Business Valuation for Estate, Inheritance and Divorce in the UAE
By Bill Anderson, FCCA, Chief Executive Officer, Assetica — 2026-05-14
How independent business valuation supports estate planning, inheritance division and divorce settlements in the UAE, accepted by DIFC courts.
Why These Valuations Must Be Independent
Estate, inheritance and matrimonial matters involve parties with directly competing interests. A valuation prepared by one side, or self-assessed, will be challenged. An independent valuer with no stake in the outcome provides a value that courts and all parties can accept.
Standards That Hold Up in Court
Valuations prepared to RICS and IVS standards by a qualified independent valuer are accepted by DIFC courts and recognised in UAE proceedings. Reports that fall short of recognised standards, or contain material errors, can be challenged and overturned.
Common Scenarios
Independent business valuations support division of an estate among heirs, inheritance planning and DIFC Wills, matrimonial settlements where a business is a marital asset, and expert witness engagements where a court requires a neutral opinion of value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a business valuation accepted by UAE courts?
Yes. Valuations prepared to RICS and IVS standards by a qualified independent valuer are accepted by DIFC courts and recognised in inheritance and matrimonial proceedings.
Why cannot each party value the business themselves?
Because competing interests make a self-assessed value easy to challenge. An independent valuer provides a neutral figure that withstands scrutiny and that all parties and the court can accept.
Can you act as an expert witness?
Yes. Assetica provides independent valuations and expert witness opinions for estate, inheritance and matrimonial matters in the UAE, prepared to recognised standards.
Speak to Assetica about Business Valuation
Assetica is an independent business valuation firm in Dubai. We do not audit and we do not broker deals, so the number carries no conflict. Read more about business valuation, or book a free scoping call. Standard reports are issued in five to seven business days.