What is a Power of Attorney and When do you need in the UAE?

Life in Dubai is fast-paced and international. Many residents travel frequently, manage assets remotely, or face unexpected situations such as illness or urgent family matters abroad.

In these moments, not being physically present can create serious challenges especially in a country where formal legal authority is often required to act on someone’s behalf. This is why understanding what a Power of Attorney is and when you need one in the UAE is so important.

What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows one person (the principal) to authorise another person (the agent or attorney) to act on their behalf.

The agent’s authority can be:

Broad or limited
Temporary or ongoing
Restricted to specific tasks

Once properly executed, the agent’s actions are legally binding on the principal.

Why is a Power of Attorney important in Dubai?

A Power of Attorney is particularly important for expats because UAE procedures often require formal authorisation.

Common reasons expats need a POA include:

Being outside the UAE
Managing property or bank matters remotely
Handling business or corporate tasks
Dealing with government authorities
Managing urgent matters during illness or absence

Without a valid POA, even close family members may not be allowed to act on your behalf.

When do you need a Power of Attorney in the UAE?

Below are the most common real-life situations where a POA becomes essential.

1. When you are travelling or living outside the UAE

If you:

Travel frequently for work
Are relocating temporarily or permanently
Live abroad but still have UAE assets

You may still need to:

Sign documents
Manage property
Deal with banks or authorities

A POA allows a trusted person to handle these matters in your absence.

2. During illness or medical emergencies

If you are:

Hospitalised
Temporarily incapacitated
Unable to attend offices or sign documents

A POA ensures that someone can:

Manage urgent financial matters
Handle property or tenancy issues
Deal with time-sensitive legal requirements

This is especially important for sole property owners or business owners.

3. Managing property and real estate matters

A POA is commonly required for:

Buying or selling property
Registering property with land departments
Managing tenancy contracts
Dealing with developers or homeowners’ associations

Property-related POAs must be very specific to be accepted.

4. Handling banking and financial transactions

Banks in the UAE are strict about authorisation. A POA may be required to:

Operate bank accounts
Sign loan or mortgage documents
Close or manage accounts
Deal with financial institutions

Without a valid POA, banks usually refuse to act.

5. Business and corporate situations

Business owners often need POAs to:

Authorise managers or partners
Sign contracts
Represent the company before authorities
Handle regulatory filings

This is especially useful when directors are overseas.

6. Dealing with government and legal authorities

A POA is often required to:

Represent you before courts or government bodies
Collect official documents
Submit applications or approvals

UAE authorities typically require POAs to be notarised and clearly worded.

Types of Power of Attorney in the UAE

General Power of Attorney

Grants broad authority across multiple areas. It should only be given to someone you trust completely.

Special (Limited) Power of Attorney

Authorises specific tasks only (e.g., selling one property). This is the most commonly recommended option.

Property Power of Attorney

Used exclusively for real estate matters and requires precise wording.

Business or Corporate Power of Attorney

Used by companies to delegate authority to managers or representatives.

How a Power of Attorney must be executed in the UAE

To be valid, a POA generally must:

Be clearly drafted with defined powers
Be in Arabic (or bilingual, with Arabic prevailing)
Be notarised by a UAE Notary Public

If signed outside the UAE, it must be:

Notarised abroad
Attested and legalised for UAE use

Risks of not having a Power of Attorney

Without a POA, you risk:

Frozen bank accounts
Delayed property transactions
Missed deadlines
Legal and financial complications

Many people realise the importance of a POA only after a problem arises.

Can a Power of Attorney be revoked?

Yes. A POA can usually be:

Revoked at any time by the principal
Automatically terminated upon death (in most cases)

Revocation should also be properly documented and, where necessary, notified to relevant parties.

FAQs - Power of Attorney in Dubai

1. Is a Power of Attorney mandatory in the UAE?

No, but it becomes essential in many practical situations.

2. Can I give a POA to a family member?

Yes, as long as the document is properly drafted and notarised.

3. Can a POA be limited to one task?

Yes. Special POAs are widely used and recommended.

4. Is Arabic required in a UAE POA?

Yes. Arabic is mandatory for official use.

5. Can I use a POA made abroad?

Yes, if it is properly attested and legalised.

6. Should I get legal advice before issuing a POA?

Yes. Incorrect wording can render a POA unusable.

Conclusion

What is a Power of Attorney and When do you need one in the UAE? comes down to preparedness.

If you travel, own property, run a business, or simply want peace of mind during illness or absence, a Power of Attorney:

Protects your interests
Ensures continuity
Prevents unnecessary stress for your family

Having the right POA in place before you need it is one of the smartest legal steps you can take in the UAE.

Speak to our legal experts to draft a valid Power of Attorney in Dubai.