Key Takeaways
- Cross-border estates often require two wills — one for each jurisdiction.
- Without a UAE will, local assets can be frozen or distributed under default (Sharia-based) succession rules.
- Through the Private Office Hub, the client was connected to a dual-qualified lawyer (UK + UAE) who handled both wills seamlessly.
- The wills were aligned to avoid conflicts, ensuring clarity and protection across jurisdictions.
- Kingsbury & Partners’ Private Office Hub saves time by connecting clients to legal experts who understand international life.
When International Life Meets Local Complexity
Moving abroad isn’t just about new scenery. For many, it’s the first time their personal affairs start to span more than one legal system — and the implications can be serious.
That’s exactly where - lets call her - Anna found herself.
Recently relocated to Dubai from the UK, she held dual citizenship and had personal and financial ties in both countries. A property in Surrey, savings in Dubai, and plans to invest further in the region. She wasn’t ultra-wealthy — just well organised and thinking ahead.
Her question was simple:
“I’ve just moved here from the UK. I want to make sure my assets are protected and there’s no conflict between jurisdictions if anything happens. I’ve heard I need two wills. Can you help?”
The Problem: One Life, Two Legal Systems
Anna wasn’t wrong. What many expatriates don’t realise is that dying with a single will covering assets in multiple jurisdictions can lead to complications — even conflict.
- The UK follows common law and probate.
- The UAE operates under a combination of civil law and Sharia-based succession unless otherwise specified.
- If no clear local will exists, assets in the UAE may be frozen or distributed according to default rules.
Without properly structured wills in both countries, Anna risked delays, family disputes, or her wishes simply not being followed. She didn’t want to leave her family a legal headache. She wanted clarity.
The Hub in Action: One Lawyer, Two Jurisdictions
Anna submitted her enquiry through the Private Office Hub, and within 48 hours, we connected her with one of our trusted legal partners — a solicitor qualified in both England & Wales and the UAE.
With just one point of contact, Anna was able to:
- Review and update her UK will to reflect her current assets and residency
- Draft a UAE-compliant will to cover her local bank accounts and any future property
- Ensure both wills were fully aligned, avoiding duplication or legal conflict
- Register her UAE will through the DIFC Wills Service Centre, providing legal certainty and recognition in the Emirates
By working with a dual-qualified adviser, Anna avoided the hassle of managing two separate legal processes — and gained peace of mind that her estate would be handled clearly and correctly across both countries.
A Simple Outcome, Without the Stress
That’s what the Private Office Hub is designed for.
Not to replace your solicitor — but to connect you to the right ones, at the right time, across jurisdictions. Whether you’re settling into life in the UAE, managing a global estate, or simply planning ahead, we’ve built a trusted network so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Need dual wills for UK and UAE assets?
Use the Private Office Hub to connect with trusted legal professionals who understand both systems.