A clear introduction to General and Special Powers of Attorney for residents, non-residents and investors with assets in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the Emirates - and how a POA fits alongside a registered UAE Will.
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a formal legal document by which a person - the principal - authorises another person or entity - the attorney - to act in their name within the United Arab Emirates. POAs are commonly used to manage UAE real estate, conduct banking, run a company, sign contracts, or represent the principal before courts and government authorities.
In the UAE, a POA generally needs to be notarised before a UAE Notary Public to have full legal effect. POAs executed outside the UAE typically require legalisation in the country of origin, attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translation into Arabic by a sworn translator before use in the Emirates.
Grants broad authority across many matters - managing property, banking, investments, business interests and routine administration. Typically used by non-residents who need a trusted representative to oversee their UAE affairs on an ongoing basis.
Strictly limited to a defined task - selling a specific property, completing a single transaction, representing the principal in one court case or signing a particular contract. Authority ends when the task is complete.
Buying, selling, leasing or managing UAE real estate without being physically present.
Operating UAE bank accounts, settling obligations and handling routine banking.
Signing on behalf of shareholders, managing a free-zone or mainland entity.
Allowing overseas owners to administer UAE assets through a trusted representative.
A Power of Attorney is effective only during the principal's lifetime. It ends automatically upon death, revocation, incapacity (unless drafted as a durable POA where permitted), or completion of the defined task. A Will, by contrast, takes effect only at death and governs the distribution of UAE assets to chosen beneficiaries.
For many of our clients, the two instruments work together: a POA ensures someone trusted can manage UAE property, bank accounts and business interests during life, while a registered UAE Will - through DIFC, ADJD or Dubai Courts - protects their wishes on succession. Reviewing both at the same time is often the most efficient approach.
Our specialists can review your situation and recommend whether a General POA, a Special POA, a registered UAE Will - or a combination - best protects your interests.