Power of Attorney (POA) in Dubai

A Power of Attorney (POA) in Abu Dhabi simplifies decision-making and ensures your interests are protected whether you’re an expat managing property or a business owner delegating authority. At InZone, we specialize in crafting POAs with precision and efficiency, offering a seamless online service for your convenience.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes an individual (the agent) to act on behalf of another person (the principal) for specific tasks or decisions. This delegation can include personal, financial, legal, or property-related matters.

Importance of POA in the UAE Legal System:

The legal system in Abu Dhabi values documentation for accountability. A POA offers:

• Streamlined Processes: Delegates tasks like signing contracts, managing accounts, or handling property sales.
• Legal Recognition: Ensures the agent’s actions are enforceable under UAE law.
• Flexibility: Can be customized for general or specific purposes, suiting varied needs.

Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi can be broadly classified into two main types: General Power of Attorney and Special Power of Attorney. Both serve distinct purposes and have varying levels of authority.

General Power of Attorney

• A General POA grants broad and comprehensive authority to the agent, empowering them to manage nearly all aspects of the principal’s affairs. General Power of Attorney is ideal when the principal wishes to delegate overall responsibility for their finances, legal matters, or business operations. The agent can manage a wide range of tasks, such as overseeing financial matters, representing the principal in court, or managing business activities.

Examples of Authority Granted:

• Managing bank accounts and transactions
• Handling real estate investments and property management
• Signing employment contracts or business agreements

Special Power of Attorney

A Special POA is more specific, limiting the agent’s authority to a particular task or transaction. The special POA is ideal for situations where the principal only needs assistance with a specific matter, such as a property sale or legal representation in a court case.

Applications of Special POA:

• Property Transactions: Allowing an agent to handle the sale or purchase of real estate.
• Legal Cases: Authorizing a lawyer to represent the principal in specific legal matters.

Business Decisions: Granting an agent the power to sign contracts related to a specific business deal or project.

When creating a POA in Abu Dhabi, it is essential to follow the legal requirements to ensure that the document is valid and enforceable.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Principal and Agent: Both the principal and the agent must be mentally competent and at least 21 years old.
• Good Faith: The agent must act in good faith and always in the best interests of the principal.

Language and Format

• Language: POAs must be drafted in Arabic or include a certified Arabic translation. This ensures compliance with the UAE’s legal requirements.
• Clarity: The POA must clearly outline the specific tasks and responsibilities being delegated, including the limits of the agent’s authority.

Notarization Process

• POAs can be notarized by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). It is key to note that only UAE residents can register at ADJD. Non-residents can register with other Notary Public offices in the UAE.

Getting a Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi involves several key steps, all of which are designed to ensure that the document meets legal standards.

Drafting the POA Document

The first step in creating a Power of Attorney (POA) is drafting a detailed and accurate document that includes essential personal details of both the principal and the agent, along with the specific powers being granted. To ensure clarity and prevent legal disputes, it’s advisable to seek professional legal assistance when preparing the document. This ensures the inclusion of all necessary information, such as full names, the scope of authority, duration, and the purpose of the POA.

Notarization of the POA Document

Once drafted, the document must go through the notarization process. Both the principal and the agent are required to sign the POA in the presence of a notary public officer to validate its authenticity. For POAs drafted in a foreign language, an official Arabic translation is mandatory, performed by a certified translator, to meet legal requirements. The standard validity of a Power of Attorney (POA) in Abu Dhabi lasts until the principal is alive. Some POAs like a Vehicle POA are no longer valid once the transaction is over. The POA remains effective indefinitely until the principal explicitly revokes it.

Revocation of POA

The revocation of a POA in Abu Dhabi can be done either online or by a physical visit to the Notary Public. For physical revocation, we will prepare a revocation notice to be given to the Notary Public. You will need to go to the Notary Public with your original POA and passport/Emirates ID (if applicable).

Understanding the validity of a POA is crucial for maintaining its effectiveness.

Standard Validity Period

Most POAs are valid for the duration mentioned within the document. If no duration is specified, they remain valid until explicitly revoked. They automatically expire after the principal passes away. 

Revocation of POA

The principal can revoke a POA at any time through a legal revocation notice. This must be communicated to the agent and any involved third parties.