What Is a Power of Attorney in Dubai?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legally binding document that authorizes a person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on behalf of another individual (the principal or grantor) in matters that may include legal, financial, real estate, healthcare, or government affairs.
In Dubai and across the UAE, a POA is recognized under Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (UAE Civil Code) and regulated by local emirate-level authorities such as the Dubai Notary Public, Dubai Courts, and Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Whether you are a UAE resident, expat, or international investor, a POA can be an essential instrument for:
- Managing real estate transactions when you are outside the country
- Delegating financial authority to an accountant, banker, or relative
- Empowering a lawyer to represent you in Dubai Courts
- Authorizing guardianship or medical decisions for family members
Steps to Order your DUBAI Power of Attorney Online
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Place a POA Order | Choose your POA package online (Pricing page) or call for help. | Select the Power of Attorney package that best suits your needs. |
| Drafting & Approval | We gather your information and create your draft. | Our team will guide you to provide the necessary details, and then craft a clear English POA draft for your review and approval. |
| Notarization | We assist with the official notarization process. | We’ll make sure your POA is properly notarized according to all legal requirements. |
| Delivery | Receive your secure, notarized POA. | Receive your secure, notarized POA. |
DUBAI POA TYPES
Find the Right POA Fit for Your Needs
A POA benefits both personal and corporate work in the UAE, each with its own types of general and special power of attorney. The following are the POA categories in Dubai that you can apply for:
Property POA
Business POA
General POA
Family POA
Vehicle POA
Financial POA
HOW CAN WE HELP
Why Choose Us?
- Expert advice and consultation In-depth guidance on creating a legally sound and effective POA tailored to your needs.
- Comprehensive document handling Preparation, notarization, and registration of your POA.
- Streamlined process Simplified procedures with support from experienced professionals.
- Translation and attestation Professional in-house Arabic translation and assistance with all legal formalities.
- Time-saving convenience Fast and efficient services to conserve your valuable time.
- Affordable, high-quality solutions Cost-effective preparation of legally compliant documents.
- Trusted and secure A professional team dedicated to safeguarding your interests and documents.
Why Creating and Attesting a Power of Attorney Is Important in Dubai, UAE?
Legal Authority to Act on Your Behalf
A POA grants clear legal authority to handle your personal, financial, business, and legal matters, ensuring your interests are protected when you cannot be present.
Ensuring Seamless Management and Continuity
An attested POA allows uninterrupted management of your affairs. This is particularly valuable for expatriates, frequent travelers, and business owners who may be temporarily or permanently away from Dubai.
Mandatory Requirement for Key Transactions
Many official transactions in the UAE legally require an attested POA. Without POA attestation, important actions like selling property or court representation cannot proceed if the principal is unavailable in person.
Peace of Mind Through Defined Authority and Revocability
A POA provides security that your affairs will be managed according to your instructions. You retain control to define the POA’s scope and duration, and you can revoke it at any time through proper legal documentation.
Remote Attestation and International Recognition
Dubai’s legal system enables POAs to be created and attested remotely. After MOFAIC attestation and legalization by a foreign consulate, a Dubai-issued POA is recognized internationally—a vital feature for expatriates and global businesses managing cross-border matters.
Flexible and Customizable Scope of Authority
Dubai law allows you to customize the powers granted under a POA. You can provide broad authority or limit powers to specific transactions, ensuring legal protection while meeting individual or business needs both domestically and internationally.
TYPES OF POWER OF ATTORNEY IN DUBAI
Dubai legally recognizes only two types of Power of Attorney (POA): General POA and Special POA. Each serves a distinct legal purpose, and UAE courts, banks, and government departments accept them based on scope and documentation standards. Choosing the right type ensures your POA is enforceable by institutions like the Dubai Courts, Dubai Land Department (DLD), and UAE Central Bank.
General Power of Attorney (GPOA)
A General POA gives your chosen agent broad authority to act on your behalf in multiple domains. Once notarized, this document allows your representative to:
- Operate and manage your bank accounts, including transactions, deposits, and withdrawals
- Buy or sell real estate and register title transfers with the Dubai Land Department
- Sign legal contracts, represent you in court, and deal with litigation
- Handle business operations, from trade license renewals to managing employees or vendors
Foreign investors, traveling business owners, and UAE nationals abroad often use a General POA to avoid delays or the need to appear in person.
- It consolidates wide legal authority into a single document, making it suitable for those managing diverse assets or ongoing matters in Dubai.
Special Power of Attorney (SPOA)
A Special POA limits your agent’s authority to a single task or a clearly defined set of responsibilities. You’ll use this when delegating power for a specific event, such as:
- Selling a particular apartment or villa
- Appearing in a family or commercial court case
- Renewing a vehicle registration at the RTA
- Managing a medical decision if you’re incapacitated
This type of POA must precisely describe the task and include an expiration clause or termination condition. Dubai Notary Public won’t accept vague or overly broad SPOAs.
- A Special POA offers tighter legal control and is ideal when you want to delegate authority temporarily or for a single purpose.
General Power of Attorney (GPOA)
A General POA gives your chosen agent broad authority to act on your behalf in multiple domains. Once notarized, this document allows your representative to:
- Operate and manage your bank accounts, including transactions, deposits, and withdrawals
- Buy or sell real estate and register title transfers with the Dubai Land Department
- Sign legal contracts, represent you in court, and deal with litigation
- Handle business operations, from trade license renewals to managing employees or vendors
Foreign investors, traveling business owners, and UAE nationals abroad often use a General POA to avoid delays or the need to appear in person.
- It consolidates wide legal authority into a single document, making it suitable for those managing diverse assets or ongoing matters in Dubai.
Special Power of Attorney (SPOA)
A Special POA limits your agent’s authority to a single task or a clearly defined set of responsibilities. You’ll use this when delegating power for a specific event, such as:
- Selling a particular apartment or villa
- Appearing in a family or commercial court case
- Renewing a vehicle registration at the RTA
- Managing a medical decision if you’re incapacitated
This type of POA must precisely describe the task and include an expiration clause or termination condition. Dubai Notary Public won’t accept vague or overly broad SPOAs.
- A Special POA offers tighter legal control and is ideal when you want to delegate authority temporarily or for a single purpose.
POA SERVICES
Power of Attorney Issuance Services by Juriszone
POA Notarization in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Our specialists coordinate same-day notarization through certified Dubai Courts and Abu Dhabi Judicial Department notaries. We manage:
- Drafting in English + certified Arabic translation
- Identity verification (passport, Emirates ID)
- Submission via in-person or Dubai Smart eNotary platform
- Your notarized POA is accepted by banks, DLD, and courts
POA Legalisation for UAE & Abroad
We manage end-to-end legalization of your POA, including:
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) attestation
- Embassy or consulate legalization (for overseas use)
- Dubai Land Department or Chamber of Commerce endorsement
- Ideal for property transfers, visa work, banking, and international deals
Acting as Your Attorney-in-Fact
Need full legal representation? Juriszone’s licensed professionals can act as your Power of Attorney, managing:
- Real estate transactions
- Visa renewals and Emirates ID procedures
- Government filings, corporate licenses, and court appearances
- All actions follow the scope you define no overreach
Document Attestation Services
We ensure every document that supports your POA is legally valid. Services include:
- Attestation of trade licenses, MOAs, and shareholder records
- Title deeds, bank forms, and passport verification
- Stamping via official notarial and government bodies
- 100% recognized by public institutions and private entities
Official POA Witnessing
Need a witness during POA execution? We offer:
- In-person or remote witness services across the UAE
- Full legal adherence to Dubai Notary Public regulations
- Valid for real estate, medical, and corporate POAs
How to Draft and Notarize a Power of Attorney in Dubai
Creating a Power of Attorney (POA) in Dubai is not just a form-filling task it’s a formal legal procedure governed by UAE Civil Transactions Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) and regulated through the Dubai Courts Notary Public. Below is a step-by-step framework that ensures your POA will be recognized by entities such as the Dubai Land Department (DLD), Emirates ID Authority, banks, immigration services, and Free Zone regulators.
1. Draft the POA with Legal Specificity
Begin by working with a UAE-licensed consultant or a registered notary advocate to draft your POA (known locally as “Tawkeel”). A professionally written POA ensures:
- Full identification of both parties using their passport number, Emirates ID, and nationality.
- An itemized list of authorities delegated to the agent—e.g., authority to buy/sell real estate, sponsor dependents, represent in courts, or manage commercial transactions.
- Revocation clauses and expiration terms (e.g., “Valid until 31 December 2026 unless earlier revoked in writing.”)
- Jurisdictional applicability, such as “This POA is valid within the Emirate of Dubai and all associated Free Zones under UAE federal law.”
Avoid generic templates—many are rejected by DLD or banks due to lack of clause-level clarity.
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2. Translate the Document into Arabic (If Needed)
According to Dubai Notary protocols, POAs must be in Modern Standard Arabic to be notarized. If your draft is in English:
- Hire a Ministry of Justice-accredited translator for a certified bilingual version.
- Attach the Arabic translation as an annex, bearing the official translator’s seal and license number.
- Submit both the English draft and Arabic version as part of your notary packet.
POAs without a compliant translation are routinely rejected, especially for DLD property transfers or court submissions.
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3. Choose the Right Notarization Channel
You have two legal routes for getting your POA notarized in Dubai:
A. In-Person Notarization at Dubai Notary Public
- Book an appointment via Dubai Courts Portal.
- Bring original documents: passport, Emirates ID, POA draft, and translation.
- A court-appointed Notary Officer will verify identity, witness the signing, and issue a stamped, QR-authenticated POA.
This method is recommended for POAs involving property, corporate shares, or inheritance rights.
B. Online Notarization via Dubai Smart eNotary
- Visit the eNotary platform.
- Upload your POA draft and ID copies.
- Confirm identity via UAE Pass, digital signature, or live video verification.
- Receive your digitally notarized POA (PDF) with an official timestamp and e-seal.
This method is ideal for expats, frequent travelers, or those managing remote corporate transactions.
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4. Attestation & Legalization (For Government or Financial Use)
If your POA will be used for real estate registration, bank account operation, visa sponsorship, or Emirates ID renewals, it must be:
- Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MOFAIC)
- In some cases, further endorsed by:
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce
- DLD Trustees Office
- Bank compliance units
Each authority may require additional documentation or original seals—confirm in advance with the relevant body.
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5. Legalize the POA Abroad (If Outside the UAE)
If you’re not in the UAE and want to issue a Dubai-recognized POA:
- Draft and notarize the POA in your home country.
- Authenticate it through your Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Take it to the nearest UAE Embassy or Consulate for consular attestation.
- Upon arrival in Dubai, submit it for MOFAIC attestation to make it valid locally.
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Expert Tip: If your POA is for land transactions, banks, or Free Zones, notify those bodies in advance and share a draft to pre-approve clause structure and format.
Legal Validity Requirements for a Power of Attorney in Dubai
To be recognized under UAE Federal Law and enforceable across key institutions—such as the Dubai Courts, Dubai Land Department (DLD), UAE Central Bank, and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)—a Power of Attorney (POA) must adhere to a strict set of legal, linguistic, and procedural standards. These ensure the document is legally binding, functionally specific, and institutionally admissible in Dubai.
1. Arabic Language Compliance
A POA intended for use in Dubai must either:
- Drafted entirely in Modern Standard Arabic, or
- Translated into Arabic by a UAE Ministry of Justice-accredited legal translator (if originally written in English or another language).
Note: Most judicial, financial, and immigration-related authorities—such as GDRFA, DLD, and Emirates ID Authority—will reject POAs that are not submitted with an officially Arabic translated version.
2. Defined Scope of Authority
The POA must explicitly define the powers granted, including:
- A precise description of the agent’s duties, such as selling real estate, managing corporate affairs, or handling medical decisions.
- A designation as General or Special POA, each with its own legal limitations.
- Clear duration terms (e.g., 6 months, 1 year) and revocation conditions.
Using vague phrases like “full authority in all matters” can lead to rejection by the Notary Public—especially in sensitive domains like property conveyancing, banking, or court representation.
3. Official Notarization via Dubai Courts
Your POA must be notarized through one of the following Dubai Courts-approved channels:
In-Person Notarization:
- Book via the Dubai Courts portal
- Bring: printed POA draft, passports, Emirates IDs, certified Arabic translation
- The Dubai Notary Public applies a QR-sealed stamp verifying authenticity
Online Smart Notarization (eNotary):
- Accessible via the UAE Pass app
- Live video identity verification
- Digital notarization issued as official PDF with timestamp and court stamp
Both notarization modes are recognized by the Dubai Land Department, Free Zones (e.g., DMCC, DAFZA), UAE banks, and government agencies.
4. MOFAIC Attestation (When Required)
Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) is only required if:
- The POA was issued outside the UAE and needs to be used inside the country, or
- The POA will be submitted to governmental departments, consulates, or used in cross-border transactions
This step ensures the POA is authenticated for use before:
- UAE embassies and consulates
- Dubai Courts and Public Prosecutor’s Office
- International banks operating in the UAE
- DLD Trustees Offices or other municipal property authorities
Pro Tip: Before finalizing your POA, verify specific clause or formatting preferences with the receiving party—whether it’s Mashreq Bank, Dubai Land Department, or a government litigation office—to avoid procedural delays or rejections.
Required Documents for Power of Attorney in Dubai
Before a POA can be notarized and attested in Dubai, both the Principal (grantor) and the Agent (attorney-in-fact) must provide valid identification and relevant supporting documents. The exact requirements differ depending on whether the POA is for an individual or a company.
Required Documents for Individuals
- Passport copy for all signatories (mandatory)
- Emirates ID copy (for UAE residents)
- Residency visa copy (for non-residents issuing a UAE-valid POA)
Required Documents for Companies
- Valid UAE Trade License copy
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA)
- Passport copies of shareholders or directors
- Emirates ID copies of authorized signatories
Note: Additional documentation may be needed based on the POA’s purpose:
- Title Deed for property-related POAs
- RTA Vehicle Card for vehicle-related POAs
General Conditions for POA Issuance
- Applicants must be of legal capacity: 21 lunar years for civil transactions; 18 Gregorian years for commercial transactions.
- Court judgments must bear the executive wording stamp to be enforceable, with a supporting letter from the Enforcement Division.
- If a party is of limited or no legal capacity or a legal person, a legal representative must submit the application with proof.
- Documents issued abroad must be duly attested.
- Documents in a foreign language must be translated by a certified legal translator.
Special Conditions for Specific POA Types
- Validity: General POAs have a maximum validity of 3 years from notarization.
- POA for sale and assignment: The disposal location must be specified.
- Real estate POAs: For agricultural land/farms, agents must be relatives up to the fourth degree; residential land granted by the state cannot be sold unless built, with a completion certificate.
- Litigation POAs: Valid for a maximum of 5 years; if granted to a non-lawyer, the agent must be a relative up to the fourth degree.
- Marriage POAs: Must be specific and limited solely to marriage.
- Divorce POAs: Must be specific and limited solely to divorce.
Pro Tip: Always confirm with the receiving authority (e.g., bank, Dubai Land Department, RTA) what document formats and specific clause wording they require to avoid rejection or re-issuance.
When to use a Power of Attorney in the UAE?
Power of Attorney for Property Transactions in Dubai
Use a Power of Attorney (POA) to delegate real estate authority in Dubai for buying, selling, leasing, and registering properties. As of 2025, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) requires sellers to have a UAE bank account, with all sale proceeds and cheques cleared only in the owner’s name. Agents on a POA cannot finalize property sales; court-approved authorization or joint signatures are now required. Overseas landlords and investors can still manage leasing, rent collection, and disputes with a compliant POA. Validate the POA with a UAE notary, and if abroad, use consular attestation and MOFAIC legalization for UAE acceptance.
Corporate Power of Attorney
A Corporate Power of Attorney in Dubai authorizes a designated person to act for a UAE-registered company in business and legal matters. The agent can manage contracts, open bank accounts, handle trade licenses, submit visa applications, and represent the company before authorities. The POA must define the scope of authority, reference the trade license, MOA, and company legal form, and be notarized via Dubai eNotary with MOFAIC attestation for international use. Include POA revocation and duration clauses, and ensure compliance with UAE Commercial Companies Law to meet regulatory requirements.
Guardianship Power of Attorney in Dubai
A Guardianship Power of Attorney in Dubai allows parents to appoint a temporary guardian for their children during emergencies, travel, or incapacity. Mothers hold custody by law, but guardianship passes to fathers at set ages unless a court decides otherwise. A notarized, Arabic or legally translated POA—attested by MOFAIC if needed—lets the alternate guardian handle school, medical, court, and daily care matters. The POA must state rights, duration, and each child’s name, ensuring legal compliance and peace of mind for expatriate families.
Medical Power of Attorney in Dubai
A Medical or Incapacity Power of Attorney in Dubai authorizes another person to make healthcare and end-of-life decisions if you become mentally or physically incapacitated. The POA covers authorizing surgery, accessing medical records, appointing a surrogate for long-term care, and registering end-of-life directives. The document must define medical scenarios (coma, anesthesia, dementia), be notarized in Dubai, translated into Arabic, and cite UAE law. DHA and SEHA hospitals accept only medically specific POAs with legal references and patient ID. Combine with a Guardianship POA if you have minor dependents for seamless care transitions.
Dubai POA for Banking and Financial Matters
A Power of Attorney for banking in Dubai authorizes your agent to manage bank accounts, sign checks, handle loans, file VAT with the FTA, and oversee investments. UAE banks require the POA to state financial authorities clearly and be notarized by Dubai Notary Public or eNotary. This POA is crucial for expatriates with UAE financial interests.
Litigation and Legal Representation Power of Attorney in Dubai
This POA is generally used by expats who need someone to represent them in financial matters. This includes filing taxes, handling bank accounts, managing investments, and signing checks. It helps free the principal of regular tasks that otherwise require their presence.
Immigration and Visa Representation Power of Attorney in Dubai
An Immigration and Visa POA in Dubai authorizes an agent to manage visa, residency, and Golden Visa matters, including GDRFA and MOHRE processes. The POA must specify the authority scope, be notarized or attested, and translated into Arabic if needed. This ensures regulatory compliance and prevents legal delays.
Dubai POA for Banking and Financial Matters
A Power of Attorney for banking in Dubai authorizes your agent to manage bank accounts, sign checks, handle loans, file VAT with the FTA, and oversee investments. UAE banks require the POA to state financial authorities clearly and be notarized by Dubai Notary Public or eNotary. This POA is crucial for expatriates with UAE financial interests.
Dubai POA for Personal and Family Matters
A Personal Matters Power of Attorney in Dubai allows your chosen representative to manage household affairs, pay school fees, handle bills, oversee family-run businesses, and approve healthcare. You can appoint multiple family members with limited or joint authority. This POA is ideal for elderly residents or families managing assets across the Emirates.
Dubai POA for Inheritance and Estate Management
A Power of Attorney for inheritance in Dubai allows your agent to represent heirs in Sharia and Personal Status Courts, file claims, distribute estate shares for minors, and manage estate taxes or transfers. The POA must be specific and detailed. For foreign nationals, legalization by MOFAIC and Dubai Court notarization are required.
Power of Attorney Risks in Dubai: Protect Your Interests
When creating a POA, you must remember that a document as powerful as this can easily be misused. It is essential to appoint a trusted individual as your agent to help mitigate POA risks.
To help prevent legal disputes, it is essential to take appropriate measures. These
include:
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Reviewing and updating the POAs periodically, especially in case of change in family or business terms.
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Canceling or revoking the POA when you suspect misuse and sending a copy of the cancellation to the third party.
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Understanding the terms of your POA under the guidance of an expert lawyer.
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Appointing multiple agents – joint POA holders for significant transactions.
Get the Right Power of Attorney for Your Dubai Assets
Contact Us Today For Personalized POA Solutions. Our Experts Will:
- Decide what clauses your POA needs to contain
- Ensure full compliance with Dubai POA laws
With Juriszone secure your legal rights with a Power of Attorney.
Contact us to get your Power of Attorney
1. Can I get a Durable Power of Attorney in Dubai for healthcare decisions?
Yes, you can get a durable POA in Dubai for healthcare decisions and appoint trusted agent to make health-related decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself.
2. How is a General POA different from a Special Power of Attorney in Dubai?
While a General power of attorney allows legal standing to the agent in matters, such as property and finances, a Special POA in Dubai enables them to make decisions related to specified purposes only, therefore having a limited scope.
3. Do I need to get separate Dubai POAs for property, banking, and other matters?
While you can get a general POA in Dubai and appoint an agent to handle all your property, banking, and other matters, it is often preferred that you get specific POAs and grant legal rights to agents who excel in decision-making for the respective sectors.
4. What are the legal requirements for granting a power of attorney in Dubai?
To sign a power of attorney, you should be above 21 years of age and have a sound mind. The POA should be signed without any external pressure or threat.
5. Does my power of attorney for Dubai need to be in Arabic, or can I use an English version?
The Dubai government requires the submission of all legal documents in Arabic. However, if you are not a native speaker, you can get an English POA translated by a legal translator and submit both together to the court.
6. Can I grant a power of attorney in Dubai if I’m not a UAE resident?
If you are an expat in Dubai, you can easily apply for a POA and get it legalized through online systems in the country’s court. For this, you will also have to get your document notarized at the UAE embassy, where your current residence is.
7. How do I get a power of attorney notarized in Dubai?
For this, you need to visit a notary public office with the agent, two witnesses, and the required documents. Alternatively, you can complete the process online with the help of the BOTIM app and then post your POA.
8. Is there a specific place where I need to register a power of attorney in Dubai?
The registration or verification of a power of attorney takes place at a notary public. However, in some cases, you may need to register it at different departments, such as the Land Department, in the case of a real estate POA. Our experts can guide you through this.
9. Can I create a Dubai POA myself, or is it better to use a lawyer?
While you can easily create and register a Dubai POA yourself, we recommend using expert services and lawyer help to draft it, as there are specific legal requirements to be met. In addition, the lawyer can help you understand the legal language and use it appropriately to help prevent POA fraud and misuse.
10. What are the costs involved in creating a power of attorney in Dubai?
To get a registered power of attorney in Dubai, you need to pay the lawyer or services fee to the company you approach for the draft. In addition, you need to pay for the notarization. You may also have to pay a translation fee if you get the POA written in English.
11. How can I protect myself against potential misuse of my
Dubai power of attorney?
The first step to prevent misuse of your Dubai POA is selecting the right agent that you can trust. Next, it is essential to draft a strong document that clearly specifies the powers of the agents and the situations where they can act. This is best done through expert legal help. After the POA signing, you must carry regular reviews of the document and its use. In addition, the revocation cause must be specified clearly to enable quick cancellation of the POA in case of detected or suspected abuse.
12. How can I cancel or revoke a POA in Dubai if I change my mind?
You need to mention a revocation clause in your POA. To cancel the paper, you simply need to write a letter and get it notarized, followed by submission to the respected authorities.
13. Can I create a Dubai POA with a specific expiration date or limited timeframe?
Yes, you can create a Dubai POA with a specific expiration date, specifying the duration and the POA’s clauses.
14. Can I use a Dubai POA to manage property transactions while I’m abroad?
You can use a real estate POA to appoint an individual who can represent you for managing your property transactions while you are abroad. Depending on the POA terms, the agent can buy or sell properties and sign leases.
15. I travel frequently for work. Does a Dubai POA make sense for my situation?
A POA is highly ideal and recommended for an individual who travels frequently for work and doesn’t want their business, finances, or other matters to be hampered because of it. By signing a POA, you can appoint someone residing in the country to make decisions and representations for you, allowing you to focus on your work freely.
16. Can a Dubai POA authorize someone to handle my banking needs while I’m unavailable?
Getting a financial POA allows an agent to handle your bank accounts, file taxes, sign cheques, and manage other financial needs in your absence. Therefore, a POA can be beneficial for seamless operations while you are unavailable in the country.
17. How do I cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai? What are the steps and necessary forms?
To revoke a POA in Dubai, you need to submit a written application and form and get it notarized by the Notary Public. In addition, you must forward a copy of the same to your agent and any third party that your agent has been in contact with.
18. Can I get a POA notarized by a private notary?
Yes you can get a POA through a private notary in the UAE.