A Special Power of Attorney (SPOA) is a legal document that grants someone limited authority to act on your behalf for a specific task. In Dubai, it’s widely used for property sales, vehicle registration, and legal matters when the principal is unavailable.
Unlike a General POA, it focuses on a single, clearly defined action, making it a safer option for residents, investors, and expatriates.Proper drafting and registration are essential for legal validity under UAE law.
Common Use Cases for Special Power of Attorney in Dubai, UAE
A Special Power of Attorney is one of the most widely used types of POA in the UAE. It provides specific, limited authority to a trusted person, allowing legal actions on behalf of the principal without granting broad control. This is especially valuable when the principal is unavailable or residing abroad.
How to Draft and Legalize a Special POA in Dubai
Define the purpose and scope
Specify the exact action or task the agent is authorized to carry out such as selling a property or handling a visa application. Keep the scope narrow to maintain control and avoid misuse.
Draft the SPOA document
Include full legal details for both the principal and the agent (name, nationality, passport/Emirates ID number). Clearly outline the powers granted, set a validity period, and add a revocation clause. Ensure the document is written in Arabic or is bilingual (Arabic-English), with Arabic as the legally binding language.
Translate the document (if required).
If the SPOA is drafted in English, have it officially translated into Arabic by a translator accredited by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Notarize the SPOA
You can either visit a Dubai Notary Public in person or use the Dubai Courts’ e-notary platform for remote video-based notarization. Required documents include ID copies, the drafted SPOA, and any relevant supporting material.
Pay the notarization fees
Fees range from AED 300 to AED 2,000 or more, depending on complexity. E-notary services and legal firms may apply additional service charges.
Register the SPOA (if applicable)
If the SPOA concerns property, register it with the Dubai Land Department. For business-related authorizations, registration with the Department of Economic Development may be required.
Distribute the notarized SPOA
Give copies to your appointed agent and any relevant institutions such as banks, RTA, or government entities. Always retain a secure original for your records.
Revoke the SPOA if needed
Prepare a revocation notice and notarize it through the same channel used for the original SPOA. Notify the agent and all parties who received the original document.
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How to Revoke a Special Power of Attorney in Dubai?
Prepare a formal revocation document stating the principal’s clear intent to cancel the SPOA. It should reference the original SPOA details, including its date and scope.
If drafted in English, it must be legally translated into Arabic by a certified translator recognized by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Visit a Notary Public in Dubai or use the Dubai Courts e-Notary platform to notarize the revocation notice. This makes the cancellation legally valid.
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Provide the notarized revocation to:
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The original agent (attorney-in-fact)
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Any government body or private institution that relied on the original POA (e.g., Dubai Land Department, RTA, banks)
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If the original SPOA was registered with a government body (such as the Dubai Land Department), you must also file the revocation with them to ensure full cancellation.
1. Until revocation is registered and communicated, the agent may still be able to act under the original SPOA.
2. You cannot retroactively revoke actions already taken in good faith under the POA before the revocation date.
3. If the principal loses mental capacity before revocation is completed, cancellation may require additional legal intervention.
Risks of Misusing or Overlooking a Special Power of Attorney in Dubai
A Special Power of Attorney offers limited authority, but that doesn’t make it risk-free. If not drafted, notarized, or revoked properly, it may expose you to legal or financial complications in the UAE.
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Unauthorized Use of Powers – If you don’t clearly limit the agent’s scope, they may overstep their authority or use the POA for unintended actions.
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Outdated or Invalid POA – Institutions in Dubai may reject a POA if it’s expired, improperly drafted, or missing required legal formatting (such as Arabic text or notarization).
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Lack of Revocation Awareness – If the revocation is not registered and communicated to third parties, the agent might still act using the old POA, putting you at risk.
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Legal Liability for the Principal – In some cases, the principal may be held accountable for the agent’s decisions—especially in financial or real estate transactions—if the POA isn’t tightly written.
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Fraud or Forgery – A poorly monitored POA opens the door to misuse or even forged signatures. Always verify your agent’s actions and keep copies of all notarized documents.
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International Use Issues – If a Dubai-issued SPOA is used outside the UAE without proper legalization (attestation by MOFAIC and relevant embassies), it may be rejected abroad.
Cost Breakdown for Preparing a Special Power of Attorney in Dubai
| Service | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Document Drafting | 300 – 1,000 | Cost varies based on complexity; optional if using a legal service. |
| Arabic Translation (if needed) | 199 – 500 | Required if original is in English only. |
| Notarization Fee | 300 – 800 (standard cases) | Higher for complex SPOAs or property-related powers. |
| E-Notary Platform Fee | 100 – 300 | Extra charge for remote notarization (via Dubai Courts e-Notary). |
| Legal Service Package | 1,300 – 2,000+ | Often includes drafting, translation, and notarization. |
| Additional Copies | 50 – 100 per copy | Charged for each extra notarized original. |
| Registration with Authority | Varies by case | Example: Land Department for property SPOAs may charge a small admin fee. |
Choosing the Right Type of Power of Attorney in Dubai
Use this type when you want to grant authority for a single, well-defined task without risking broader control.
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Ideal for one-time property sales, car registrations, or visa tasks
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Preferred when the principal is temporarily abroad or unavailable
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Safer when you need to limit scope and duration
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Often used for real estate, RTA, immigration, or court representation
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Can be revoked or expires after the specific task is completed
SPOA differs significantly from General and Durable POAs , below is how:
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General POA grants broad powers (banking, legal, real estate, etc.) across many areas
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Durable POA remains valid even if the principal loses mental capacity — less common in the UAE context
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Medical POA is rarely recognized formally in the UAE legal system
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SPOA offers limited, task-specific authority, making it safer and more controlled
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General POAs require extra care, as they can unintentionally grant full control
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I create a Special Power of Attorney online in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai Courts offers an e-notary service that allows residents to draft and notarize a SPOA remotely via video call, provided all documents are in order.
How long does a Special POA remain valid in the UAE?
A SPOA remains valid for the duration specified in the document. If no period is mentioned, it may be treated as valid until explicitly revoked, though many institutions prefer POAs not older than 2 years.
Is a Special POA issued in Dubai valid outside the UAE?
No, not automatically. For international use, the SPOA must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) and legalized by the foreign country’s embassy.
Can a SPOA be granted to a non-resident of the UAE?
Yes, but the agent’s identity must be clearly verified with passport details, and they must be reachable for notarization or execution. Some authorities may request local representation.
Can I authorize more than one person in a Special POA?
Yes, you can name multiple agents, but it must be clearly stated whether they can act jointly or independently. Vague wording may cause institutions to reject the document.
Do I need a lawyer to draft a SPOA in Dubai?
Not necessarily. You can use standard templates or online POA services, but for complex tasks like real estate or court matters, legal review is highly recommended.
What happens if my agent misuses a Special POA?
You must immediately revoke the POA and notify all relevant institutions. You may also need legal action to reverse any unauthorized acts. Always choose a trustworthy agent.You must immediately revoke the POA and notify all relevant institutions. You may also need legal action to reverse any unauthorized acts. Always choose a trustworthy agent.
