Power of Attorney (POA) in UAE: Types, Uses and Process
Last updated: 20 June 2026
A Power of Attorney is one of the most useful — and most misused — legal documents in the UAE. Drafted well, it gets things done while you are busy or abroad. Drafted carelessly, it grants too much or too little. This guide explains the types and the correct process.
Our Sharjah typing center drafts POAs in the correct bilingual format and guides notarisation — message us on WhatsApp.
What a POA does
A Power of Attorney authorises another person (the attorney) to act on your behalf. It must be notarised to be valid, usually in a bilingual Arabic format. The scope you define is everything — too broad is risky, too narrow fails to do the job.
Official source: Always confirm the latest requirements on the official website: u.ae.
The main types
General POA: broad authority across many matters
Special POA: limited to a specific task (sell a vehicle, manage one property, represent in a specific case)
Corporate POA: authorises a representative to act for a company
What you need
Emirates ID / passport of all parties
A clear description of the powers intended
Trade licence and signatory proof (for corporate POAs)
Legal translation where the draft is not in Arabic
Getting the scope right
The most common POA mistake is a scope that does not actually allow the task, or one so broad it creates risk. We draft the precise wording for your specific goal.
Conclusion
A POA is powerful when its type and scope match your goal exactly. Draft it precisely, notarise it correctly, and attest it if it will be used abroad. To prepare yours, message our typing center.
A POA is a notarised legal document authorising another person to act on your behalf for specific or general matters, such as property, vehicles, business, or court representation.
What are the main types of POA?
General POAs (broad authority) and Special POAs (limited to specific tasks like selling a car or managing one property). The right type depends on your goal.
Does a POA need to be notarised?
Yes. A POA is executed before the notary public to be valid, often in a bilingual (Arabic) format with legal translation where needed.
Can a company issue a POA?
Yes. Corporate POAs authorise representatives to act for the company, prepared with the trade licence and signatory documents.
Can a POA be used abroad?
Yes, but it usually needs attestation (MOFA and the destination country's process) to be valid outside the UAE.
Disclaimer: Bab Al Zahiah Typing Center is an independent professional service provider. We are not a government authority. Information on this website is provided for general guidance only and should be verified with the relevant UAE government authority before making decisions. Approval, rejection, timelines, fees, and requirements are controlled by the relevant authority.
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