In Dubai, a Power of Attorney (POA) isn’t just a legal form; it’s a practical tool that allows someone to act on your behalf when you can’t be physically present. Whether you’re authorizing someone to sell a property, manage a business, or represent you in court, the right POA can streamline processes and ensure that tasks are handled efficiently.
However, it’s important to choose the right type of power of attorney for your needs. This guide breaks down the most common types of POAs in Dubai, explaining what each one is used for, the associated costs, key document elements, and the notarization process. If you need to delegate authority in a clear and legally recognized manner, this will guide you through it step by step.
Types of Power of Attorney in Dubai, UAE
In Dubai, a Power of Attorney (POA) isn’t just a legal form; it’s a practical tool that allows someone to act on your behalf when you can’t be physically present. Whether you’re authorizing someone to sell a property, manage a business, or represent you in court, the right POA can streamline processes and ensure that tasks are handled efficiently.
However, it’s important to choose the right type of power of attorney for your needs. This guide breaks down the most common types of POAs in Dubai, explaining what each one is used for, the associated costs, key document elements, and the notarization process. If you need to delegate authority in a clear and legally recognized manner, this will guide you through it step by step.
General Power of Attorney (GPOA) in Dubai
A General Power of Attorney (GPOA) grants someone broad authority to handle various personal, financial, and administrative matters on your behalf. This POA document is ideal for those who are frequently traveling, business owners, or expats who need someone to manage their affairs in their absence.
Common Use Cases:
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Banking: Open, manage, or close bank accounts.
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Contracts & Agreements: Sign contracts or rental agreements.
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Government Transactions: Handle visa renewals, utility payments, etc.
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Assets: Buy or sell movable assets (except real estate unless explicitly authorized).
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Representation: Act on your behalf before public or private institutions.
Exclusions:
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Selling real estate (unless specifically authorized in the POA).
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Legal representation in court (unless explicitly included).
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Medical decisions or healthcare-related matters.
This general power of attorney grants broad powers, enabling the agent to handle financial matters, sign documents, and more, but it does not extend to healthcare decisions or real estate sales unless stated.
Costs:
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Government Notary Fee: AED 215 (Dubai Courts eNotary, 2024).
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Additional Services: Typing/Translation (AED 100–300), Legal Drafting (AED 300–700).
Legal Process:
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The POA must be drafted in Arabic or bilingual format.
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Submit the draft to a licensed typing center or through the Dubai Courts eNotary system.
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Both the principal and the agent must present valid Emirates IDs or passports for notarization.
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Once notarized, the POA becomes a legal document that delegates authority to act on your behalf.
Key Considerations:
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Validity: A GPOA is typically valid for 2 years and needs to be renewed before expiration.
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Revocation: The principal can revoke the POA at any time by issuing a formal revocation through the Dubai notary system.
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Risk of Misuse: Because of the broad powers granted, it’s essential to appoint a trusted and competent agent (attorney-in-fact).
Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) in Dubai
A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) in Dubai remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated. Durable POA is commonly used for long-term financial or healthcare decisions, allowing the appointed agent to manage the principal’s affairs when they are unable to do so. DPOAs are particularly useful in estate planning or when someone wants to ensure their financial or healthcare matters are handled according to their wishes, even in the event of incapacitation.
Use Cases:
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Managing long-term financial affairs in case of incapacity.
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Making healthcare decisions when the principal is unable to communicate.
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Ensuring continuity in managing personal affairs if the principal becomes incapacitated.
Key Considerations:
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Must be carefully drafted to ensure the agent’s authority is clear.
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The DPOA remains valid even if the principal loses mental or physical capacity.
Limited Power of Attorney (LPOA) in Dubai
A Limited Power of Attorney (LPOA) grants authority for specific, clearly defined tasks for a limited duration. In Dubai, this type of POA is useful for situations where a one-time or short-term action is required, such as completing a particular transaction or managing a specific task without giving broad authority to the agent.
Use Cases:
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Completing a specific real estate transaction or property deal.
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Handling a vehicle sale or transfer of ownership.
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Managing a one-off business-related task or document signing.
Key Considerations:
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The LPOA is not valid for broader or ongoing tasks beyond the specified authority.
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It is ideal for short-term actions like signing a contract or handling a temporary matter.
Springing Power of Attorney in Dubai
A Springing Power of Attorney in Dubai takes effect only when a specific event occurs, such as the incapacitation of the principal. This type of POA is particularly useful for individuals who want the POA to activate under certain conditions, ensuring that the agent only gains authority when needed, such as when the principal can no longer manage their affairs.
Use Cases:
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Taking effect only if the principal becomes incapacitated.
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Health-related decisions or financial matters activated only when required.
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Managing affairs under specific circumstances, such as extended illness or physical incapacity.
Key Considerations:
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The POA remains dormant until the specified event (e.g., incapacitation) occurs.
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It’s essential to clearly define the triggering event to avoid confusion or misuse.
Special Power of Attorney (SPA) in Dubai
A Special Power of Attorney (SPA) provides authority to act for a specific, clearly defined task or set of actions. This POA is ideal for one-time transactions or specific matters where a broader authority isn’t necessary.
Common Use Cases:
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Real Estate & Vehicles: Selling or purchasing a specific property or vehicle.
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End-of-Service Benefits: Collecting end-of-service cheques.
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Government & Legal Tasks: Handling specific immigration, banking, or licensing matters.
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Representation: Representing you in a named government department for a specific task.
Costs:
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Dubai Courts Notary Fee: AED 165 (standard SPA, 2024).
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Additional Services: Typing (AED 100–200), Legal Drafting (AED 300–500).
Legal Process:
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The SPA must be drafted with precise language that specifies the task, such as the property or case number.
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Submit the draft to Dubai Courts eNotary or a licensed typing center for notarization.
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If the SPA is signed abroad, it must be consularized by the UAE Embassy and attested by MOFA.
Key Considerations:
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Expiration: The SPA expires once the task is completed or on the specified end date.
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Specificity: The SPA cannot be used for multiple unrelated tasks unless they are clearly listed in the document.
Property Power of Attorney (POA) in Dubai
A Property Power of Attorney (POA) allows someone to manage real estate transactions on behalf of the owner. This type of POA is essential for overseas property owners or those who cannot attend property registration or related appointments in person.
Common Use Cases:
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Property Transactions: Selling or purchasing property in Dubai.
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Property Registration: Registering property transfers with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
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Leasing & Management: Managing rental agreements and property leases.
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Utility Setup & Handover: Authorizing third parties to complete property handovers or set up utilities.
This POA is often used by property owners who are unable to make decisions and manage real estate transactions themselves, whether because of being abroad or becoming incapacitated.
Costs:
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Notary Fee: AED 315 (Dubai Courts eNotary, 2024 for bilingual POA).
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Typing & Translation: AED 200–400 (Arabic mandatory).
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Optional Legal Drafting: AED 500–800 (depending on complexity).
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Additional Fees: May apply for registration with DLD.
Legal Process:
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Draft the POA with specific property details (e.g., title deed number, location).
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Submit for notarization through the Dubai Courts eNotary or a licensed typing center.
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If signed abroad, consularization and MOFA attestation are required.
Key Considerations:
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DLD Requirements: POAs lacking reference numbers or vague descriptions are routinely rejected.
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Property Sale POA: Must be issued within 2 years of the sale date as per DLD policy.
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Leasing POA: Should specify authority to register contracts on Ejari and handle RERA matters.
Vehicle Power of Attorney (VPOA) in Dubai
A Vehicle Power of Attorney (VPOA) allows someone to act on your behalf for vehicle-related tasks such as buying, selling, or transferring ownership. It’s commonly used when the vehicle owner is outside the UAE or unable to visit RTA offices in person.
Common Use Cases:
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Buying or Selling a Car: On behalf of the owner.
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Transferring Ownership: Through the RTA.
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Vehicle Registration: Renewing or obtaining a new registration card.
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Fines & Claims: Handling accident claims or renewing insurance.
Cost:
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Notary Fee: AED 165 (Dubai Courts).
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Typing & Drafting Services: AED 100–200.
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Translation (if required): AED 100–250.
Legal Process:
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Draft the VPOA with detailed vehicle information (e.g., VIN, plate number, model).
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Submit for notarization at Dubai Courts eNotary or an authorized typing center.
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Notarize the POA online or in person. Both the principal and agent must provide valid IDs.
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Submit the notarized POA to RTA for processing.
Key Considerations:
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Validity: Typically valid for 1 year unless otherwise specified.
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Specificity: The VPOA cannot be used for buying or selling a vehicle to oneself; the transaction must involve two distinct parties.
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Insurance: Ensure the insurance is active if the agent is renewing or transferring ownership.
Business/Company Power of Attorney (POA) in Dubai
A Business Power of Attorney enables someone to act on behalf of a business entity in legal, financial, and administrative matters. This POA is commonly used by company owners or partners to delegate authority when they are unavailable or need assistance with business functions.
Common Use Cases:
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Representation: Before DED, free zone authorities, or banks.
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Contract Signing: Including lease and employment agreements.
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Company Transactions: Handling license renewals, visa applications, VAT filings, etc.
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Bank Accounts: Opening or managing company accounts (if specified).
Cost:
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Notary Fee: AED 315 (bilingual POA, 2024 rate).
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Typing & Translation: AED 200–400 depending on complexity.
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Optional Legal Drafting: AED 500–900 (for free zone or international use).
Legal Process:
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The company’s legal representative drafts and signs the POA.
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Submit the document for notarization at Dubai Courts eNotary or a licensed typing center.
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Provide company documents (e.g., trade license, MOA, and the signatory’s ID).
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If required, submit the notarized POA to the relevant free zone authority.
Key Considerations:
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Specific Authority: Ensure the POA aligns with the company’s MOA—you can’t grant authority outside what’s allowed under the trade license.
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Board Resolution: Some banks may still require a board resolution in addition to the POA for major transactions.
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Non-partners: If the agent is a third party, DED may request proof of the relationship.
Power of Attorney for Court Cases in Dubai
A Power of Attorney (POA) for court cases authorizes a legal professional or representative to act on your behalf in legal proceedings, such as court appearances, arbitration, or rent dispute settlements, when you are unavailable.
Common Use Cases:
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Appointing a Lawyer: Granting authority to file lawsuits, submit legal documents, and represent you in court.
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Legal Representation: Authorizing someone to handle legal matters in arbitration tribunals, police matters, public prosecution, or rent disputes.
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Case Management: Empowering an agent to manage legal disputes, including negotiations and hearings.
Cost:
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Notary Public Fee: AED 165 (Dubai Courts Notary).
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Typing & Translation: AED 100–300 (depending on complexity).
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Legal Drafting (Optional): AED 500–1,000 (based on case complexity).
Legal Process:
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Draft the POA with specific details about the legal matter and the powers granted.
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Ensure the document is in Arabic, or obtain a certified translation.
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Notarize the document at Dubai Courts Notary or an authorized service.
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If signed abroad, attestation by the UAE Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required.
Key Considerations:
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Specificity: Clearly define the agent’s powers to prevent misuse.
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Legal Advice: Consult a legal professional to ensure the POA is valid and effective.
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Revocation: The principal can revoke the POA at any time via a formal process.
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Agent’s Competence: Appoint an agent with the necessary legal expertise in UAE law.
Medical Power of Attorney (Dubai)
A Medical Power of Attorney document in Dubai authorizes someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or unable to communicate your wishes. This ensures your medical choices are respected and managed according to your preferences.
Common Use Cases:
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Critical Health Situations: Authorizing someone to consent or refuse medical treatments in emergencies.
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Ongoing Care: Allowing someone to manage long-term treatments or surgeries.
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End-of-Life Decisions: Appointing an agent for decisions on life support or palliative care.
This POA is crucial for individuals with chronic conditions, those undergoing major surgeries, or anyone seeking a plan for unexpected medical situations.
Cost:
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Notary Fee: AED 100.
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Typing & Translation: AED 200–300 (depending on complexity).
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Legal Consultation (Optional): AED 500–1,000.
Legal Process:
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Draft the POA, clearly outlining the agent’s authority.
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Translation: Ensure it’s in Arabic, or obtain a certified translation.
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Notarization: Submit the document to Dubai Courts Notary, with valid ID from both parties.
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If signed abroad, the POA must be attested by the UAE Embassy and MOFA.
Key Considerations:
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Agent Selection: Choose someone who understands your healthcare preferences.
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Legal Advice: Consult a professional to ensure the POA complies with UAE laws.
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Revocation: You can revoke the POA at any time, provided you are mentally sound.
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Regular Updates: Update your POA if health or circumstances change.
Choosing the Right Power of Attorney in Dubai
Getting a POA in Dubai is simple, but choosing the right one and preparing it properly can prevent delays, rejections, or legal issues.
Match the POA to the Task: Not all POAs are interchangeable. For example, a General POA cannot be used for property sales. Dubai authorities are strict about format and scope.
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General POA: For day-to-day authority (excluding property or court matters).
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Special POA: For one-time tasks (e.g., cheque collection, document signing).
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Property POA: For real estate transactions.
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Vehicle POA: For RTA and car ownership tasks.
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Business POA: For company decisions, DED, or free zone tasks.
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Court Case POA: To appoint a legal representative.
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Medical POA: For healthcare decisions if you’re incapacitated.
If the task is unrelated or high-stakes, issue separate POAs for clarity.
What Should Every POA Include?
Ensure your POA is clear, complete, and legally valid. It must include:
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Full legal names and IDs of the principal and agent.
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A detailed description of the powers granted.
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A defined timeframe or expiration date (if applicable).
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Signatures and notarization (or consular attestation if abroad).
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Arabic or bilingual format (depending on the recipient authority).
Avoid vague or overly broad language, as this is a common reason for rejections.
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When Do You Need Legal Help for POA?
Seek legal assistance for:
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Complex real estate or business POAs.
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POAs involving court cases or multiple parties.
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Drafting a POA abroad for use in Dubai.
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Assigning powers for a medically vulnerable person.
Legal professionals can help ensure compliance with local authority requirements (e.g., DLD, RTA, or DED).
Common POA Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors:
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Mixing unrelated powers in one POA.
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Using a POA older than 2 years for real estate transactions (rejected by DLD).
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Forgetting to revoke a POA once the task is complete.
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Assuming a consularized POA is valid in Dubai without MOFA attestation.
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
How can I revoke a Power of Attorney in Dubai?
To revoke a POA in Dubai, the principal must issue a formal revocation through a notary. The agent and any relevant institutions must be notified to ensure the agent’s authority is terminated.
Can a Power of Attorney be used outside of Dubai?
A POA issued in Dubai is valid outside the city, but it may need additional steps such as consular attestation or MOFA certification to be recognized internationally. Check local requirements for use outside the UAE.
What happens if the agent appointed in a POA is no longer available or competent?
If the agent becomes unavailable or incompetent, the principal can revoke the POA and appoint a new agent. It’s essential to ensure the POA includes provisions for such scenarios.
Can a Power of Attorney be granted to more than one agent in Dubai?
Yes, a POA can be granted to multiple agents. The principal should clearly define how decisions will be made, especially if there are disagreements between agents.
Do I need a lawyer to draft a Power of Attorney in Dubai?
No, a lawyer is not required to draft a POA in Dubai, but for complex matters (e.g., Business POA), legal assistance may be recommended to ensure the POA complies with all requirements.
What are the risks of granting a broad General Power of Attorney?
The primary risk of a General POA is the potential for misuse, as the agent has broad authority. To minimize risk, appoint a trusted agent, clearly define their scope of authority, and periodically review the POA.
How long is a Power of Attorney valid in Dubai?
A General POA is typically valid for 2 years. Other POAs, such as Special POA or Medical POA, may have different validity periods, usually until the task is completed or as defined in the document. Renewal may be required in some cases.
