Key takeaways
- DHA's Jabr system assigns one government service officer to each case in Dubai.
- DHA issues the death certificate proactively through Jabr and shares it, so families don't request it again.
- For expatriates, inform the embassy or consulate; it handles its own formalities.
- Repatriation needs a translated, attested death certificate and an NOC from the embassy.
- Abroad, a death certificate for UAE use needs the issuing country's stamps, the UAE embassy and MOFA (AED 150).
If the death happens in Dubai
In December 2025 the Dubai Health Authority launched Jabr, an integrated bereavement system. Notifications start automatically when a death is registered in the hospital system, and a dedicated government service officer handles procedures for the family. Jabr connects DHA, Dubai Courts, Dubai Municipality, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and other entities.
- Death certificate: issued proactively and shared automatically.
- Burial: handled by the assigned officer.
- Repatriation: expedited if the family wishes.
- Estate: Dubai Courts opens the estate file without in-person attendance.
For an expatriate: the embassy and repatriation
The UAE government portal says families should contact the embassy or consulate of the deceased's country and inform it of the death. Expatriates may be buried or cremated in the UAE, or repatriated. For repatriation, the death certificate must be translated and attested, and you need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the embassy or consulate. The mission then cancels the passport and registers the death at home.
Agencies you'll deal with
| Step | Who handles it |
|---|---|
| Death certificate in Dubai | Dubai Health Authority (through Jabr) |
| Registering the death | Ministry of Health and Prevention, per the UAE government portal (varies by emirate) |
| Attesting the certificate and translation | MOFA |
| Cancelling the residence visa | The residence authority |
| Repatriation NOC | The deceased's embassy or consulate |
| Estate and heirship certificate | Dubai Courts |
When the certificate needs attestation
A death certificate issued abroad needs attestation before a UAE bank, insurer or court relies on it: the issuing country's foreign ministry, the UAE embassy there, then MOFA at AED 150. A UAE certificate issued by MOHAP or Emirates Health Services can be attested digitally for use abroad by MOFA and the UAE embassy in the destination country, AED 150 each; other UAE certificates use MOFA's standard service. MOFA also takes death certificate attestation requests by phone on +971 800 44444. See death certificate attestation.
Afterwards: estate, bank and visa matters
Heirs usually need an inheritance certificate from the Dubai Courts Inheritance Court before assets are released. If the deceased registered a DIFC Courts will, it goes through DIFC Courts probate, and a lawyer can advise; without one, DIFC Courts says local law where the assets are located applies by default. See inheritance for expats in Dubai.
We help at your pace with attestation, translation and paperwork. Global Sky PRO is not a law firm and doesn't give legal advice. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022, representing clients before the courts is reserved for licensed advocates, apart from limited exceptions for close relatives.
Sources
- Dubai Media Office: Dubai Health Authority launches Jabr
- UAE government portal: registering a death
- MOFA: attestation FAQs
- Dubai Media Office: Dubai Inheritance Court
- DIFC Courts: Wills FAQ
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.