Inheritance under Shariah Law for Non-Muslim Expats

The Law in UAE permits the non-Muslim, foreign nationals to draft their will and to divide their property according to their will. However, in case a non-Muslim foreign national dies intestate, the Courts, as per the Civil and Personal Law of the UAE will distribute the assets of the deceased according to the principles of Shariah Law, if the heir of the deceased didn’t ask for apply the person law. It should be noted that as per Article 17(1) of the Federal Law No.5 of 1985 on Civil Transaction Law, the inheritance of a person will be regulated by the law during the time of his death. Whereas, Article 17(5) states that the UAE law will apply to the wills of non-Muslim foreign nations. In addition to the aforementioned law, Article 1(2) of the Federal Law No. (28) of 2005 On Personal Status mentions that the said law will be applicable to non-Muslim unless he chooses to be administered under the law of his country.