How does inheritance work for Muslims in the UAE?

For Muslim residents and UAE nationals, inheritance is governed by Sharia law under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024. Fixed shares are distributed among eligible heirs with limited flexibility:

• Sons typically receive twice the share of daughters
• A surviving wife receives 1/8 of the estate if children exist, or 1/4 if there are none
• A surviving husband receives 1/4 of the estate if children exist, or 1/2 if there are none
• Non-Muslims cannot inherit from a Muslim estate under Sharia

These rules apply to all Muslim estates in the UAE, regardless of nationality.