What is Power of Attorney?

Picture this: you need to sell your Dubai apartment, but you’re abroad. Can’t relate? Maybe you simply need a trusted family member to handle your banking while you’re caught up at work. In moments like these, running between government offices isn’t an option. That’s where a Power of Attorney steps in as your legal lifesaver.

You might be wondering, What is a Power of Attorney? A POA stands for power of attorney and is essentially a legal document that enables you to give someone the right to act for you. That person can be a friend, spouse, lawyer, or business partner. They can manage property, sign contracts, handle medical matters, and represent you in court.

Expats make up the majority of the population in a fast-moving economy like the UAE. As of 2025, expatriates account for 88.50% (10.04 million) of the entire population of the UAE. With so many people in the country living, working, and investing far from their home countries, a Power of Attorney becomes essential.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about PoAs in the UAE. No jargon, just clear answers.

As an established business hub with strict legal formalities, various situations in the UAE require someone to act on your behalf. Here’s why a PoA is so important in the UAE:

• Many expats maintain bank accounts or own property while living abroad. By appointing a PoA on their behalf, they can easily manage affairs, saving time, money, and unnecessary travel.
• Property transactions typically require in-person signatures and notarized documents. A PoA lets you authorize someone to complete these transactions without interrupting your schedule.
• Operating a company involves frequent contracts, paperwork, and government approvals. By delegating authority to a PoA, you can ensure that your operations continue smoothly even in your absence.
• Legal processes in the country require multiple court appearances and are time-consuming. A PoA can represent you in court, saving you the time needed to attend every hearing.
• When faced with urgent family matters such as healthcare or guardianship, a PoA ensures that a trusted person can legally step in and act for you.
• In case you are unable to manage your affairs due to unexpected circumstances, medical emergencies, or sudden travel, a PoA can enable someone to act immediately to protect your interests.

In the UAE, a Power of Attorney can be classified into different types depending on the authority granted to the chosen representative.

In the UAE, the scope of a POA can include:

• General POA: A General Power of Attorney has the authority to manage various affairs such as operating bank accounts, signing contracts, representing you before government departments, and buying or selling property.
• Business POA: A Business Power of Attorney deals with suppliers, signs company contracts, and submits applications to government authorities.
• Special POA: A special Power of Attorney A is limited to several actions, such as closing a particular bank account, selling one property, or representing you in a single court case.
• Personal and Family POA: This type of POA can extend to personal decisions like guardianship or healthcare. These powers, however, remain subject to UAE law and Sharia principles, which cannot be delegated.
• Court and Legal POA: Some individuals appoint lawyers through a Court Case POA and Legal POA to handle court cases and ensure their legal matters continue without delay.
• Property and Real Estate POA: A Property and Real Estate POA allows your representative to rent, buy, or sell property for you.

A Power of Attorney (POA) must follow certain legal requirements to be valid in the UAE. They ensure that the document is legally recognized and enforceable by courts, government departments, and other institutions. Some key legal requirements include:

• Compliance with UAE Laws: The PoA should comply with UAE laws, public order, and Islamic Sharia principles.
• Written Form: A PoA must be drafted in writing and must clearly outline the powers being granted, the scope, and the limitations. Under UAE law, oral powers of attorney are not recognized.
• Language: The PoA must be in Arabic or officially translated into Arabic. If it is drafted in another language, it should be accompanied by a certified legal translation approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
• Authentication and Notarization: All PoAs must be signed in front of a UAE Notary Public. If issued abroad, it must be notarized and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the issuing country. It should also be legalized at the UAE Embassy and attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Consent: The person granting authorization for PoA must be of sound mind and legal age (above 18).
• Time Validity: A PoA agreement can be valid for a fixed period or indefinitely, depending on the wording.
• Revocation: By issuing a notarized revocation letter, a PoA can be revoked by the principal at any time.

Getting a Power of Attorney in the UAE may seem complicated. However, the process is straightforward if you follow the correct steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps involved in obtaining a PoA in the UAE:

Step 1: Identify the Type of PoA You Need

Choose whether you want a General POA or a specific PoA. Identifying the type of PoA you need avoids unnecessary disputes and ensures the document is accepted by the relevant authorities.

Step 2: Draft the PoA Document

Draft the PoA in clear legal language that specifies the powers granted. Ensure that your document is written in Arabic or translated into Arabic by a certified translator.

Step 3: Review Legal Requirements

Ensure the principal is mentally sound and of legal age (at least 18 years old). Also, confirm that your documents comply with UAE laws.

Step 4: Notarize Before a UAE Notary Public

Visit the Notary Public office in person with your Emirates ID and supporting documents. Sign the PoA in front of the notary to validate it.

Step 5: Register with Relevant Authorities (if required)

Certain PoAs, such as those involved in court representation, real estate transactions, or company incorporation, may need to be registered with relevant authorities.

Step 6: Deliver the PoA to the Attorney-in-Fact

Provide certified or original copies of the notarized PoA to your chosen representative.

Need assistance with drafting, notarizing, or delivering your PoA? Contact us today and let our experts handle the process for you.

While a Power of Attorney (PoA) offers significant authority to an agent, laws in the UAE set clear boundaries on its scope and enforceability. Some limitations of PoA in the UAE include:

• Restricted Acts: Some religious or personal matters, like creating or revoking a will, marriage, full guardianship, or performing religious obligations, cannot be delegated.
• Limited to Granted Powers: The agent cannot legally act outside the powers granted in a PoA.
• Third-Party Verification: Various institutions, like banks, land departments, and courts, verify PoAs before accepting them and may refuse outdated or unclear documents.
• Termination Events: If the principal dies or becomes incapacitated, a PoA automatically terminates.

Since a PoA is a powerful legal instrument, granting someone the authority to act on your behalf always carries potential risks. Hence, it is essential to understand the risks involved and the precautions you should take while granting a PoA.

Key Risks of Choosing a Power of Attorney in the UAE

Granting a PoA without due care can expose you to challenges. Here are some key risks to consider:

• Fraud and Financial Loss: Some fraudulent agents can misuse their powers to withdraw funds, transfer property, or enter into unfavorable contracts.
• Legal Liability: The principal will still be held accountable for the agent’s actions if they were performed within the scope of the PoA.
• Outdated Documents: Certain institutions may reject older PoAs, causing delays in urgent transactions.
• Difficulty in Revocation: If third parties are unaware of the revocation, they may still rely on the old PoA, creating legal disputes.
• Choosing Multiple Agents: Appointing more than one agent can create conflicts or confusion if their decisions contradict each other. This can result in delays or disputes in executing important transactions.

Precautions to Take Before Granting a PoA

Before you give someone Power of Attorney, keep these safety steps in mind:

• Choose a Trusted Agent: Appoint someone you fully trust, whether a professional lawyer, business partner, or family member.
• Define Powers Clearly: Write the PoA with precise wording and limit powers.
• Set Validity Periods: Set an expiry date to ensure the PoA cannot be misused years later.
• Use Legal Oversight: Consult a qualified lawyer to draft the document to ensure compliance with UAE law.
• Monitor Transactions: Monitor transactions on a regular basis to check the agent’s activities.

Obtaining a Power of Attorney in the UAE involves more than just drafting the document. Depending on where the POA is issued, the costs of translation, online notarization, and attestation can vary. The fee can depend on the Emirates and whether you use an online service or visit a notary’s office in person.

A breakdown of the typical costs you can expect is as follows:

*Note: Prepare your POA in both Arabic and English, as it can save you extra translation fees later.

Also Read: How Much Does a Power of Attorney in Dubai Really Cost?

The time it takes to get a POA in the UAE depends on whether you prepare it locally or abroad. The process inside the UAE is generally quick; however, issuing a PoA from another country involves extra steps like embassy attestation and legalization.

Choosing the right POA is a critical decision, whether you’re a UAE resident managing everyday affairs or an expat needing someone to handle matters while abroad. By understanding the scope, legal requirements, validity, and limitations of POAs, you can use this tool effectively and securely.

Ultimately, a well-prepared POA is not just a convenience; it’s a safeguard for your interests.