A Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE allows one person (the Principal) to authorise another (the Agent/Attorney-in-Fact) to act on their behalf for specified transactions. POAs are widely used in UAE business for signing documents, managing company affairs, and processing government applications when the principal is abroad.
Types of UAE Power of Attorney
General POA: Broad authority to act on behalf of the principal for all or most matters. Use with caution — a general POA gives extensive powers. Special/Limited POA: Narrow authority for a specific transaction or category of transactions (e.g., “to sign the trade licence renewal application on my behalf”). Most appropriate for UAE business purposes. Notarised UAE POA: Prepared and notarised within the UAE at a UAE Notary Public (Dubai Courts Notary, Abu Dhabi Notary Public). Valid for all UAE purposes. Attested Overseas POA: Prepared and notarised in the principal’s home country, then attested by the UAE embassy and UAE MOFA. Required when the principal cannot be present in the UAE.
How to Prepare a UAE POA
For a UAE-prepared POA: Visit a UAE Notary Public (located in Dubai Courts or Abu Dhabi Courts buildings). Bring: original passport, UAE residence visa (if applicable), and a draft of the POA specifying the authority being granted. The Notary will notarise and seal the POA. Cost: AED 150–500 depending on the authority and type of POA. Processing: same day.
Common UAE Business Uses for a POA
- Authorising a PRO (Public Relations Officer) to process company renewals
- Authorising a bank signatory to operate business accounts
- Authorising an agent to sign tenancy contracts or real estate transactions
- Authorising a lawyer to represent you in court proceedings or DIAC arbitration
- Authorising a company secretary to file documents with the free zone authority
POA Validity and Revocation
UAE POAs can be limited to a specific time period or left open-ended. To revoke a POA: prepare and notarise a Revocation of Power of Attorney at the same Notary Public where the original was registered. Notify any third parties (banks, free zone) who hold a copy of the revoked POA.