Gift Affidavit Template for the United Arab Emirates

A Gift Affidavit is an essential legal document that formally records the voluntary transfer of property or assets as a gift in the United Arab Emirates. Under UAE law, this document serves as crucial evidence that validates your intention to make a gift and protects both you as the donor and the recipient from potential legal disputes.

When do you need this document?

You need a Gift Affidavit when transferring valuable assets without receiving payment in return. This includes transferring real estate properties to family members, donating monetary gifts exceeding AED 100,000, giving vehicles or jewelry as gifts, or when making corporate charitable donations. The document is particularly important for high-value transfers as it demonstrates the voluntary nature of the transaction and helps distinguish gifts from potential money laundering activities. Banks and government authorities often require this documentation when processing large gift transactions or property transfers.

Key legal considerations

Your Gift Affidavit must clearly establish that you are the legal owner of the gifted property and that the transfer is voluntary without any coercion or expectation of return. The document should include comprehensive details about the gift's value, description, and any identifying characteristics such as serial numbers or registration details. You must declare that the gift complies with UAE anti-money laundering regulations and that the source of the gifted assets is legitimate. Consider including provisions for gift acceptance by the recipient, as UAE Civil Code requires acceptance for a valid gift. Be aware that certain gifts may be subject to revocation under specific circumstances outlined in Articles 647-668 of the UAE Civil Code.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

Under UAE Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (UAE Civil Code), your Gift Affidavit must comply with specific requirements for valid gift transactions. The document must be notarized by a UAE Notary Public as per Federal Law No. 4 of 2013, and you may need to provide official Arabic translation depending on the recipient and transaction nature. For real estate gifts, additional registration with the relevant emirate's property registration authority is mandatory under applicable emirate-specific laws like Dubai's Law No. 7 of 2006. High-value gifts must comply with UAE Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 concerning Anti-Money Laundering, requiring proper documentation of fund sources. Ensure all parties provide valid Emirates ID or passport details, and consider involving witnesses during the signing process to strengthen the document's validity.