hubs, MENA’s fintech revenue is forecast to grow at more than twice the global average, reaching a projected annual rate of 35 percent through 2028. For founders, that means the dual benefit of a fast-growing home market and a base from which to reach neighbouring economies in Africa and South Asia. From local momentum to global reach Fintech in the region has moved to the centre of global growth. Capital is flowing at record pace, regulation is structured but open, consumer demand is strong, and governments are backing the sector as part of wider economic reform. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt stand out, yet the effect is regional, with scale that stretches beyond national borders. For founders and investors, this is a market where growth today connects directly to influence over how financial systems in MENA, Africa, and South Asia develop in the years ahead.

Business dealings in Dubai can run smoothly for years, yet disputes are part of commercial life. A contract may be breached, payment withheld, or a partnership come to an end. When that happens, the parties often have no choice but to take the issue before the courts. Dubai is unusual in having two parallel systems that hear civil and commercial cases. The local courts follow UAE procedure, while the DIFC Courts operate independently with their own framework. Which forum you use shapes the process, from filing to judgment, and can influence timing, cost, and enforcement. The sections below explain how cases are filed in each. Jurisdiction and choice of court When contracts are drafted in Dubai, one of the most practical points to settle is which court will hear disputes. If there’s no clause on jurisdiction, cases with a local link usually fall to the Dubai Courts. Proceedings there are in Arabic, they follow UAE civil procedure, and parties need certified translations of their documents. The DIFC Courts give a very different route. They apply common law, conduct hearings in English, and have a reputation for handling cross-border cases. What makes them stand out is the opt-in clause. A single line in a contract can move future disputes into the DIFC system even if the dispute itself has nothing to do with the free zone. That’s why many contracts with foreign parties include it by default, especially if judgments need to be enforced abroad or complex finance issues are at stake. Filing a case in Dubai Courts Filing and registration A case in the Dubai Courts begins with a detailed statement of claim that sets out the dispute, the legal basis, and the remedy being sought. It’s filed online through the court portal and the fee is paid at that stage. Fees are linked to the value of the claim but are capped at AED 40,000 for civil and commercial disputes. Once the claim is accepted, the court registers it and serves the defendant, usually by electronic notification though bailiffs are still used in some cases. Hearings, judgment, and appeal From there the file moves into case management, where a judge checks the pleadings and evidence before fixing hearing dates. Hearings themselves are brief, sometimes only a few minutes, because most submissions are handled in writing. Since proceedings are in Arabic, every contract or piece of evidence in another language has to be translated by a certified translator, and this is often where delay and extra cost arise. Judgments in straightforward cases are often issued within a few months. Appeals must be filed within 30 days, first to the Court of Appeal and then, on points of law, to the Court of Cassation. Once a judgment is final it goes to the execution court, which has broad powers to enforce payment by freezing accounts or attaching assets. Filing a case in DIFC Courts Unlike the Dubai Courts, where every claim starts with a detailed statement in Arabic, the DIFC process begins with a simple claim form filed through the eRegistry and the fee paid at the same time. Once the case is accepted it’s assigned to a judge, who sets the timetable for how it will move forward. The system is designed to be fast and accessible, and in practice most filings are handled online without difficulty. Procedure also feels different to the local courts. Judges hold case management conferences, timetables are fixed early, and disclosure of documents is broader. Hearings are often longer and more detailed, reflecting the common law style. Because everything is in English, parties avoid the cost and delay of translating contracts and witness statements, which is often a deciding factor for international businesses. Appeals go to the DIFC Court of Appeal and in limited cases to the Court of Cassation. Judgments can be taken into the Dubai Courts for enforcement and are often easier to rely on abroad, so this route is frequently written into contracts where cross-border enforcement is expected. Practical considerations when choosing where to file When weighing the two court systems, the decision usually comes down to priorities rather than a single feature. For businesses trading mainly within the UAE, the Dubai Courts often provide a more direct route to enforcement, while for cross-border contracts the DIFC’s links to international recognition can be more persuasive. The nature of the dispute also carries weight. Complex finance or shareholder issues are often better suited to the DIFC, where judges have international backgrounds and cases are managed in a common law style. By contrast, local trade disputes or straightforward debt claims tend to move more smoothly through the Dubai Courts. Cost also plays a part. DIFC’s higher fees may be justified if the case is document-heavy, conducted in English, or likely to need recognition abroad. For claims centred on straightforward obligations or local dealings, the Dubai Courts tend to be the more practical option.

Dubai, UAE 15 September 2025 - Al Tamimi & Company, the leading full-service law firm in the Middle East, is pleased to announce that Anton Konnov and Igor Gorchakov have joined the firm as partners. Anton and Igor join the firm with a team of associates bringing the total to four new additions. This step further supports the firm’s strategic focus on expanding its transactional M&A, banking and contentious offerings. Anton and Igor bring an extensive track record of delivering high-value legal solutions across Corporate/M&A, banking, and cross-border disputes (particularly for international financial services clients). Their Magic Circle experience positions them to handle complex, multi-jurisdictional matters for a diverse global client base. Anton Konnov is qualified in England & Wales, New York, and Russia. He previously served as the Managing Partner of A&O Shearman’s Moscow office and has led teams on major international transactions across a wide range of sectors. His practice spans corporate law, regulatory advisory, and cross-border M&A, and he brings extensive experience in law firm leadership and international business operations. Igor Gorchakov is dual-qualified in England & Wales and Russia and holds full rights of audience before the DIFC Courts in Dubai. He specializes in dispute resolution and banking matters, including international arbitration, cross-border litigation, and financial regulatory compliance. Igor has represented leading financial institutions and corporates across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Jody Waugh, Managing Partner of Al Tamimi & Company commented: “We are delighted to welcome Anton and Igor to the firm. Their experience, depth of expertise, and international credentials will enhance our capabilities and enable us to support our clients across borders.” Anton said: “Al Tamimi & Company has developed an outstanding transactional M&A track record across the region, built on strong foundations and deep local roots in each of its markets. I am excited to join and work alongside its impressive bench of talent delivering best in class services across a range of sectors.” Igor added: “It’s an exciting period to be joining Al Tamimi & Company. The firm’s Dispute Resolution and Banking & Finance practices are highly regarded across the Middle East and command an unparalleled understanding of the region’s legal landscape.” Anton and Igor's appointments follow a series of strategic hires over the past year, including Omar Zizi who joined the Firm as a Corporate/M&A partner in Casablanca, Rachel Fox, who joined the Firm's Abu Dhabi office as Tax partner, Henry Storrar, who joined as a Corporate/M&A partner in Abu Dhabi and Paul Taylor who joined as regional Head of Arbitration, based in Dubai. About Al Tamimi and Company Al Tamimi and Company is the leading full-service law firm in the UAE and MENA region, with 17 offices across 10 countries. Since 1989, we have delivered innovative, cost-effective legal solutions to address complex business challenges. Our team of 580+ legal professionals combines deep expertise with practical insights, offering commercially focused advice that drives client success. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we foster a dynamic environment that attracts top talent and empowers us to deliver outstanding results across industries.