Islam, Nationality and Inheritance under the UAE Constitution and Law: Questions and Answers: Part One

Analysis

Mohammed Al Salti and Tarik El Bakri present part one in a series (part two, part three, part four) of questions and answers on Islam, nationality and inheritance considerations in the UAE. The series should be read in its entirety.

Does Sharia apply to inheritance of UAE nationals?

Yes it does. Article 7 of the UAE Constitution provides that "Islam is the official religion of the federation and Islamic Sharia is a main source of legislation therein and the official language of the federation is Arabic". Therefore, Islamic Sharia is a fundamental and principal source of legislation in the UAE. Article 75 of Federal Law No. 10 of 1973 Regarding the Federal High Court stipulates that said court shall apply Islamic Sharia and other laws applied by the member emirates of the federation that are compliant with Islamic Sharia.