A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows someone to act on your behalf in personal, financial, or legal matters. POAs are commonly used in the UAE for property transactions, company management, court representation, and for everyday tasks such as selling a car or handling bank accounts. Irrespective of whether you are a resident, investor, or business owner, one must know how to draft a Power of Attorney in the UAE in order to safeguard his/her interest and to ensure smooth legal operations.
This guide describes what a POA is, the various types available in the UAE, and how to prepare one correctly through the proper channels.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is a written authorization giving another person (called the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) the power to act for and on your behalf. The person granting such authority is known as the “principal”. Depending upon the type of POA granted, the scope of authority can be either broadly or narrowly defined.
In the UAE, Powers of Attorney are governed by the Civil Transactions Law and Civil Procedure Code. Duly written in Arabic (or bilingual Arabic-English), such a document must be attested by a Notary Public in the UAE and certain POAs need to be submitted or presented before the authorities, depending on its purpose.
How to Prepare a Power of Attorney in the UAE?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a Power of Attorney in the UAE:
Step 1: Identify the Type of POA You Need
Decide whether you require a General POA or a Special POA depending on your purpose. Special POA is generally the safer option when authority is to be granted for a specific action.
Step 2: Prepare the Draft Document
Make the POA document with clear, simple language and mention the full names, Emirates ID numbers, and passport details of both parties within the draft and indicate the scope of authority, validity period, and any conditions or limitations.
It is advisable that the POA is prepared or verified by an attorney to ensure that it is drafted correctly according to UAE laws and serves your purpose correctly.
Step 3: Gather Your Supporting Documents
Copies of the following documents are to be prepared:
- A valid passport and Emirates ID of the principal and agent
- Trade license and company documents (for corporate POAs)
- Other relevant documents pertaining to the transaction, like property, etc., or court case files.
Step 4: Visit the Notary Public
You can visit the Notary Public in Dubai Courts, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, or Sharjah Courts.
The alternative is to make use of private notary services or online notarization portals operated by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) or Dubai Courts’ e-Notary system.
The notary shall verify the identities of the parties, witness the signing of the document, and officially stamp the document so that it gains legal validity.
Step 5: Attestation for POA issued abroad
If a Power of Attorney is being issued from outside the United Arab Emirates, the following procedures are to be undertaken:
- Notarization of the POA from a local notary in your country.
- Authentication of the notarization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
- Legalization of the notarization by the UAE Embassy or Consulate.
- Upon arrival in the UAE, the document shall be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the UAE and translated into Arabic by a certified translator.
Step 6: Register or Use the POA
Once notarized, the POA can be presented to the relevant authority— whether in a bank, real estate department, or court of law — according to the purpose of the POA. Keep both the original and a certified copy safely.
Legal Requirements for a Valid Power of Attorney in the UAE
The following requirements must be fulfilled for a POA to be valid in the UAE:
- Language: The POA must be in the Arabic language or in Arabic with a certified English translation.
- Capacity: The principal granting the authority must have legal capacity.
- Voluntary consent: The principal must sign the POA freely without coercion.
- Notarization and Legalization: The POA is to be notarized by a licensed UAE Notary Public in person or via the digital platform of the Ministry of Justice.
- For international use, it has to be attested by MOFAIC and legalized by the relevant foreign embassy or consulate.
- Legal Capacity and: The principal must be at least 18 years of age, mentally sound, and acting voluntarily.
- Revocation: Revocation of a POA can occur at any time through issuance of a formal revocation letter and notification to the agent and relevant authorities.
Why is Legal Assistance Important?
While it is possible to prepare a POA yourself, legal assistance ensures:
- The document follows all requirements from the UAE Civil Code and Notary Public regulations.
- That proper Arabic translation and legal terminology are used.
- It covers all your intended powers and restrictions.
- It avoids rejection by notary offices or government departments.
In addition, a professionally drafted POA saves time, reduces errors, and ensures that your interests are legally protected.
How HHS Lawyers Can Assist You?
At HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants, we provide expert Power of Attorney drafting and notarization services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the UAE.
Our experienced team will:
- Draft General or Special Power of Attorney in Arabic and English
- Handle notarization through our licensed private notary services
- Assist with MOFA attestation and embassy legalization for Powers of Attorney issued outside the UAE
- Provide guidance on revocation or amendments for existing Powers of Attorney.
Whether it is a Power of Attorney for property, corporate authorization, or court representation, our legal team will ensure that your document fulfills all legal requirements in the UAE and protects your interests.
Contact HHS Lawyers for quick and proper preparation of your Power of Attorney in accordance with UAE law.
