r/PersonalFinanceUAE

This isn't something people like to think about. But given everything happening in the world right now, it's worth a few minutes of your time.

A lot of expat property owners assume their home country Will covers their UAE assets. It doesn't.

UAE follows Sharia law by default for asset distribution — including for non-Muslims, unless you have a registered UAE Will in place. Without one, your property doesn't automatically go to your spouse or children. It goes through a legal process that can take years and result in outcomes your family never expected.

A few things most people don't know:

Your home country Will has no authority over your UAE property without being ratified here — which is expensive and takes time.

Joint ownership doesn't protect you either. It still goes through UAE inheritance rules without a registered Will.

Bank accounts get frozen the moment someone passes away. Joint or otherwise. Your family could be without access to funds for months.

Will drafting in the UAE starts from around AED 4,000-5,000. A DIFC registered Will — which is court-ready immediately — costs around AED 10,000-15,000. One time cost to protect assets worth significantly more.

If you own property in the UAE whether you live here or abroad — this is worth sorting sooner rather than later.

Happy to answer questions in the comments.

Think about it. Your bank has already got you locked in. Why would they volunteer to reduce their own revenue?

The only time most people in the UAE find out they've been overpaying is when someone external actually looks at their mortgage. By then they've sometimes been overpaying for years.

A few things most existing mortgage holders don't realise:

Once your fixed rate period ends you automatically roll onto a variable rate. Nobody reminds you. Nobody checks if it still makes sense for your situation.

Switching banks — what we call a buyout — can save you AED 1,500 to 4,000 every single month depending on your outstanding loan. The process takes 2-3 weeks.

The bank you've been loyal to for 10 years will still charge you full processing fees, full valuation fees, and won't negotiate your rate unless pushed hard.

This isn't a criticism of banks. It's just how the system works. They have shareholders too.

But knowing this puts you in a much better position than most people walking into a renewal conversation alone.

MI have a proof certificate and receive a salary of 7,000 from government assistance, but a bank has consistently rejected it. I need help finding a bank that will take a personal loan.

Hello all,

I am interested in opening a business bank account and would like to ask about the process. For now I only have a trade name reserved by SEDD and signed a lease with the mall by paying a deposit to reserve the unit.

I want to place my money in a business account so it stays separate from my personal funds.

Any bank suggestions?

For context I’m a local emariti and 20 years old.

I came to know that UAB and SIB are currently offering personal loans with very competitive interest rates. Trying to understand which bank provides the best overall package.

Factors I’m comparing:
• Interest rates
• Initial EMI relief period (e.g., 3 months deferment with Mashreq, 9 months with SIB, etc.)
• Free insurance
• Waiver of processing fees

Would appreciate any recent experiences or recommendations on which bank offers the best overall value.

Planning to take a personal loan in the UAE and looking for genuine suggestions on which banks offer the best interest rates and transparent terms.

Want to understand hidden charges, reducing vs flat interest rates, salary transfer conditions, early settlement charges, and risks to be careful about before signing.

Also confused whether it is better to take a loan in the UAE or in India and transfer the money here — looking for expert opinions on what is financially smarter.

Please share your real experiences, recommended banks, mistakes to avoid, and any important advice that people usually learn only after taking a loan.

My salary is 5000

I have salary certificate

But my salary is not on wps it is cash

Can I get any kind of loan or credit cards

From banks or private finance companies

Please I need it very urgently

Just guide me

I’m in a bad place and have a court hearing with ENBD on Thursday. Any help and advice would be appreciated, thank you.