Residents aged 35 to 44 are increasingly seeking wills as property ownership, parenthood and growing financial commitments prompt younger expatriate families in the UAE to start planning their estates earlier.

While residents aged 45 to 54 still make up the largest share of enquiries, the strongest growth over the past year has been recorded among those aged 35 to 44, according to a new consumer trends report from Just Wills Legal Consultants.

The firm receives around 100 to 150 individual consumer enquiries each month, with 30 to 40 per cent eventually converting into completed wills. Conversions have increased by 20 per cent compared with the preceding 12-month period. The shift comes as residents increasingly view estate planning as part of managing their family and financial affairs, rather than something reserved for later life.

“People are increasingly seeing estate planning as a practical part of building their lives in the UAE,” said Sameer Marria, Managing Director of Just Wills Legal Consultants. “For many expatriate families, the UAE is no longer a temporary chapter. It is where they own a home, hold savings, raise children and build businesses.”

Property and parenthood prompt earlier planning

Parents and property owners remain among the strongest groups seeking advice. About 60 per cent of clients have children, while a similar proportion own property in the UAE. Around half identify guardianship as an important reason for preparing a will.

For families with children, estate planning can involve more than deciding who inherits property or savings. Parents may also need to consider guardianship and how assets intended for children would be managed.

Planning across borders and generations

The report also explores the challenges of overseas assets, business succession and Shariah-compliant wealth planning. Advisers stress the need to coordinate arrangements across jurisdictions and review them when family or financial circumstances change.

As awareness grows, estate planning is becoming part of everyday household preparation, alongside keeping clear records of assets, liabilities and important documents.

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-residents-making-wills-estate-planning-early