Which court handles inheritance and heir certificates in Abu Dhabi?

In Abu Dhabi, inheritance and legal heir certificate matters are handled through the personal status system overseen by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Heirs apply to the competent court, submitting the death certificate, proof of relationships, identity documents, and usually witnesses, and the court issues a ruling identifying the heirs and their shares. For a Muslim deceased, the court applies Sharia (faraid); Abu Dhabi also has dedicated arrangements for non-Muslims under the civil personal status framework, which can govern non-Muslim inheritance and wills. Once issued, the certificate is what banks, the land authority, and company registrars rely on to transfer the estate. Documents issued abroad generally need attestation and Arabic translation. Because exact procedures, services, and any fees are set by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and can change, confirm the current requirements with them directly before filing. Verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI can guide you through the Abu Dhabi process and prepare the documents correctly.