General Power of Attorney in the UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

In many life situations, individuals and business owners find themselves needing someone to legally act on their behalf to complete procedures or manage various transactions. This is where the General Power of Attorney (GPOA) becomes a practical solution that offers trust and flexibility, as it authorizes the agent to act on behalf of the principal in multiple matters without needing a new POA for each task.
So, what is a general power of attorney? What authority does the agent have? And how is it issued? This guide explains everything you need to know — keep reading.

What Is a General Power of Attorney in the UAE?

A General Power of Attorney in UAE law is an authorization granted by the principal to another person (the agent) to represent them in a wide range of legal and administrative actions without restricting it to a specific type of task, unless otherwise stated in the document.
In simple terms, it can be summarized as follows:

• Definition: A broad authorization allowing an agent to act on behalf of the principal in various legal, financial, or administrative matters.
  
• Legal Basis: Regulated by the UAE Civil Transactions Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985).
  
• Scope: Grants general authority in multiple areas without limiting the agent to a single action.
  
• Difference from Special POA: A General POA covers multiple actions, while a Special POA is restricted to one specific act, such as selling a property or managing a particular project.
  
• Purpose: To simplify procedures and enable the principal to complete tasks through a trusted representative.

Common Uses of a General Power of Attorney

• Managing real estate and properties such as buying, selling, or leasing on behalf of the principal.
  
• Representing individuals before government authorities—residency renewals, licensing, litigation follow-ups, etc.
  
• Handling banking transactions such as opening accounts or signing cheques (if financial powers are included).
  
• Supervising business activities and acting on behalf of the principal in commercial matters.
  

However, a General POA does not authorize the agent to perform actions that require an explicit clause—such as selling real estate or disposing of personal funds—unless clearly stated in the POA document.

Difference Between a General POA and a Special POA

The General and Special Powers of Attorney differ in several legal and practical aspects that affect the scope of authority and the agent’s responsibilities.

Scope of Authority

• General POA: Offers wide authority to manage the principal’s affairs, including contract signing, property management, and representation before authorities.
  
• Special POA: Limited to a specific task or transaction, such as selling a property or completing a defined process.
  

Duration

• General POA: Typically remains valid until revoked by the principal or until a legal reason ends it.
  
• Special POA: Automatically expires once its purpose is accomplished or its set duration ends.
  

Legal Restrictions

• General POA: Does not authorize sensitive actions (like selling property or waiving rights) unless explicitly stated.
  
• Special POA: Clearly defines allowable actions and the agent may not exceed them.
  

In short, a General POA provides broader authority, while a Special POA restricts the agent to very specific tasks to ensure accuracy and legal clarity.

Agent’s Powers Under a General Power of Attorney

A General POA grants the agent wide authority to act on behalf of the principal in most daily and legal matters. These include:

• Representing the principal before government and judicial authorities.
  
• Managing assets and funds, such as collecting rents and paying financial obligations.
  
• Signing civil or commercial contracts within the scope of the POA.
  
• Opening or managing bank accounts when allowed by the POA text.
  
• Appointing lawyers, employees, or signing relevant correspondence.
  
  

Legal Limitations on the Agent’s Powers

• The agent cannot sell or mortgage real estate or waive rights unless explicitly authorized in writing.
  
• The agent cannot use the principal’s funds for personal benefit without written permission.
  
• The agent must act in the principal’s best interest and may not exceed or misuse the delegated authority.
  
• The authority ends automatically upon revocation or the death of either party (unless stated otherwise).

How to Issue a General POA in the UAE

Issuing a General POA formalizes the legal relationship between the principal and agent and ensures the protection of both parties’ rights. Specific authorities oversee the issuance process, whether in person or electronically.

Authorities Responsible for Issuing the POA

• Notary Public offices under the Ministry of Justice or local courts across the UAE.
  
• In Dubai, a General POA can also be issued through a Private Notary licensed by Dubai Legal Affairs Department.
  

Steps to Issue a General POA

1. Prepare the POA text clearly specifying the delegated powers and their limitations.
   
2. Provide full personal details of both principal and agent (names, ID numbers, capacity).
   
3. Visit the Notary Public or submit the request through electronic platforms such as the Ministry of Justice or Dubai’s e-Notary service.
   
4. Complete the official signing and authentication—either in person or through digital signature—after which the POA is issued electronically or on paper.
   

Issuing a General POA in the UAE is now more organized and efficient, combining legal accuracy with fast processing through physical and online channels.

Documents Required to Authenticate a General POA

To authenticate a General POA in the UAE, the following documents are required:

• Original Emirates ID or valid passport for both principal and agent.
  
• ID numbers or file numbers of each party for electronic documentation.
  
• The POA document written clearly in Arabic, including parties’ details and delegated authority.
  

These documents verify the identity of the parties and ensure the POA is legally accepted by UAE authorities.

Revoking a General Power of Attorney

A General POA can be revoked for several reasons. Here is how revocation works:

Cases Where Revocation Is Allowed

• At the principal’s discretion at any time (unless agreed otherwise).
  
• When the purpose of the POA has been fulfilled.
  
• Death of either party.
  
• Expiry of the POA if issued for a limited duration.

How to Revoke a General POA Through the Notary Public

1. The principal visits the Notary Public personally.
   
2. Signs the official revocation request.
   
3. The Notary records the revocation in the legal system.
   
4. It is advisable to notify the agent formally.

Electronic Notary Services (e-Notary)

The Electronic Notary system in the UAE allows individuals and companies to complete authentication procedures digitally, without visiting Notary offices.
Key services include:

• Issuing General and Special POAs
  
• Authenticating declarations and undertakings
  
• Attesting company contracts
  
• Verifying signatures and documents
  
• Issuing legal notices and official notifications
  
• Registering lease contracts and mortgages when required
  
• Amending or revoking previous POAs

FAQs About the General Power of Attorney in UAE

What is a General POA in UAE law?
A document granting broad authority to an agent to act legally and financially on behalf of the principal.

Can a General POA be issued to someone outside the UAE?
Yes, through UAE embassies/consulates or the Ministry of Justice’s electronic services.

What is the validity period of a General POA?
It has no fixed duration and remains valid until officially revoked or its purpose ends.

Do both parties need to attend for notarization?
Only the principal must attend for in-person notarization; the agent is not required.
In e-notary services, physical presence is not required.

How do I revoke a General POA online?
Through the Ministry of Justice online platform by entering the POA information and confirming the revocation.

What is the difference between a Private Notary and a Government Notary?
A government notary is an official state employee issuing documents recognized immediately, while private notaries may require additional authentication for full recognition.

Conclusion

A General Power of Attorney in the UAE is a formal authorization that grants an agent wide powers to act on the principal’s behalf in legal and financial matters.
It can be notarized through government notaries, private notaries, or electronically through platforms such as the Ministry of Justice or Dubai Courts using UAE Pass.

You may contact the Private Notary in Dubai through the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the page for professional assistance in drafting or revoking a General POA accurately and efficiently.