General Power of Attorney in UAE: Rights And Powers

A General Power of Attorney (GPA) is a legal authorization that allows one person to delegate decision-making authority to another. In the UAE, this document enables the appointed person to act in the name of the individual granting the power, across multiple areas of responsibility.

Unlike a Special Power of Attorney, which is restricted to specific actions, a GPA is designed for broader authority. It is commonly used when continuous or long-term representation is required.

Notarizing the GPA in the UAE ensures it is legally effective as required under the Power of Attorney rules under the UAE laws. It can be relied upon by banks, government departments, and private institutions.

For a complete overview of powers and responsibilities, read our blog on What is Power of Attorney.

How a GPA Works in the UAE?

A General POA in the UAE involves two key roles: the principal and the agent (also called the attorney-in-fact). The principal is the person granting authority, whereas the agent is the person acting on the principal’s behalf. The agent must follow the principal’s instructions and act in their best interest.

The written terms of the GPA define the agent’s authority. They are legally obligated to follow the instructions provided and must act honestly and within the permitted boundaries. UAE authorities may invalidate actions taken beyond the stated authority.

In practice, a GPA operates as a legal substitute for the principal’s presence. This allows transactions and representations to continue without interruption.

For a detailed guide, visit How to make a Power of Attorney in the UAE.

When Should You Consider Getting a General Power of Attorney?

A General Power of Attorney is most useful when managing affairs personally becomes impractical or out of bounds. It provides continuity and legal convenience in situations where direct involvement is not always possible.

Common situations where a GPA is beneficial include:

• Living or working outside the UAE while retaining assets or obligations within the country
• Owning property that requires regular management or transactions
• Running a business that needs ongoing administrative or contractual oversight
• Temporary illness, travel, or personal circumstances that limit availability
• Handling recurring legal or financial formalities that require representation.

In these scenarios, a GPA helps avoid delays, missed deadlines, and operational disruptions.

An example is a UAE resident living abroad issuing a GPA to a trusted family member in Dubai. With the Power of Attorney in Dubai, the agent can manage rental properties, pay bills, and handle banking or legal documents on the resident’s behalf.

The scope of authority under a GPA depends entirely on what the principal chooses to include. You can draft the General Power of Attorney in the UAE to cover multiple categories of responsibility or be limited to selected areas.

Some of the areas a principal may choose to include in a General Power of Attorney in the UAE include:

• Financial matters: Managing bank accounts, making payments such as investments, and other financial transactions. In many cases, this authority functions similarly to a Financial Power of Attorney, allowing the agent to deal with ongoing monetary obligations efficiently.
• Business affairs: Signing contracts, managing operations, representing the principal in commercial matters, and handling tax or company-related tasks if authorized. For entrepreneurs and company owners, a GPA often acts as a Business Power of Attorney, ensuring continuity when direct involvement is not possible.
• Legal and administrative matters: Signing documents, representing the principal before courts or government authorities, and managing official correspondence.
• Property and real estate: For real estate owners, a Property PoA allows the agent to buy, sell, lease, and manage real estate transactions. This is subject to specific wording required under UAE law.
• Government and personal matters: Handling visa, residency, utilities, insurance, healthcare, education, and other day-to-day affairs. When drafted broadly, a GPA may also cover matters commonly associated with a Personal Power of Attorney, supporting both practical and administrative needs.

Although a GPA grants wide authority, the principal may restrict certain actions, such as property sales or high-value transactions. Clearly defining the powers helps prevent misuse and ensures acceptance by banks and authorities in the UAE.

In the UAE, any individual who is legally competent can issue a General Power of Attorney. This means the person must be at least 18 years old and mentally capable of understanding the rights and responsibilities involved.

Typical individuals who can issue a General Power of Attorney include:

• Residents or expatriates living in the UAE.
• UAE citizens managing property, investments, or business interests.
• Individuals working or living abroad who need someone in the UAE to act on their behalf.
• Business owners who require assistance in managing legal, financial, or administrative matters.

The principal must ensure they appoint a trusted and capable agent. A poorly chosen agent may misuse their powers, leading to financial or legal complications.

Check out the Power of Attorney in Ajman to authorize someone efficiently in the emirate.

Who Can Be Appointed as an Agent under a General Power of Attorney?

The law does not restrict an agent’s role to a specific category of people, but the choice should be made carefully due to the level of authority involved.

Individuals who can be appointed as an agent in the UAE include:

• Family members, such as a spouse, adult children, or siblings.
• Trusted friends or business associates.
• Professionals, including lawyers or accountants, if the principal requires specialized expertise.

The principal must ensure that the agent is reliable, legally competent, atleast 18 years old, and trustworthy. The agent should also understand the scope of authority granted and act within the limits defined in the document.

To learn about managing affairs in the northern emirates, see Power of Attorney in Ras Al Khaimah.

You must draft a General Power of Attorney in the UAE carefully to ensure legal validity. Identify the principal and agent, specify the powers granted, and set the duration. Notarize the document with a licensed UAE notary, with fees starting around AED 200–500, and have both parties review and sign it, including witnesses if required.

Prepare the GPA in Arabic or bilingual (Arabic-English) format for recognition by authorities. It remains effective until the principal revokes it, sets an expiry date, or passes away. You can renew or update it by drafting a new document to modify the powers. If you are abroad, use online notarization for a Power of Attorney. However, some banks may require their own formats or additional approvals.

Looking for a secure and seamless way to draft your Power of Attorney in the UAE? SafeLedger helps you every step of the way, ensuring your document is legally compliant, notarized, and recognized. Contact us today!

Knowing the types of POA in the UAE helps you choose the right one. General, Special, and Durable Powers of Attorney cover broad management, one-time tasks, or continuity during incapacity. Here’s a quick comparison to guide you.

As different types of POA in the UAE serve specific purposes, selecting the right one ensures your affairs are managed efficiently and legally in the UAE.

Granting a GPA is a powerful legal step, but mistakes can lead to serious consequences. Some mistakes to avoid are:

• Choosing the wrong agent: Appoint someone you trust completely. Selecting an unreliable or inexperienced agent may lead to misuse or legal disputes.
• Vague or incomplete powers: Define the agent’s powers clearly. Ambiguous powers may confuse authorities or trigger legal challenges.
• Not notarizing or attesting properly: Banks, authorities, or courts may reject a GPA that lacks notarization or, if required, MOFA attestation. This is especially important for specialized arrangements, such as a Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi for business or property matters.
• Ignoring limitations: Specify any limits to the agent’s authority. Granting unlimited powers increases the risk of misuse.
• Failing to communicate the GPA: Inform the relevant institutions, such as banks or property authorities, about the GPA. Not doing so may delay transactions or create disputes.
• Not reviewing regularly: Update or revoke the GPA as needed to match your current circumstances.

Being aware of common errors can help you protect your personal, financial, and legal interests in the UAE.

SafeLedger helps you draft, review, and manage your General Power of Attorney with complete legal compliance. Rely on our expert guidance to protect your personal, financial, and legal affairs efficiently and securely.