Revoking or Amending a Power of Attorney in the UAE: What You Should Know

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a powerful legal document in the UAE that allows one person (the principal) to authorize another person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on their behalf. While POAs are widely used for personal, financial, and business matters, there are times when circumstances change. You may no longer want your appointed agent to act for you, or you may need to update or amend the POA to reflect new requirements.

This is where the process of revoking or amending a Power of Attorney in the UAE comes in. Understanding how to do it properly is crucial to protect your legal and financial interests.

Why You Might Need to Revoke or Amend a POA

There are several common reasons why individuals or businesses may choose to cancel or modify a Power of Attorney in the UAE:

• Change in relationship – if you no longer trust the appointed agent or the relationship has ended.
• Completion of purpose – if the POA was created for a specific transaction, such as selling a property, and that transaction is completed.
• Change in circumstances – relocation, new business arrangements, or change in ownership may require an updated POA.
• Errors in the original document – if the original POA contained mistakes or limitations that no longer serve your needs.

Legal Requirements for Revoking a POA in the UAE

Revocation of a Power of Attorney is not automatic—it must follow proper legal procedures to ensure it is valid. In the UAE, the process generally involves:

1. Drafting a Revocation of POA Document
   • A formal revocation statement must be prepared in Arabic (or bilingual Arabic-English).
   • The document should clearly state that the previous POA is cancelled, including the date and details of the original POA.
2. Notarization Before a Notary Public
   • The revocation must be notarized in person at a notary public office in the UAE.
   • This ensures legal recognition and prevents misuse of the cancelled POA.
3. Notification to the Agent
   • The principal must inform the attorney-in-fact (the person granted authority) that their powers have been revoked.
   • Failure to notify the agent may allow them to continue acting under the old POA, leading to potential disputes.
4. Informing Relevant Authorities and Institutions
   • If the POA was used with banks, government departments, or business entities, they must be officially informed of the revocation.
   • This prevents the cancelled POA from being accepted for future transactions.

Amending a Power of Attorney in the UAE

Unlike revocation, a POA cannot simply be “edited.” Instead, amendments usually require drafting a new Power of Attorney that includes the updated powers and conditions. Steps include:

1. Prepare a New Draft POA – specifying the new scope of powers or updated agent details.
2. Notarize the New Document – at a notary public office or through online notary services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (if available).
3. Cancel the Old POA – ensure the previous POA is officially revoked to avoid confusion or misuse.

Key Points to Remember

• A POA remains valid until legally revoked or until its expiration date (if one was set).
• Simply telling your agent that the POA is cancelled is not enough—you need notarized legal documentation.
• Businesses must be extra cautious, as outdated POAs can cause unauthorized business decisions, financial losses, or legal disputes.
• Always work with a licensed notary public or legal consultant in the UAE to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Why Professional Assistance Matters

Revoking or amending a POA in the UAE can feel complex, especially with legal terminology and strict notarization requirements. Professional notary and attestation services ensure that:

• Your documents are drafted correctly in Arabic (as required by law).
• The revocation or amendment is notarized without delays.
• Relevant institutions are properly notified to prevent future misuse.

Final Thoughts

A Power of Attorney is a useful tool, but it must always reflect your current needs and intentions. If your circumstances have changed, revoking or amending your POA in the UAE is a crucial step to safeguard your legal rights. With the support of professional notary services, you can make the process smooth, compliant, and stress-free.