Are a deceased person's bank accounts frozen in the UAE until heirs are confirmed?

Yes. When a UAE bank is notified of an account holder's death, it generally freezes the account to protect the estate until the lawful heirs are formally established. The bank will typically not release funds to family members on request alone; it requires an official court document, most commonly a legal heir certificate, that names the heirs and their shares. For a Muslim deceased, the personal status (Sharia) court determines those shares under faraid; for a non-Muslim, the civil framework or a registered will may govern who receives the balance. Once the certificate is issued, you present it to the bank along with identity documents, and the bank releases or distributes the funds according to that ruling. Outstanding debts and liabilities linked to the account may also need to be settled as part of the process. Procedures and required documents vary between banks and emirates, so confirm with both the bank and the relevant court. Verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI can help you obtain the certificate and approach the bank.