Navigating inheritance laws in the United Arab Emirates ("UAE") can be complex, especially for expatriates and those unfamiliar with Islamic Sharia law principles.

For employers, the subject matter was brought into greater focus with the issuance of UAE Ministerial Decision no. 720/2023 prescribing employers' obligations to distribute end-of-service gratuity entitlement following an employee's death.

In our latest podcast, we share the recording of a webinar we co-hosted on 5 December 2023 with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Authority, which oversees one of the largest commercial free trade zone areas in the UAE.

In this informative session, Emily Aryeetey and Tasleem Sayani touched on:

• The importance of expatriates having a Will in the UAE;
• Sharia law and how it applies to asset distribution the guardianship of minor children; and
• Employer responsibilities in managing issues arising following an employee's death.