International Legal Expertise in the UAE

Wills · Asset Protection · Arbitration · Local Courts

At Emirald Legal Consultants, we provide strategic legal guidance to net-worth individuals and corporate clients in all matters of succession planning and asset protection — including DIFC and UAE Wills, as well as family foundations established in RAK ICC, DIFC, and ADGM.

The firm also coordinates representation before arbitration institutions (DIAC) and local courts across the UAE.

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Download our Company Profile (PDF)

International Legal Expertise in the UAE

The firm also coordinates representation before arbitration institutions (DIAC) and local courts across the UAE.

Book a Consultation

Download our Company Profile (PDF)

At Emirald, we advise net-worth families and business owners on complex matters of inheritance, succession, and corporate law.

We design bespoke legal solutions that:

• Protect and preserve assets
• Uphold family legacy
• Reinforce the continuity of wealth across generations

Our accreditation in DIFC and ADGM, together with partnerships with leading local law firms, confirms our expertise in drafting, registering, and executing wills, corporate agreements, and related documentation for assets held in the UAE and abroad.

Emirald helps protect the present and future of families and businesses amid an evolving legal landscape.

We prepare documents in a way that ensures your assets remain under your control and are transferred to heirs without disputes or delays.

About the Firm

Protecting family assets across borders and generations. Bespoke asset structuring, succession planning, and legal strategy for net-worth international families.

Our Values

• Legal precision and excellence
• Strategic insight
• Absolute discretion
• Global perspective

These principles underpin every aspect of our practice and sustain the trust our clients place in Emirald.

At Emirald, we advise net-worth families and business owners on complex matters of inheritance, succession, and corporate law.

We design bespoke legal solutions that:

• Protect and preserve assets
• Uphold family legacy
• Reinforce the continuity of wealth across generations

Emirald helps protect the present and future of families and businesses amid an evolving legal landscape.

We prepare documents in a way that ensures your assets remain under your control and are transferred to heirs without disputes or delays.

About the Firm

Protecting family assets across borders and generations. Bespoke asset structuring, succession planning, and legal strategy for net-worth international families.

Our Values

• Legal precision and excellence
• Strategic insight
• Absolute discretion
• Global perspective

These principles underpin every aspect of our practice and sustain the trust our clients place in Emirald.

Statue of Lady Justice symbolising legal integrity and professional legal services in the UAE

Why Choose Emirald

Our clients choose us for our expertise, transparent process, confidence in results, and unwavering legal precision. Combining international experience with personal attention, we deliver solutions that stand the test of time.

DIFC & ADGM Accreditation

As accredited and formally registered Wills Draftsmen in both DIFC and ADGM, we are authorised to prepare and register wills and recognised for our deep understanding of the UAE’s inheritance and succession frameworks. This standing allows us to assist clients at every stage with clarity and precision.

Complex Assets — Clear Solutions

We provide clients with the freedom to transfer and bequeath any type of assets—including crypto-assets, UAE bank accounts, securities, business shares, and real estate in the UAE—to any chosen beneficiary, in accordance with their wishes and without the risk of future contestation.

We also assist in establishing family foundations, designed with a transparent governance architecture, clear rules of income distribution, and sound administrative oversight, ensuring both flexibility and control.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Discretion lies at the heart of everything we do. We operate under strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and use secure, encrypted communication channels for all client interactions.

Access to sensitive data is strictly limited to those Emirald professionals directly involved in the client’s matter — ensuring confidentiality and trust at every stage.

30+ Years of International Experience

With more than three decades of cross-border private client and corporate legal practice, we bring strategic insight to complex inheritance, corporate, and asset-structuring matters.

Our experience spans multi-jurisdictional estate planning, asset protection, and family governance for net-worth individuals and business owners worldwide.

Why Choose Emirald

DIFC & ADGM Accreditation

Complex Assets — Clear Solutions

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Discretion lies at the heart of everything we do. We operate under strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and use secure, encrypted communication channels for all client interactions.

Access to sensitive data is strictly limited to those Emirald professionals directly involved in the client’s matter — ensuring confidentiality and trust at every stage.

30+ Years of International Experience

With more than three decades of cross-border private client and corporate legal practice, we bring strategic insight to complex inheritance, corporate, and asset-structuring matters.

Our experience spans multi-jurisdictional estate planning, asset protection, and family governance for net-worth individuals and business owners worldwide.

Our Services

Legal documents and seal representing inheritance planning and asset protection services in the UAE

Inheritance & Asset Protection

We help clients protect what matters most — their assets, families, and future.

Our firm develops tailored solutions for the secure transfer of wealth, covering UAE real estate, local bank accounts, business shares, and crypto-assets.

We prepare DIFC and ADGM Wills, shareholder agreements, and corporate structures that ensure assets remain protected and succession plans are carried out smoothly.

We also create and manage family foundations that combine flexibility, transparency, and long-term control.

Arbitration and mediation proceedings representing dispute resolution before DIAC and ADGM Courts

Arbitration & Mediation (DIAC / ADGM Courts)

When disputes arise, we help clients navigate them with strategy and confidence.

Emirald works alongside trusted local and international law firms to coordinate representation before DIAC and ADGM Courts.

Where possible, we promote mediation as a faster, discreet, and cost-effective alternative to litigation — helping clients reach practical, lasting resolutions.

Professional legal consulting for representation and enforcement in UAE local courts

UAE Local Courts: Legal Consulting

We connect clients with trusted UAE law firms, selected for their expertise in the relevant area of law, and coordinate the entire process from start to finish.

Emirald ensures that local court judgments are fully enforced — guiding clients until awarded funds are successfully recovered.

Recognition and enforcement of UAE court judgments in CIS countries

For UAE Law Firms: Recognition of UAE Judgments in CIS Countries

We evaluate the prospects of recognising UAE court judgments in CIS jurisdictions and manage the process until recognition is formally granted.

Recognition and enforcement of CIS court judgments in the United Arab Emirates

For International Law Firms: Recognition of CIS Judgments in the UAE

We assess the enforceability of CIS court judgments within the UAE and handle the recognition process from submission to successful confirmation.

Asset tracing and forensic investigations to identify and recover assets in complex legal cases

Asset Tracing & Forensic Investigations

We help clients trace and recover assets lost due to fraud, misappropriation, or unlawful actions by third parties.

Our team analyses financial flows, transactions, and corporate structures to uncover hidden assets and restore what rightfully belongs to our clients.

Inheritance & Asset Protection

We help clients protect what matters most — their assets, families, and future.

Our firm develops tailored solutions for the secure transfer of wealth, covering UAE real estate, local bank accounts, business shares, and crypto-assets.

We prepare DIFC and ADGM Wills, shareholder agreements, and corporate structures that ensure assets remain protected and succession plans are carried out smoothly.

We also create and manage family foundations that combine flexibility, transparency, and long-term control.

Arbitration & Mediation (DIAC / ADGM Courts)

When disputes arise, we help clients navigate them with strategy and confidence.

Emirald works alongside trusted local and international law firms to coordinate representation before DIAC and ADGM Courts.

Where possible, we promote mediation as a faster, discreet, and cost-effective alternative to litigation — helping clients reach practical, lasting resolutions.

UAE Local Courts: Legal Consulting

We connect clients with trusted UAE law firms, selected for their expertise in the relevant area of law, and coordinate the entire process from start to finish.

Emirald ensures that local court judgments are fully enforced — guiding clients until awarded funds are successfully recovered.

For UAE Law Firms: Recognition of UAE Judgments in CIS Countries

We evaluate the prospects of recognising UAE court judgments in CIS jurisdictions and manage the process until recognition is formally granted.

For International Law Firms: Recognition of CIS Judgments in the UAE

We assess the enforceability of CIS court judgments within the UAE and handle the recognition process from submission to successful confirmation.

Asset Tracing & Forensic Investigations

We help clients trace and recover assets lost due to fraud, misappropriation, or unlawful actions by third parties.

Our team analyses financial flows, transactions, and corporate structures to uncover hidden assets and restore what rightfully belongs to our clients.

Our team brings together specialists with global experience and a deep understanding of the UAE legal landscape.

At Emirald, we bridge local regulations with the global interests of our clients — combining international perspective with practical understanding of UAE law.

We deliver clear, result-oriented solutions built on trust, precision, and the principles of common law.

An International Team with Local Insight

Our team brings together specialists with global experience and a deep understanding of the UAE legal landscape.

At Emirald, we bridge local regulations with the global interests of our clients — combining international perspective with practical understanding of UAE law.

We deliver clear, result-oriented solutions built on trust, precision, and the principles of common law.

An International Team with Local Insight

Our Team

At Emirald, our strength lies in our people. Each professional brings global experience, deep local insight, and a shared commitment to delivering clear, practical results for our clients. Together, we bridge international standards with the realities of UAE law — ensuring precision, integrity, and trust in everything we do.

Our Team

Igors Jakovlevs

Senior Partner

Maxim Stepanov

Managing Partner

Sergei ILIN

Partner, Ph.D. in Law

Hannah Mae

Accountant

Marina Vladimirova

Operations Manager

Darsanalal Sudarsan

Compliance/MLRO Officer

Sirajuddeen Cherichi

PRO officer

Carlyn De la Cruz

Head of accounting

Mohammed Ajaj

Legal consultant

DIFC Courts building in Dubai, representing DIFC Wills drafting and registration services under common law

DIFC Wills Draftsmen

As accredited and formally registered Draftsmen with the DIFC Courts, Emirald prepares and registers Wills that ensure the full protection of clients’ assets under common law.

Our clients have the freedom to transfer and bequeath any assets — including crypto-assets, UAE bank accounts, securities, business shares, and real estate in the UAE — to any chosen beneficiaries, without the risk of dispute or delay.

We also guide clients through every stage of Will execution, ensuring their wishes are carried out with clarity and confidence.

Officially listed with the DIFC Courts Wills Service Registry.

Dubai Courts building for wills preparation and registration for non-Muslims in the UAE

Dubai Courts Wills: Preparation and Registration

Through the Dubai Courts, non-Muslims can register Wills that allow their UAE-based assets — such as property, bank accounts, company shares, and other holdings — to be inherited in line with the laws of their home country, rather than Sharia law.

The Will is executed before a Dubai Courts Notary Public.

Emirald manages every step of the process — from drafting and certified translations to final registration — ensuring a smooth, compliant, and stress-free experience for the client.

ADGM Courts Wills

Through the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Courts, non-Muslims can register Wills that allow their UAE-based assets — including real estate, bank accounts, company shares, and other holdings — to be inherited according to their own choice of law: either their national law or the principles of English common law.

The Will is signed before a notary public. As an ADGM-accredited firm, Emirald is officially listed among the law firms authorised to prepare and register Wills.

We provide a seamless, full-service experience — from drafting to registration — ensuring every client’s wishes are protected with precision and care.

Officially listed at the ADGM Courts Register of Accredited Firms.

Dubai skyline symbolising family foundations and long-term wealth structuring in the UAE

Family Foundations (RAK ICC, DIFC, ADGM)

Emirald helps net-worth families establish and manage Family Foundations across the UAE’s leading jurisdictions — RAK ICC, DIFC, and ADGM.

We design clear, future-ready governance structures that safeguard family wealth, ensure flexible inheritance planning, and support long-term asset protection.

Our team also provides administration and governance support for existing foundations — combining English legal standards with UAE opportunities to build secure, transparent, and well-managed structures for generations to come.

Global financial and legal expertise supporting international clients and cross-border structures

30+ Years of International Financial & Legal Expertise

Since 1993, Emirald’s partners have held senior positions in firms regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA), and have operated as licensed registration agents in leading global financial centers.

Over the years, we have created and managed more than 70 Family Foundations, designed to protect and preserve family wealth.

Our partners also bring over 15 years of experience working with high-net-worth clients in the banking and financial sectors — including European banks and top-tier asset management companies.

Since 2015, we have been managing a licensed corporate services provider (CSP) in the UAE.

Legal representation and dispute resolution before DIAC and UAE local courts

DIAC & Local Courts

DIAC — We collaborate with trusted, highly specialised law firms to represent clients before the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). Emirald coordinates the entire process — from case preparation to final resolution — and, where appropriate, facilitates mediation for faster, more efficient outcomes.

Local Courts — We partner with reputable UAE law firms to handle court proceedings in the client’s best interests.

Our team oversees every stage — from case initiation to full enforcement — ensuring that judgments are executed and awarded funds are successfully recovered.

Corporate holding structures and shareholders agreements governed by English law in the UAE

Holding Structures and Shareholders’ Agreements (SHA)

Emirald Legal advises family offices and high-net-worth individuals on the design and implementation of holding structures governed by English law.

These structures, supported by carefully drafted shareholders’ agreements (SHA) are intended to protect shareholder interests, manage governance and succession risk, and provide long-term certainty, stability, and control over family and investment assets.

FAQ

Here are some of the questions our clients most often ask.

What’s the difference between a Will registered in DIFC or ADGM and a Will made through Dubai Courts?

The main difference lies in the legal system and the level of freedom a testator has when deciding how to distribute their assets.

DIFC and ADGM follow the common law system, which gives you complete freedom to decide who inherits your assets and how.

By contrast, Dubai Courts recognise Wills prepared either under the testator’s national law or under Sharia law, depending on the choice made — which limits flexibility and available options.

When your Will is registered with Emirald through DIFC or ADGM, you can be certain that your final wishes will be respected and carried out exactly as intended.

What are the benefits of registering a Will with DIFC Courts?

A Will registered with DIFC Courts gives you maximum flexibility and peace of mind.

You can:

• decide exactly who inherits and what share each person receives;

• include conditional, charitable, or corporate provisions.

As a licensed DIFC Draftsman, Emirald ensures that your Will is drafted correctly, compliant with international standards, and fully reflects your wishes.

Why do clients choose Emirald for Wills and succession planning?

Because we bring together:

• official licensing as a DIFC Wills Draftsman;

• recognition as a recommended ADGM Wills Service Provider;

• decades of experience in international inheritance and asset structuring.

This combination means absolute accuracy, security, and a process that fully respects each client’s wishes.

What is a Family Foundation and what is it for?

A Family Foundation is a dedicated legal structure for protecting and managing family assets across generations.

It creates a long-term mechanism for control, stability and continuity.

Emirald helps clients set up foundations that fully reflect their vision — compliant with both international and UAE laws.

Why choose Emirald to establish your Family Foundation?

With experience in creating and managing more than 70 Family Foundations, Emirald’s partners know how to build structures that protect wealth, reduce risk, and ensure long-term continuity for future generations.

What is DIAC and when is arbitration the better option?

The Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) is a leading global institution for commercial dispute resolution.

It offers a confidential, efficient, and neutral process — often faster and more effective than court litigation.

Emirald helps clients draft arbitration clauses and choose the best specialists to represent them before DIAC.

What types of disputes can Emirald assist with through DIAC and Dubai Courts?

• commercial and contractual disputes;

• corporate and shareholder conflicts;

• construction and investment matters;

• enforcement of arbitration awards.

Emirald provides early risk assessment, selects the right legal team, and coordinates all proceedings to achieve the most favourable outcome for the client.

Why clients trust Emirald to handle their litigation and arbitration cases.

Emirald serves as an independent strategic advisor that:

• selects the ideal law firm for each matter;

• ensures consistent communication and quality control;

• acts as a single coordination hub for the entire process.

This approach gives clients confidence, personalised attention, and access to leading experts across the UAE and internationally — all guided by Emirald’s oversight.

FAQ

Here are some of the questions our clients most often ask.