Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi

A Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi is a written legal document that allows the Principal to pick an Agent to make choices or take certain decisions in legal, financial, or personal affairs. As per a POA definition, the agent has the legal right to act in your place.

For instance, if you’re outside the UAE, the Agent can sign documents, manage bank accounts, or represent you in court. The Power of Attorney  in UAE must clearly specify the powers granted, be properly signed, and usually notarized by the Notary Public to be legally valid in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi’s English Language Notary Services Bureau, part of ADJD, can notarize documents in English directly with no translation needed, making it easier for English-speaking users.

In Abu Dhabi, there are different kinds of Power of Attorney with each tailored for a specific purpose. The main types are:

1. General Power of Attorney (GPOA)

A General Power of Attorney gives the Agent authority over multiple domains. The Agent can handle almost all financial and legal matters for the Principal. This can include:

• Managing bank accounts.
• Collecting money owed.
• Buying or selling property.
• Signing agreements.
• Representing the Principal in front of the Court.

Because this POA gives a lot of power, it’s crucial to use it very carefully. The best way is to authorize an individual who is trustworthy and related (best and mostly used scenario). General POA usually stays legal until being legally cancelled or the Principal dies or can no longer make decisions.

Note: In Dubai, a General POA is often not sufficient to sell real estate unless the agent is a first-degree relative.

2. Special Power of Attorney (SPOA)

A Special Power of Attorney gives the Agent specific, limited powers. It is used for just one task or for a certain time. For example, a Special POA might only be used to:

• Sell a certain piece of property.
• Start a new company.
• Speak for the Principal in one specific court case.
• Manage a certain bank account.
• Handle one specific vehicle deal.

It typically expires upon task completion or at a predefined time, making it safer and more precise.

3. Personal Power of Attorney

A Personal POA is issued by individuals who want to delegate their personal responsibilities to a trusted person. This type of POA may cover tasks such as:

• Property purchases or sales,
• Managing bank accounts,
• Handling family-related documentation,
• Registering vehicles,
• Applying for visas, or
• Representing you in government offices while you are abroad.

For expatriates, a Personal POA in Abu Dhabi is particularly useful when they travel frequently and cannot personally attend to legal or financial matters.

4. Business Power of Attorney

A Business POA is specifically designed for entrepreneurs, shareholders, and company directors who need an authorized representative to handle corporate matters. The Business Power of Attorney enables the agent to:

• Sign contracts,
• Represent the company before government bodies,
• Open and manage bank accounts,
• File corporate paperwork, and
• Participate in business transactions on behalf of the principal.

This type of POA is essential for investors or foreign companies who want to set up a business in Abu Dhabi. They also ensure their Abu Dhabi operations are managed seamlessly without being physically present.

5. Police Clearance Power of Attorney

A Police Clearance POA authorizes a trusted representative to apply for and collect a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) on behalf of the principal. The Police Clearance POA enables the agent to:

• Submit PCC applications with police authorities,
• Complete biometric or documentation formalities (where permitted),
• Liaise with police departments and government portals,
• Pay official fees and track application status, and
• Collect the Police Clearance Certificate once issued.

This type of POA is especially useful for individuals residing outside the UAE or those unable to visit police authorities in person. It ensures a smooth and timely police clearance process for employment, immigration, visa, or international travel purposes.

6. Share Sale Power of Attorney

A Share Sale Power of Attorney is specifically created for shareholders who want to authorize another person to sell, transfer, or manage their shares on their behalf. The Share Sale POA allows the appointed agent to:

• Execute share sale or transfer agreements,
• Represent the shareholder before company authorities and registrars,
• Sign documents related to share valuation and consideration,
• Complete regulatory filings and approvals, and
• Coordinate with buyers, companies, and legal authorities.

This type of POA is essential for shareholders who cannot be physically present during a share transfer or sale process. It ensures that share transactions are completed legally, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable corporate and regulatory requirements.

The following are the requirements to be met for Abu Dhabi POA Services:

Who Can Be an Agent?

• Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
• Clear Mind: Must be able to think clearly and understand what they are doing for the POA.
• Trust: While not a legal rule, the Principal must choose someone they trust completely. The Agent will have great power.
• Available: The Agent should be able to do the tasks.
• Knowledge (Helpful): For complex things (like business or legal matters), an Agent who knows about that area is a good idea.

Who Cannot Be an Agent?

• Anyone under 21 years old cannot be an Agent.
• Anyone without a sound mind, who is incapable of understanding their actions, cannot be an Agent.
• An Agent cannot be chosen in terms of personal interest in a way that goes against the Principal’s best interest.
• Individuals legally restricted from certain actions (e.g., bankrupt individuals) may not qualify as Agents for those tasks.
• While not a total ban for all POAs, a serious criminal record, especially for financial crimes, might cause problems with authorities or banks.

The Principal needs to think carefully about who they pick. The Agent’s actions become legally binding on the Principal.

Having all the correct papers ready makes the process smooth for a POA in Abu Dhabi.

• For the Principal:
  • Original, valid Passport.
  • Original, valid Emirates ID (if you live in the UAE).
  • Visa copy (if you live in the UAE).
  • Sometimes, proof of your home address (like a recent electricity bill) may be asked for.
• For the Agent:
  • Clear copy of their Passport.
  • Clear copy of their Visa (if they live in the UAE).
  • Clear copy of their Emirates ID (if they live in the UAE).
  • Sometimes, the original Emirates ID is needed to check their identity.
• Specifics for the POA itself:
  • Clear details of the powers you want to give.
  • Details of any specific item (like the property number for a property POA, or vehicle details for a car POA).
  • If a company is the Principal or the Agent, you will need the company’s business license and papers showing who owns it (like the main company rules and a board decision).

Important: If the POA is about a specific item like property or a car, you need to provide the exact details (e.g., plot number, car’s ID number).

• POA in Dubai: A Power of Attorney in Dubai allows an individual to legally authorize another person to act on their behalf for property, business, banking, or personal matters. It must be notarized as per Dubai Courts or UAE notary regulations.
• POA in Ajman: A Power of Attorney in Ajman enables residents and non-residents to delegate legal authority for specific or general purposes, with attestation and notarization carried out in accordance with Ajman judicial and UAE federal laws.
• POA in Fujairah: A Power of Attorney in Fujairah is used to grant legal authority for personal, commercial, or property-related matters. It must be notarized through the Fujairah Courts or authorized UAE notary services.
• POA in Ras-Al-Khaimah: A Power of Attorney in Ras Al Khaimah allows individuals to appoint a legal representative for business, property, or administrative matters.

This POA process is mainly done through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Notary Public.

Step 1. Write the POA:

First, you write the POA draft. It must clearly state what powers are given. It should be in Arabic or in English with an official Arabic translation. You can prepare it yourself, seek assistance at a legal typing centre, or hire a lawyer for accuracy and compliance.

Step 2. Submission & Notarization via ADJD

• The process is handled by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)’s Notary Public. You can submit your POA online via their website or mobile app, or in person at a typing centre.
• After submission and fee payment, you may be required to attend:
  • In person, or
  • Virtually, depending on the nature of the service
• Once identity is verified (passport, Emirates ID), and the document is signed, the Notary Public will stamp and sign it, formalizing its legal validity.

Step 3. Fees

Standard ADJD notarization fees for a Power of Attorney are: AED 100 per year, or AED 500 for an open-ended POA (especially for foreign use)

Step 4. English Language Notary Services Bureau

• Launched in late 2023, this ADJD service enables notarization entirely in English, eliminating the need for Arabic translation for many documents, including POAs.
• Notably, this service is available for documents of companies registered anywhere in the UAE, and subject to the ADJD’s general conditions
• Notarized documents are recognized across all emirates, not just Abu Dhabi

Step 5. ADGM Notary Option

• If you’re dealing with entities in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), you can use the ADGM Notary Public, which follows ADJD regulations but operates under ADGM’s English-language legal system.
• ADGM fees include both ADGM- and ADJD-mandated charges.

Step 6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation (if needed)

• If the POA will be used outside the UAE, it often requires attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
• The general steps for MOFA attestation are:
  • Ensure your document is duly notarized.
  • Apply via MOFA’s online attestation portal.
  • MOFA charges around AED 150 for personal documents, including POAs.
  • Utilize courier pick-up and delivery services (e.g. Emirates Post or Aramex) for a streamlined process

Find the process complicated? Then reach out to professionals like SafeLedger to draft a POA in Abu Dhabi. The legal consultants with years of experience here make every step seamless, leading to quick drafting.

The fees for Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi have changed. It depends on what kind of POA it is and how long you want it to be valid.

Always ask for a clear price quote that includes all expected costs before you start.

The Power of Attorney validity and duration in Abu Dhabi change based on the type of POA and what the document says:

• General Power of Attorney (GPOA): A GPOA usually stays valid until the Principal officially cancels it, or until the Principal dies, or can no longer make decisions. If it doesn’t say when it ends, it is considered to last forever.
• Special Power of Attorney (SPOA): An SPOA is usually for one specific task or a set time.
  • If it is for a task (e.g., selling a car), it stops being valid once that task is done.
  • If it has an end date written on it (e.g., “valid for 6 months”), it ends on that date.
• Longest Time: While General POAs can last forever, for many specific deals (like property), government departments might ask for a POA that was made recently (e.g., not older than 1 or 2 years). For fees, as mentioned earlier, you pay for 1, 2, or 3 years of validity.

Important: A POA automatically stops being valid if the Principal or the Agent dies, or if the Principal can no longer think clearly. The validity of a POA depends on its type and terms. To learn more about how long a Power of Attorney is valid and factors affecting its duration, check this detailed guide.

To check if a Power of Attorney services in Abu Dhabi is real and valid, especially one made by the Abu Dhabi Court, you can do these things:

1. Ask the ADJD Notary Public Directly:

• Digital Verification Portals: Use ADJD’s “Service Inquiry for Power of Attorney” to check the status and authenticity of a POA. You’ll need details such as the POA number, date of issue, or parties involved.
• Digital Authentication Validation: ADJD also provides digital authentication services. This enables verification of a document’s digital signature, timestamp, and integrity. This confirms the document hasn’t been tampered with, but it doesn’t alone confirm if the POA is still valid.

2. Scan the QR Code (if available)

Some POAs include a QR code on the last page. Scanning it redirects you to an official government verification portal where you can confirm the document’s authenticity. This method has been shared by users in the UAE communities.

3. Use Virtual (Online) Notarization

ADJD offers remote notarization:

• Upload the signed POA, valid IDs of the principal and agent, Arabic translation by a Ministry-of-Justice-licensed translator, and any necessary supporting documents.
• After approval, you can schedule a video call appointment. Following the session, the notarized POA is issued electronically via email.

Note: Online notarization generally requires the principal to have a valid Emirates ID and residence visa, and may not be available for property-related POAs.

4. Traditional Attestation for International Use

For POAs executed outside the UAE, they usually must be attested in this order:

1. Foreign Ministry / Foreign Affairs of the originating country
2. UAE Embassy in that country
3. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC)

Finally, depending on usage, it may require further notarization or registration in Abu Dhabi.

5. Seek Legal Advice When in Doubt

If the POA’s validity is still uncertain or its scope is unclear, consult a qualified lawyer or notary in Abu Dhabi. They can confirm whether the document can be used for specific transactions like property transfers, business licensing, or visa matters.

This process helps to confirm the Abu Dhabi court’s Power of Attorney verification.

Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi is often used for specific needs:

• POA for Property: This is widely used for Power of Attorney for Abu Dhabi property matters. It lets the Agent buy, sell, rent out, manage, or transfer property for the Principal. This is a must if the property owner is not in Abu Dhabi. These POAs often need to be recorded with the Abu Dhabi Land Department for certain deals.
• POA for Cars: This lets the Agent buy, sell, register, unregister, or renew car papers. This is key for selling a car when the owner is away.
• POA for Business: For managing a business, this POA lets the Agent:
  • Sign agreements.
  • Open and manage company bank accounts.
  • Speak for the company in official dealings.
  • Handle company licenses and renewals with official bodies.
• POA for Family/Personal Things: This can cover many personal needs, such as:
  • Collecting papers.
  • Managing personal bank accounts.
  • Applying for or renewing visas.
  • Sometimes used for marriage papers in special cases (though being there in person is often better).
  • Sometimes used for marriage papers as a Marriage POA in Abu Dhabi in special cases (though being there in person is often better).

Using a Power of Attorney is helpful, but it also has important risks and limits:

• Risk of Misuse by the Agent: The biggest risk is the Agent using their power wrongly. If they act against your wishes or for their own gain, it can lead to losing money or legal trouble.
• Clarity Lacking: If the POA is not clear about the powers given, it can be argued in court. This can cause delays and legal fights.
• Fraud or Non-Certification: There’s a risk of fraud if the POA is not properly certified or if identity checks are weak.
• Automatic Termination: A POA can stop being valid if the Principal dies, can no longer think clearly, or if its time runs out (for a Special POA). Using a POA that is no longer valid can cause serious legal problems.
• Certain Legal Actions: Some actions need the Principal to be there in person and cannot be given to an Agent (e.g., taking an oath in court, divorcing in person).
• Self-Dealing Restrictions: An Agent cannot use the POA to sell the Principal’s property to themselves. This is only allowed if the POA clearly says so and it’s fair.

To lower these risks:

• Always pick an Agent you trust completely.
• Be very clear about the powers you give in the POA.
• Use a Special POA if you can.
• Get legal advice when writing or using a POA.

To make sure a Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi is legally accepted, these main rules must be followed:

1. Principal’s Legal Ability: The person giving the POA must be at least 21 years old and able to think clearly. They must fully understand what they are signing.
2. Agent’s Legal Ability: The person getting the POA must also be at least 21 years old and able to think clearly.
3. Language: The POA must be in Arabic. If it’s written in English, an official legal translator in the UAE must translate it into Arabic. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has an English Notary Services Bureau to help with this.
4. Clear Words: The POA paper must clearly say what powers are given. It should be exact and easy to understand, especially for Special POAs.
5. Official Notary Stamp: The Principal must sign the POA in front of a Notary Public at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Notary Public office. This step is a must for the POA to be legal in Abu Dhabi.
6. Official Certification (for POAs from other countries): If the POA is signed outside the UAE, it needs to be certified by several offices (Foreign Ministry in that country, UAE Embassy in that country, and UAE MOFAIC in the UAE).
7. No Illegal Acts: The POA cannot give power for anything that is against the law.

Some may wonder if an Agent can delegate their powers. Learn about the conditions and limitations of transferring a Power of Attorney.

If a Power of Attorney is signed and made official outside the UAE, it needs a process called authentication (or attestation). This makes it legal to use in Abu Dhabi. This is a multi-step process, like a “chain of official checks”:

1. Official Notary in the Home Country: The POA must first be properly signed and made official by a Notary Public in the country where it was created. This confirms the Principal’s signature and identity.
2. Certification by Foreign Affairs Ministry: The official POA then needs an official stamp from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or similar government body) of the country where it was made. This confirms the Notary Public’s authority.
3. Certification by UAE Embassy/Consulate: Next, the paper needs to be certified by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the country where it was made. This confirms the Foreign Ministry’s certification.
4. Certification by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC): Once the POA reaches the UAE, the last step is to get it certified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) in Abu Dhabi or another emirate. This final stamp makes the paper fully legal and accepted in the UAE.
5. Legal Translation: If the original POA is not in Arabic, it must be translated into Arabic by an official legal translator in the UAE. This translation is usually done after all the official stamp steps.

Many special services in Abu Dhabi can help with this complex process. This is called foreign-issued POA authentication.

To revoke Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi (stop it), the Principal must follow an official process:

1. Prepare Cancellation Paper: Write an official paper that says the original POA is canceled. This paper must include details of the original POA.
2. Principal at Notary Public: The Principal must go to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Notary Public office in person. They sign the cancellation paper in front of the Notary Public. The Notary Public will then stamp it.
3. Tell the Agent: It is very important to officially tell the Agent about the cancellation in writing (e.g., via registered mail) so you have proof.
4. Tell Other Groups: Immediately tell any banks, property offices (like Abu Dhabi Land Department), or other government groups where the Agent was using the POA. Give them an official copy of the cancellation.

The cancellation starts from the moment the Agent is officially told. You can cancel a POA following the official process in Abu Dhabi. For similar steps in Dubai, see our guide on how to cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai

How to Get a New POA (Not “Renew”)?

• You don’t “renew” an old POA like extending it.
• If a Special POA has ended, or if a General POA holder wants a newer one (because some places prefer recent POAs), the Principal must make a completely new Power of Attorney.
• This new POA will go through the full official process again.

Knowing how to verify an Abu Dhabi POA’s authenticity is very important, especially when you are a third party dealing with an Agent.

1. Check with Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Notary Public:
   • Every official POA from ADJD has a special number. You can contact the ADJD Notary Public office directly to check if the paper is real. Use its special number. They can confirm if they made it and if it is still active.
2. Look at the Notary Public Stamp:
   • Look closely at the POA for the official stamp and signature of the Abu Dhabi Notary Public. Make sure it looks real.
3. Check all Official Stamps (for POAs from other countries):

• For a POA made outside the UAE, carefully check for all the needed official stamps:

• • • Notary Public stamp (in the home country).
    • Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamp (in the home country).
    • UAE Embassy/Consulate stamp (in the home country).
    • UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) stamp (in Abu Dhabi).
• If any of these stamps are missing, a foreign POA is not valid in Abu Dhabi.

1. Check Agent’s ID: Always ask for the Agent’s original Emirates ID or passport. This helps confirm their identity matches the one in the POA.
2. Check for Changes or Cancellations: While you might not see it on the paper itself, some government groups (like the Land Department) might have systems to check if a POA has been canceled.
3. Ask a Lawyer: If you have any doubts about a POA’s validity or what powers it gives, it is always best to ask a local lawyer in Abu Dhabi. They can do detailed checks and give you advice.

Here’s how to avoid difficult situations like fraud or theft from happening with your POAs:

1. Pick a Trusted Agent: Choose someone very reliable and honest. It’s best if it’s a close family member or an expert legal group (like a law firm for special tasks).
2. Use Special POAs: When you can, use a Special Power of Attorney instead of a General one. This limits the Agent’s power to specific tasks, making it harder to misuse.
3. Be Very Clear: Be extremely exact and detailed about the powers you give. Do not use vague words. If you want to sell a specific property, write its exact details.
4. Set an End Date: For Special POAs, set a clear end date. This automatically limits how long the Agent has power.
5. Watch What They Do: If possible, especially for money matters, regularly check what the Agent is doing. Ask for updates or bank statements.
6. Keep Right to Cancel: Always remember you can cancel the POA at any time if you don’t trust the Agent anymore. Act quickly if you think something is wrong.
7. Get Legal Help: Have a qualified lawyer write the POA. They can give advice on special rules to protect your interests and stop misuse. They can also explain the legal limitations of the Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi.

In Abu Dhabi, for some very important actions, the Power of Attorney must give clear and specific power. This means the POA cannot just use general words; it must clearly list the exact action the Agent is allowed to do.

Examples of special actions that need clear and specific power:

• Selling or Buying Property: The POA must clearly say the power to “sell” or “buy” specific properties, often with their exact numbers. Just saying “manage property” might not be enough.
• Putting Property as Collateral: If the Agent needs to use a property as security for a loan, the POA must clearly state this power.
• Opening or Closing Bank Accounts: The power to “deal with banks” might not be enough; the POA should specifically say opening or closing accounts.
• Borrowing or Lending Money: Any power to take or give loans must be clearly stated.
• Ending Debts/Fights: For an Agent to agree on debts or end legal fights, the POA must give this specific power.
• Giving Away Items: An Agent cannot give away the Principal’s items unless the POA clearly allows them to “gift” specific items.
• Giving Up Rights: If the Agent needs to give up any legal rights for the Principal, this must be allowed.
• Picking Other Agents: If the Agent is allowed to pick another person to act for the Principal, this power must be clearly stated.

Without express and specific authority for these actions, government offices, banks, or courts might say no to the POA. This rule helps keep the Principal safe from an Agent doing too much.