Question 1

Q-1. Can a non-Muslim use a Marriage POA in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Yes, non-Muslims can use a Marriage Power of Attorney in the UAE, specifically for civil marriage registration. Either party, the bride or groom, may appoint a representative to act on their behalf if they cannot be physically present. The POA must clearly state the representative’s authority and comply with UAE laws. However, this does not apply to Sharia marriages, where stricter religious requirements are enforced.

Question 2

Q-2. Does the attorney need to be the same religion as the principal for a Marriage POA?

Accepted Answer

For Sharia marriages, the attorney acting as a proxy (usually the bride’s guardian) must be a Muslim male, typically sharing the same religion as the principal. This is per Islamic legal requirements. However, for civil marriages, there are no religious or gender-based requirements for the attorney, as civil marriage laws in the UAE are designed to accommodate diverse religious and national backgrounds.

Question 3

Q-3. Is a Marriage POA valid indefinitely?

Accepted Answer

No, a Marriage POA is not valid indefinitely. It is a Special Power of Attorney (SPOA) created for a specific purpose, authorizing someone to act on your behalf during marriage registration. Once the marriage procedure is completed, the POA is considered fulfilled and is no longer valid. While general POAs may last up to three years, Marriage POAs are limited-use documents that expire once their legal purpose is achieved.

Question 4

Q-4. Can a Marriage POA be cancelled at any time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a Marriage POA can be revoked at any time by the principal, provided they are mentally competent and legally capable. To cancel it, the principal must prepare a revocation document, get it notarized, and officially notify the appointed attorney and relevant authorities (such as the Dubai Courts or Family Court). Failing to notify relevant bodies may result in continued legal recognition of the old POA.

Question 5

Q-5. What happens if my Marriage POA expires before the marriage is complete?

Accepted Answer

If your Marriage POA expires before marriage registration is finalized, it becomes legally invalid, and no authority can act on your behalf using that document. This may result in court rejections or delays in the registration process. To proceed, you must issue and notarize a new Marriage POA. It’s important to track the POA’s validity and ensure all legal actions are completed within the applicable time frame.

Question 6

Q-6. Can a woman be an attorney for a Marriage POA?

Accepted Answer

In Sharia marriages, the attorney must be a Muslim male when acting as the bride’s guardian’s proxy (Wali), following Islamic law. Women cannot serve in this guardian role. However, for civil marriages, there are no gender restrictions on who can act as the attorney, and either a male or female can be appointed, as long as the POA outlines specific tasks related to marriage representation.

Question 7

Q-7. What is the difference between a General POA and a Marriage POA?

Accepted Answer

A General POA gives broad authority over multiple domains, property, banking, legal representation, and business activities. In contrast, a Marriage POA is a Special Power of Attorney (SPOA) strictly limited to tasks related to marriage registration. It typically authorizes one-time representation to sign the marriage contract or offer guardian consent. Using a general POA for marriage may not be legally accepted without clear, specific marriage-related authority.

Marriage Power of Attorney in UAE

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