A Complete Funeral Planning Checklist for the UAE

Planning a funeral in the UAE involves several important steps that must be completed in accordance with local regulations and cultural practices. Below is a detailed guide to help families and loved ones navigate this process during a difficult time.

Immediate Steps After Death

When a death occurs, these actions should be taken immediately:

• If the death happens in a hospital, inform the hospital staff.

• If the death occurs at home or outside a medical facility, contact the police.

• For expatriates, notify the deceased’s embassy or consulate.

• If the deceased was employed, inform their employer.

• Obtain a medical cause of death certificate from the attending doctor.

Legal Documentation

Prepare and collect the following documents:

• Passport of the deceased

• Emirates ID

• Visa copy

• Medical death certificate

These should be submitted to:

• The local police station for incident reporting

• The public prosecution if required for investigation

• The hospital administration for morgue release

Registering the Death

The death must be officially registered:

• Register with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).

• Register with the deceased’s embassy or consulate.

• Obtain the official UAE death certificate and request multiple copies.

Deciding on Burial or Cremation

Confirm the deceased’s or the family’s wishes while considering religious and cultural practices.

• Muslim burial – typically completed within 24 hours.

• Non‑Muslim burial – permitted in designated cemeteries.

• Cremation – allowed only for certain nationalities and faiths.

Obtaining Necessary Approvals

For a burial:

• Apply to the local municipality or Islamic Affairs Department.

• Obtain a burial permit and cemetery plot allocation.

For a cremation:

• Apply for clearance from the relevant municipality (for example, Dubai Municipality for Jebel Ali).

• Obtain a permission letter from the embassy.

• Secure a no‑objection certificate and embalming approval from the police and MOHAP.

Preparing the Body

Coordinate with a licensed funeral service provider:

• Arrange embalming if required.

• Perform washing and dressing according to religious customs.

• Organize transport to the burial or cremation site.

Schedule the following:

• Prayer service or religious rites.

• Burial or cremation appointment.

Final Ceremony and Documentation

For burial:

• Carry out the interment at an approved cemetery.

• Ensure a grave marker is placed and obtain burial documentation.

For cremation:

• Collect the ashes and cremation certificate.

• Apply for an ashes export permit if the ashes are to be transported abroad.