Types of Power of Attorney in the UAE: Complete Guide

In the UAE, issuing a power of attorney (POA) is a common legal tool that allows one person (the principal) to authorize another (the agent) to act on their behalf in specific matters. Whether for business, real estate, vehicles, or personal matters, a properly drafted and notarized POA ensures your rights and interests are protected under UAE law.

Understanding the different types of POA in the UAE, their validity conditions, and how they can be revoked is essential for avoiding legal risks and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Legal Requirements for a Valid Power of Attorney in the UAE

A POA in the UAE is considered a formal legal contract between the principal and the agent. For the POA to be valid, the following conditions must be met:

• The principal must have the legal capacity to act on their own behalf.

• The agent must not be restricted from acting on the subject matter of the POA.

• The scope of the POA must be clearly defined and legally permissible.

• The POA must be signed and, in most cases, notarized by a public or private notary in Dubai or other Emirates.

Main Types of Power of Attorney in the UAE

1. General vs. Special Power of Attorney

• General POA: Grants broad powers to the agent, including handling financial, administrative, and legal affairs. However, certain actions such as making donations may require explicit authorization.

• Special POA: Restricts the agent’s authority to specific tasks, such as selling a property, managing a bank account, or representing the principal in a court case.

2. Property Power of Attorney (Real Estate POA)

Used for buying, selling, leasing, or managing real estate in the UAE. A property POA in Dubai must be notarized to be legally binding.

3. Vehicle Power of Attorney

Allows the agent to buy, sell, transfer ownership, or renew the registration of a vehicle on behalf of the principal. It is commonly used when the owner is abroad or unavailable.

4. Corporate / Business Transactions POA

Enables business owners or company directors to delegate authority for specific corporate matters, such as managing bank accounts, signing contracts, or handling government transactions.

5. Family-Related POAs

• Marriage POA: Authorizes an agent to represent a bride or groom in completing the legal marriage process.

• Divorce POA: Grants the agent authority to handle divorce-related procedures.

• Residency / Employment POA: Allows the agent to submit residency applications, renewals, or employment-related documents with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Revoking a Power of Attorney in the UAE

A POA in the UAE can be revoked if it is revocable. The process generally includes:

1. Checking whether the POA includes a revocation clause.

2. Filing a revocation request through the Ministry of Justice, the relevant court system, or the notary public.

3. Paying the required fees.

4. Notifying the agent officially about the revocation.

5. Informing relevant authorities (such as banks or government departments) to prevent unauthorized use.

A POA also terminates automatically if:

• Its purpose has been fulfilled.

• The specified duration expires.

• The principal or agent dies or loses legal capacity.

FAQs

1. What are the different types of power of attorney in the UAE?
   There are general POAs, special POAs, property POAs, vehicle POAs, corporate POAs, and family-related POAs (marriage, divorce, residency).
2. What is the difference between a general and a special POA?
   A general POA gives wide-ranging powers, while a special POA is limited to specific tasks, such as selling a property or representing someone in a court case.
3. How do I issue a property POA in Dubai?
   The process includes drafting the POA, ensuring it clearly specifies the property and powers, and notarizing it at a public or private notary office in Dubai.
4. Can a POA be used for vehicles in the UAE?
   Yes, a vehicle POA allows the agent to sell, buy, or transfer ownership of vehicles, renew registrations, and complete related transactions.
5. Do all POAs require notarization?
   Most POAs in the UAE require notarization by a notary public to be valid, especially those related to property, vehicles, or corporate matters.
6. How can I protect myself from misuse of a POA?
   Clearly define the scope of powers, limit the validity period, and always notarize the POA. It’s also recommended to seek legal advice before issuing one.
7. Can a POA be revoked after issuance?
   Yes, a revocable POA can be canceled at any time by filing a revocation request with the relevant authorities and notifying the agent.

Final Note

Issuing the right type of POA in the UAE requires careful drafting and proper notarization to ensure it is legally valid and protects your interests.

👉 Contact us today to get your power of attorney drafted and notarized by our expert notary team in Dubai.