Partner – Legal Director, Elnaggar & Partners
In a previous publication, I provided details about the Dubai International Financial Center, Will (DIFC Will) and its registration process.
In this article, I would like to highlight that under the new policy, non-English speaking testators can be assisted by a translator during the Will registration process.
Therefore, in March 2023, the DIFC Wills Service Centre announced that allows non-English speaking testators to be assisted by a translator during the Will registration process. This is a significant development, as it will make it easier for non-native English speakers to make a valid Will in the DIFC.
Based on the DIFC procedure, the translator can be a Ministry of Justice licensed translator or a person fluent in both the testator language and English.
In case the translator is not a Ministry of Justice licensed translator, the translator must take an oath at the beginning of the registration process, by swearing or affirming, administered by the DIFC Courts Registrar. If swearing, the translator must have a copy of the holy book relevant to the religion he practices.
The translator’s passport copy must be uploaded on the DIFC Website by the Will Draftsmen along with the other requested documents.
The translator will be responsible for translating everything that the testator says and everything that the DIFC officer says.
This new practice is a welcome development for non-English speaking testators in the DIFC. It will help to ensure that they are able to fully understand the terms of their Will and that their wishes are accurately recorded.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the new practice for non-English speaking testators and witnesses in DIFC Will registration:
If you are a non-English speaking testator who is considering registering a Will in the DIFC, it is important to appoint a Ministry of Justice licensed translator or a trusted person who will act as a translator to assist you with the process. This will help to ensure that your Will is valid and enforceable.
The introduction of this new practice is a positive step forward for non-native English speakers in the DIFC. It will make it easier for them to make a valid Will and ensure that their wishes are carried out after their death.
If you have any questions about the new practice for non-English speaking testators and witnesses in DIFC Will registration, you should contact a lawyer who specializes in Wills and estate planning.
The UAE has taken a bold step toward encouraging fair competition and enhancing regulatory enforcement by implementing Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023, which ...
In today’s business landscape, people are the asset. If you have the right ones, you win, and if you have the wrong ones, you lose. And if the right ones ...
As a legal professional with over a decade of experience in succession planning, I've had the privilege of drafting more than 100 wills for clients across the U...
Stay updated with the latest legal news, events, and expert insights from The Jurist.