Signing a Power of Attorney (POA) in Dubai is not just paperwork, it’s a legal decision that places significant authority in someone else’s hands. Whether it’s for selling property, handling banking matters, or representing you in court, the details of a POA can make or break the outcome.
Many people sign without fully realizing the implications, only to discover complications later. To avoid that, here are the five most important things you should carefully consider before putting pen to paper.
1) Be Clear on the Purpose and Scope
The first step is to ask: What exactly do I need this POA for? In Dubai, you can issue either a general POA, which grants wide-ranging powers, or a special/limited POA, which restricts authority to specific tasks. For instance, a limited POA may allow your agent to sell one property, attend a single court hearing, or finalize a banking transaction. A general POA, on the other hand, could hand them control over several aspects of your personal or business affairs.
The golden rule here: the broader the POA, the greater the responsibility and risk. Defining the scope with precision protects you from unintended consequences.
2) Select a Trustworthy Agent
Once you’ve decided on the scope, the next step is to think carefully about who should hold this authority. The person you appoint, known as the agent, will essentially step into your shoes. For a one-off task, a close friend or family member you trust may be sufficient. But if you’re granting broader powers, you might consider a professional, such as a lawyer or advisor, who understands the legal weight of the role.
At the end of the day, a POA is only as reliable as the person holding it. Choose someone whose judgment and integrity you have no reason to doubt.
3) Ensure Proper Execution and Notarization
A POA in Dubai is only valid once it has been properly executed and notarized. This usually means signing it in front of a notary public or at the Dubai Courts, often with witnesses present. Another important requirement is the language, a POA must be in Arabic or in a bilingual format (Arabic and English). If a dispute ever arises, the Arabic version is what local authorities will rely on.
This is one area where small mistakes, like a missing witness signature, incorrect spelling, or a mistranslation, can derail the process. Double-check the details before notarization to avoid unnecessary delays.
4) Understand the POA’s Validity and Duration
A POA doesn’t run indefinitely unless you want it to. In Dubai, many POAs are issued with a fixed validity period, often two years, after which they must be renewed. And, importantly, every POA automatically ends upon the death of the principal, regardless of its stated duration.
Adding an expiry date is often a good idea, especially for one-time transactions like selling a property. It gives you more control and prevents the POA from being used beyond its intended purpose.
5) Complete Registration with Relevant Authorities
Finally, don’t forget that signing and notarizing your POA is not always the last step. For full recognition, it usually needs to be registered with the Dubai Courts or the relevant authority. Some institutions won’t accept a POA that isn’t officially registered, even if it’s perfectly drafted and notarized.
Think of registration as the step that transforms your POA from a private agreement into a legally enforceable document, without it, you may find doors closed when you need them open.
Conclusion
A Power of Attorney in Dubai is one of the most useful legal tools you can have in Dubai, but it only works in your favor when drafted and executed carefully. By clarifying the purpose, appointing the right person, following proper notarization rules, keeping an eye on validity, and ensuring registration, you’ll protect your interests and avoid unnecessary complications.
And if your POA covers complex matters—like property transfers, litigation, or business dealings, seeking advice from a UAE-qualified lawyer can give you that extra peace of mind.
