The UAE Just Changed the Age of Adulthood. Here's Why It Matters.
Most people don't think about estate planning until they absolutely have to.
But sometimes a legal change is enough to make you stop and ask, "Does my will still say what I want it to say?"
The UAE has officially lowered the legal age of majority from 21 to 18. At first glance, it sounds like a simple change. In reality, it could affect how existing wills, guardianship arrangements, and inheritances work.
If your will says a child inherits assets when they reach the "age of majority," that age now means 18, not 21.
That could mean:
✔️ Beneficiaries gaining control of assets sooner.
✔️ Guardianship arrangements ending earlier.
✔️ Estate plans working differently than originally intended.
The good news? Existing wills don't automatically become invalid. But this legal update is a good reminder that estate planning isn't something you write once and forget.
This is especially important if you:
• Own property in the UAE
• Have children
• Run a business
• Have assets in more than one country
• Created your will several years ago
Estate planning isn't only about passing on wealth. It's about making things easier for the people you care about and making sure your wishes are clear.
Sometimes a quick review today can prevent complicated legal issues later.
If you'd like to understand exactly how the UAE's new age of majority could affect your will or estate plan, Elnaggar Legal has published a detailed guide explaining the changes in simple language.
👉 Read the full article here:
Learn how the UAE's new age of majority affects wills, guardianship, inheritance, and estate planning. Review your will with legal guidance.
Have you reviewed your will recently? Sometimes a small legal change can have a bigger impact than most people expect.
