If you’re an expatriate in the United Arab Emirates, you’ve probably spent years establishing a life here, saving money in bank accounts, starting a business, or possibly purchasing your ideal property. However, have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “What really happens to my money if I’m not here to manage it?”
Recent legislative changes, particularly Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2024 and the revised Personal Status Law No. 41 of 2024, have clarified this. These modifications guarantee that your assets are managed with dignity, even in the most complicated situations.
Under the modified Civil Transactions Law, residents of the UAE are advised to file their wills, failing which the heirless assets will be designated as charity endowments. Until now, the assets of foreigners who passed away in the UAE without leaving any successors were frequently left in the ‘gray area,’ unclear who owns them.
According to Gulf News (dated January 2, 2026), the UAE Media Office, financial assets owned by a foreign national without a legal heir would now be labeled as a charitable endowment under the new regulations, subject to oversight by the relevant government.
Minors will not be permitted to manage their assets with court consent at the age of 15 (Gregorian calendar), as opposed to the previous age of 18 (Hijri).
While the Gregorian calendar, which is the official solar calendar used worldwide, Muslims utilise the Hijri (a lunar calendar) to establish religious dates.
In the past, 18 Hijri years were the cutoff point for asset management. The announcement lowering the age, however, did not outline the subject of assets that children (15 years and older) might handle.
Additionally, children must obtain permission from the court, which will evaluate each case separately to determine whether or not they are capable of managing their assets. The UAE has also reduced the legal maturity age from 21 to 18. These adjustments are intended to empower youth and promote entrepreneurship.
The changes to the UAE Civil Law are of great importance, especially taking into consideration that there are over 4 million Indian nationals living in the country. If you, your family, or your friends are living in the UAE, it would be advisable to keep yourself updated and track the official gazette notifications that are likely to be released in the next few weeks.