What is Principal/Grantor in UAE?

Principal/Grantor: Definition

A Principal/Grantor in UAE (الموكل in Arabic) is an individual who authorizes another person (agent/attorney) to act on their behalf through a Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE. This person is the source of authority who delegates specific powers and responsibilities.

Understanding the Role of a Principal/Grantor

Under UAE law, a Principal/Grantor holds the original authority and decides the scope of powers to be delegated. They must clearly specify the extent of authority being granted and maintain the right to revoke or modify the POA.

Legal Requirements and Qualifications

To serve as a Principal/Grantor in the UAE, specific conditions must be met:

Must be at least 21 years old
Must possess sound mental capacity
Must act voluntarily
Must have legal authority over delegated matters
Should understand the implications of granting authority

UAE Legal Framework

The UAE maintains distinct requirements for different types of Principals:

For UAE Nationals:
UAE Civil Code and Personal Status Law govern POA creation and authority delegation.

For Expatriates:

ADJD and Dubai Courts follow specific procedures
DIFC Courts have their own requirements
Different rules apply for business vs. personal matters

Common Concerns and Solutions

Key considerations for Principals:

Process Requirements:

Documentation needs
Authentication procedures
Legal formalities

Authority Limitations:

Scope of delegation
Duration of authority
Revocation rights

Practical Applications

Different scenarios require different approaches:

For Business Matters:
Like Mohammed, who granted authority for company management during his absence.

For Personal Affairs:
Consider Lisa, who appointed an agent to handle her property matters while overseas.