This document discusses wills and inheritance laws in Qatar. It explains that under Qatari law, inheritance and guardianship are determined either by Islamic sharia law or the nationality of the deceased. For Qataris, inheritance follows sharia law if there is no will, while for non-Qataris the law of their nationality applies if there is no will. It recommends that all those living in Qatar with Qatari assets create a will witnessed by at least two witnesses to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes upon death and avoid lengthy legal processes.

1. Last Will & Testament
Wills under the Qatar Legal System
Salman A. Al-Ansari
11 June 2015
Private & Confidential © Al-Ansari & Associates 2015

2. © Al-Ansari & Associates 2015
v Who & Why need a Will?
v Qatar Laws (Qatari & Non-Qatari).
v Process of Intestacy (without a Will).
v Joint Account Dilemma.
v Additional Considerations.
v Resolving the Long Process.
v Benefits of a Will.
Contents

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Has anyone been advised
with regard to their assets in
Qatar?

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A Will is essential for all those living in
Qatar with assets in Qatar, and who wish
that, upon their death, their assets are
bequeathed in accordance with their
wishes.
Who Needs a Will?

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Why Need a Will?
Bank
Accounts
Automobiles
Personal
Effects
Automobiles
Personal Effects
Bank Accounts

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Ø Under Qatar law, the determination of heirs, the
specification of their shares in the succession and the
transfer of the succession assets to them shall be
pursuant to the Islamic Sharia.
Ø After the fulfillment of the obligations of the estate’s
debts, the liquidator shall implement the Wills of the
testator, or if no Will then by the provisions of Sharia
Law.
The Civil Law No. 22 of 2004, Articles 973, 996 and 997
Testamentary Laws for Qataris

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Ø Guardianship:
Guardianship, trusteeship/receivership and
custodianship, and minors protection, shall be governed
by the law of nationality of the person requiring
protection.
The Civil Law No. 22 of 2004, Article 22
Ø Inheritance:
Inheritance shall be governed by the law of nationality
of the deceased at the time of death. If no heirs, then
Qatari law will apply.
The Civil Law No. 22 of 2004, Article 23
Testamentary Laws for Non-
Qataris

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Nationality
DECEASED
Non-
Qatari
Qatari
Qatar Laws
Law of Expat’s
Nationality
Without
Will
Will
Without
Will
Will

9. © Al-Ansari Associates 2015
The law is silent with regard to specific requirements for an
“enforceable” Will. Unlike other jurisdictions, such as NY,
where there are a set of requirements for the validity of a
Will.
Process of Intestacy
(without a Will)

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Joint Account Dilemma
Surviving
Account
Holder
Close
Account
Keep Account
Bank
Shall freeze the
account up to
decedent’s share
Until a successor
is legally
appointed

11. © Al-Ansari Associates 2015
Ø Would a home Country Will be effective?
Ø What happens in dual nationality cases?
Ø What happens in incapacity situation?
Ø Can we have a Joint Will?
International Considerations

12. © Al-Ansari Associates 2015
Resolving the Long Process
Dual
Language
Arabic
English
Reference
to Home
Nation
Attested
Copy of
relevant
legislation
Executor/
Trustee
Appointing a
well-informed
executor is key
to ensure
enforcement of
the Will.
Any fees to be
collected only
after execution.
Witnessed
Witnessed by
at least 2
witnesses
In addition to
the witnesses, it
will be stamped
and signed by a
lawyer and MOJ.

13. © Al-Ansari Associates 2015
Benefits and Security
Asset
Management
• Dispose of your assets in the way you would like.
Appointing
Guardian
• Ability to appoint a guardian or executor.
Timely
Transition
• Avoid the lengthy process of courts and
misunderstanding of civil-law trained judges.
Trustee
Appointment
• Secure the process by appointing a Trustee of your
choosing to handle your estate.

14. © Al-Ansari Associates 2015
THE
WILL
Clarity
Security
Legal
Protection
Conformity

15. Al-Ansari Associates
Muraikh Tower, 14th Floor
Al Corniche, Old Salata Area
P.O. Box 24533
Doha, Qatar
T: +974 44913355
F: +974 44913356
info@alansarilaw.com
Private Confidential © Al-Ansari Associates 2015Private Confidential
Al-Ansari Associates
Your contact office is: Al-Ansari Associates, Muraikh Tower, 14th Floor, Al Corniche, Old Salata Area, P.O. Box
24533, Doha, Qatar | Tel +974 44913355| Fax +974 44913356 | www.alansarilaw.com. In this document 'Al-
Ansari Associates' means 'Al-Ansari Associates and/or its affiliated undertakings'. Any reference to a partner
means a member, consultant or employee of 'Al-Ansari Associates'. Al-Ansari Associates is a law firm
licensed by the Lawyers Admission Bar at the Ministry of Justice.