Ayesha Aljaziri Lawyers & Legal Consultants is a premier full-service law firm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Founded by respected attorney Ayesha Aljaziri, we deliver trusted, end-to-end legal solutions with full rights of audience before all UAE courts (civil, Sharia, commercial, and appellate). Our multilingual lawyers in Dubai advise individuals and businesses across 14+ practice areas. This guide explains how a Power of Attorney works in the UAE, when you should use one, and how our team can help you draft, notarize, and enforce PoAs with confidence.
- A UAE Power of Attorney authorizes a trusted person or entity to act on your behalf for defined legal, financial, or real estate matters.
- Common UAE formats include General PoA and Special (Specific) PoA; the concept of a “durable” PoA is limited in UAE law and typically does not survive incapacity.
- PoAs must meet emirate-level notary requirements; Arabic text (or a bilingual Arabic/English version) is standard practice.
- Revocation generally requires a notarized revocation instrument and notice to counterparties; real estate PoAs may require updates at the relevant land department.
What Is a Power of Attorney in the UAE?
A Power of Attorney (PoA) is a written authorization in which a principal empowers an agent (attorney-in-fact) to perform defined acts. In the UAE, PoAs are frequently used by expatriates and business owners who need to complete transactions without being physically present. Typical uses include buying or selling property, company formation, contract execution, banking mandates, and certain court procedures.
Because the UAE is a civil law jurisdiction, formalities matter. A well-drafted PoA clearly describes the scope of authority, duration, and any limits, ensuring third parties (banks, registries, and government bodies) can rely on it. Our lawyers in Dubai prepare PoAs that are aligned with local practice, bilingual where appropriate, and tailored to your specific needs.
The Legal Framework (High-Level)
PoAs in the UAE are governed by civil law principles and implemented through each emirate’s notary public rules and procedures. In practice, this means:
- Form & Language: PoAs are typically executed in Arabic, or as bilingual Arabic/English documents for clarity. If you sign a PoA abroad, it must be notarized, legalized through the UAE embassy, and then attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) before use locally.
- Capacity: The principal must be of sound mind and acting voluntarily.
- Scope & Certification: Specific acts (e.g., real estate sale, company share transfers, litigation representation) should be expressly stated. Notarial certification in the relevant emirate validates the PoA for use with government entities and registrars.
- Termination: As a general rule, a PoA ends by expiry, revocation, or death. Unlike some common-law systems, a “durable” PoA that continues despite incapacity is not generally recognized; guardianship or court appointment may be required for long-term incapacity scenarios.
Types of Power of Attorney in the UAE
1. General Power of Attorney
A General PoA authorizes wide-ranging actions such as signing contracts, managing routine banking, and handling company or personal administration. It is useful when you want a trusted agent to manage multiple tasks over a defined period, for example while you are abroad. Because of its breadth, counterparties may still ask for express wording for sensitive acts (like property sale or litigation instructions), so careful drafting remains essential.
2. Special (Specific) Power of Attorney
A Special PoA grants limited authority for clearly identified transactions. Common examples include appointing an agent to sell one property, register a specific trademark, handle a single court filing, or sign a discrete commercial contract. Special PoAs reduce risk by narrowing the agent’s power to the transaction at hand, which is often preferred by registries and financial institutions.
3. “Durable” or “Enduring” Powers
The UAE does not typically recognize “durable” PoAs that survive mental incapacity in the way some common-law jurisdictions do. Instead, if incapacity arises, families or stakeholders may need to seek guardianship or court appointment to continue managing affairs. Our team can advise on planning mechanisms that align with UAE practice, including carefully worded PoAs, medical decision proxies where available, and contingency plans.
Common Uses of a UAE Power of Attorney
1. Real Estate Transactions
PoAs are widely used for property sales and purchases—especially by expatriates who cannot attend in person. A real estate PoA typically includes authority to sign sale agreements, appear before the land department, receive payments via escrow, and complete registration formalities. We ensure the wording meets the requirements of the relevant emirate’s land department to avoid delays. For more on our property capabilities, see our real estate lawyers in Dubai page.
2. Corporate & Commercial Matters
Business owners often use PoAs to empower local managers or advisors to sign commercial contracts, open bank accounts, file regulatory applications, or represent the company before authorities. Where the agent is a corporate entity, supporting documents (e.g., trade license, incumbency, board resolution) may be required. Our corporate lawyers in Dubai prepare transaction-ready PoAs that are accepted by banks and regulators.
3. Financial Management
Individuals can authorize agents to manage accounts, pay utilities, and handle investment instructions subject to bank policy. Financial institutions may require PoAs with precise, bank-friendly language and specimen signatures. We draft PoAs that reflect the bank’s compliance expectations and the principal’s risk appetite.
4. Court Representation & Dispute Resolution
Litigation, arbitration, and enforcement work often requires specific representational wording in a PoA. As a firm with full rights of audience before all UAE courts, we tailor PoAs to cover filing claims, attending hearings, and executing judgments. If you anticipate a dispute, our litigation lawyers in Dubai and arbitration team can advise on the most efficient authorization structure. Learn more about our court work here: UAE court representation.
How to Create a Power of Attorney in the UAE
Step 1: Define Scope and Duration
Start by listing the acts the agent needs to perform (e.g., sell Property X, sign Contract Y, represent before Authority Z). Decide on a sensible duration and whether the PoA is one-time or reusable within that period.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Principal’s Emirates ID and passport (for non-residents, passport details suffice)
- Agent’s Emirates ID/passport or corporate documents if the agent is a company
- Property or company details (title deed, trade license, registry numbers) where relevant
- Any supporting board resolutions or shareholder approvals for corporate principals
Step 3: Draft in Arabic (or Bilingual)
Prepare the PoA in Arabic or as a bilingual Arabic/English document. Use precise, registry-compliant language. Our multilingual lawyers ensure clarity for both the notary and counterparties, reducing the chance of rejection.
Step 4: Notarization in the Relevant Emirate
Execute the PoA before the notary public (in person or via permitted e-notary channels where available). The notary will verify identity and capacity, then stamp and register the document. For PoAs signed outside the UAE, complete foreign notarization and embassy legalization, then obtain MOFAIC attestation on arrival in the UAE.
Step 5: Use & Record Where Needed
Present the notarized PoA to banks, registrars, or authorities as required. For real estate transactions, provide copies to the land department and escrow agent as part of the closing checklist. Maintain secure records and track expiry dates.
Revoking a Power of Attorney
Process & Practical Tips
- Prepare a Notarized Revocation: Draft a revocation instrument that identifies the original PoA (date, parties, subject matter) and clearly states the termination of authority. Notarize it in the relevant emirate.
- Notify Stakeholders: Deliver copies to the agent and any third parties that relied on the PoA (banks, land department, counterparties). Keep delivery proofs.
- Update Registries: If the PoA was used for property or corporate acts, lodge the revocation with the appropriate registry or authority to prevent unauthorized use.
- Retrieve Originals: Request return or cancellation of certified copies where feasible, and record the revocation internally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a lawyer to create a UAE PoA?
While not legally mandatory, professional drafting helps ensure acceptance by banks, land departments, and government authorities. Our experienced lawyers in Dubai tailor PoAs to your goals and reduce processing risks.
2. Can a PoA authorize property sale?
Yes—if the PoA explicitly empowers the agent to sell a specific property, attend before the land department, and receive proceeds via escrow. Specific wording is critical for smooth registration.
3. Will my PoA survive incapacity?
Generally, no. UAE practice does not typically recognize “durable” PoAs that survive incapacity. If long-term planning is needed, we will advise on suitable alternates such as guardianship proceedings where appropriate.
4. Can I use a foreign-signed PoA in the UAE?
Yes, provided it is notarized and legalized abroad, then attested by MOFAIC in the UAE. A certified Arabic translation will usually be required.
Why Work With Ayesha Aljaziri Lawyers & Legal Consultants?
- Full rights of audience: Seamless representation before all UAE courts—no external counsel required.
- Multilingual team: Arabic and English fluency for clear, compliant drafting and advocacy.
- Sector breadth: 14+ specialized practice areas, including financial services & banking and TMT/data privacy, to cover complex transactions linked to your PoA.
- Trusted legal solutions: Fast turnaround and bespoke advisory packages aligned with your timelines.
Ready to draft, notarize, or revoke a Power of Attorney in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE? Speak to our team for a tailored, compliant solution.
