A personal power of attorney (POA) is an effective legal tool that allows individuals to authorize someone else to handle specific tasks on their behalf with confidence and security. In simple terms, it is a legal mechanism that enables a person to perform defined actions on behalf of another, within a regulated framework set out under UAE Civil Law.
This type of POA offers flexibility in daily life—whether for parents, investors, or individuals—combining legal trust with practical convenience.

In this article, we briefly outline the concept and importance of personal POAs in the UAE, how they are issued and notarized, their main types, and how they can be revoked.

Importance of Personal POA in UAE Law

Personal powers of attorney play a major role in the UAE legal system, as they simplify everyday transactions, administrative procedures, and commercial dealings without requiring the physical presence of the principal.
They reflect a strong legal trust between both parties, while ensuring rights are protected through official documentation that clearly defines the agent’s authority.

Key benefits include:

• Simplified procedures: The principal can delegate tasks like government applications, banking, or real estate transactions—especially during travel or busy periods.
  
• Legal protection: No action taken by the agent is valid unless within the authorized scope, ensuring proper use and preventing misuse.
  
• Support for the elderly & disabled: They help manage their affairs legally through trusted agents without requiring personal attendance.
  
• Proof of legal capacity: The agent can represent the principal before official or judicial authorities based on a legally recognized document.
  
• Facilitating business & real estate transactions: Personal POAs are essential for signing contracts, completing deals, or managing a company when a partner or representative is absent.
  

A personal POA is not just a simple document—it is a comprehensive legal instrument that protects rights and facilitates formal procedures when drafted and notarized correctly in accordance with UAE law.

Uses of Personal POA in the UAE

Personal POAs are widely used across the UAE due to their flexibility and legal reliability. Their usage is supported by federal laws regulating agency contracts and defining the scope and legal effect of agency authority.

Common uses include:

1. Real Estate Transactions

• Selling, buying, mortgaging, or registering properties before the Land Department or other authorities.
  

2. Banking & Financial Matters

• Managing bank accounts
  
• Withdrawing funds
  
• Signing cheques
  
• Settling financial obligations
  

3. Legal Representation

• Appointing a lawyer
  
• Filing lawsuits
  
• Representing the principal before courts, prosecution, and legal authorities
  

4. Government Transactions

• Completing residency and visa procedures
  
• Handling business license renewals
  
• Completing documentation with ministries and public entities
  

5. Personal Affairs

• Receiving salaries, vehicles, or official documents
  
• Handling personal or property-related matters
  

Because personal POAs cover a large portion of daily legal and administrative tasks, accurate drafting and proper notarization are essential for validity and protection.

Issuing and Notarizing a Personal POA in the UAE

Thanks to advanced digital platforms launched by the Ministry of Justice and local authorities, issuing a personal POA in the UAE is now easier and faster.

Issuing a Personal POA

• Drafting the POA according to the required legal purpose (sale, management, representation, etc.)
  
• The principal must attend in person or use the e-notary platform for identity verification.
  
• All data is entered accurately and the POA is signed before the notary public or through the smart system.

Notarizing the POA

• After drafting, the document is notarized at the public notary or a licensed private notary.
  
• Notarization can be completed in person or fully online through:
  
  • UAE Ministry of Justice
    
  • Dubai Courts Smart Notary services
    
  • Abu Dhabi digital services
    
• The principal receives an official electronic or stamped paper copy.
  

Dubai Notary Public

• Official government entity that notarizes POAs and legal contracts.
  
• Provides walk-in and digital services via “Dubai Courts Notary Public.”
  
• Offers bilingual documents (Arabic & English).
  

Private Notary in Dubai

• A lawyer licensed by the Dubai Legal Affairs Department.
  
• Can issue and notarize certain types of POAs.
  
• Suitable for urgent matters or after-hours services.
  
• Must follow the same legal requirements as the government notary.
  

Types of Personal POA in the UAE

Personal POAs in the UAE vary depending on the scope and purpose of authority. This gives individuals flexibility to choose the suitable format.

1. Specific (Limited) POA

• Used for a single task only (e.g., selling a property, completing one transaction).
  
• Automatically expires once the task is completed.
  
• Minimizes risk and restricts the agent’s authority.
  

2. General (Comprehensive) Personal POA

• Grants broad powers in legal, financial, and administrative matters.
  
• Common in family or business contexts where trust is strong.
  
• Remains valid until officially revoked.
  

3. Financial POA

• Limited solely to financial transactions.
  
• Commonly used between partners or business representatives.
  
• Must specify the allowed financial limits or actions clearly.
  

4. Administrative POA

• Allows the agent to complete administrative procedures with government or private entities.
  
• Frequently used for visa applications, licenses, or documentation processes.
  

These various forms provide flexible legal solutions for individuals and organizations, while maintaining clear boundaries and transparency.

Agent’s Powers Under UAE Law

The agent’s powers form the core of any POA. The scope depends entirely on what is explicitly or implicitly stated in the document.

Examples:

• In a general POA: The agent can manage all legal, financial, and administrative affairs unless something is specifically excluded.
  
• In a specific POA: The agent may only perform the defined action—nothing more.
  
• In a commercial POA: The agent can sign commercial contracts, manage business activities, or represent a company.
  
• In judicial/legal POAs: The agent (usually a lawyer) may file claims and defend the principal in court.
  

The scope of authority must always be clearly stated to avoid disputes.

Revoking a Personal POA in the UAE

The principal has the legal right to revoke a personal POA at any time, unless it was created for the benefit of the agent or a third party.

How it is revoked

• The principal submits a revocation request to the notary public or private notary.
  
• The principal must attend in person or use the online revocation service (Ministry of Justice or Dubai Courts).
  
• The agent and relevant authorities are notified immediately.
  
• If either party dies, the POA automatically becomes void.
  

Revocation ensures that no unauthorized actions continue after the POA is no longer needed.

FAQs About Personal POA in the UAE

What is a personal power of attorney in the UAE?

It is an official authorization allowing someone to represent the principal in specific legally permitted tasks such as sales, administration, or government procedures.

What is the difference between a personal POA and a general POA?

A personal (specific) POA is limited to defined tasks, while a general POA gives broad powers over legal, financial, and administrative matters.

What types of personal POAs exist in the UAE?

Specific, general, financial, and administrative POAs.

What are common uses of personal POAs?

Selling property, government transactions, legal representation, banking operations, and handling personal affairs.

How is a personal POA issued and notarized?

By drafting the POA and notarizing it at the public notary or a private notary, either in person or online.

What documents are required?

• Emirates ID or valid passport
  
• Agent’s personal information
  
• Draft POA text
  
• Supporting documents related to the purpose of authorization
  

Can a personal POA be issued electronically?

Yes, through the Ministry of Justice or Dubai smart notary services.

How are an agent’s powers defined?

All powers must be clearly listed in the POA. The agent cannot act beyond what is stated.

Can a POA be revoked?

Yes, at any time via the notary public or online platforms.

What is the difference between personal, financial, and administrative POAs?

• Personal: For a defined purpose
  
• Financial: For money-related actions only
  
• Administrative: For government procedures only

Conclusion

Personal powers of attorney in the UAE offer a reliable and efficient legal method for delegating tasks to trusted individuals. They strike a balance between flexibility and strong legal protection, whether the POA is specific, general, financial, or administrative.
Understanding the rules, scope, and procedures ensures individuals and investors use this tool confidently and correctly before all official authorities in the UAE.

You can contact Private Notary in Dubai through the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the page for professional legal assistance in issuing or notarizing a personal POA in the UAE.