Life and business in the UAE often require trusted individuals to act on your behalf—whether it’s managing property, handling financial transactions, or representing you in court. That’s where a Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAEcomes in.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you (the principal) to authorize another person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to carry out specific tasks on your behalf. But not all POAs are the same. Choosing the right type of POA is crucial because it determines the extent of authority you grant and how legally binding it will be in the UAE.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of Power of Attorney in the UAE, their uses, and how to decide which one suits your needs.

Why a Power of Attorney is Important in the UAE

Having a notarized POA in the UAE ensures:

• Legal Recognition – Your agent’s actions are officially valid and enforceable.

• Convenience – You don’t need to be physically present for every transaction.

• Protection – Clear documentation prevents disputes over authority.

• Flexibility – POAs can be limited to specific tasks or broad for general use.

Types of Power of Attorney in the UAE

1. General Power of Attorney (GPOA)

A General POA in the UAE grants wide-ranging authority to your agent. This can include:

• Managing bank accounts.
• Handling property sales and purchases.
• Signing contracts.
• Overseeing company matters.

Best for: Trusted family members or business partners who need broad authority to manage your affairs.

Note: Because of its wide scope, this type of POA carries higher risk if given to the wrong person. Always choose someone reliable.

2. Special Power of Attorney (SPOA)

A Special POA in the UAE is limited to specific tasks. For example:

• Selling a car.
• Representing you in a single real estate transaction.
• Attending a court case on your behalf.

Best for: Situations where you need representation for a one-time or clearly defined task.

This is the most commonly used type of POA in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates, as it minimizes risk while still providing flexibility.

3. Property Power of Attorney

This type of POA allows your agent to buy, sell, rent, or manage real estate in your name. It is particularly important for:

• Expatriates who own property but live abroad.
• Investors with multiple properties in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
• Landlords who appoint agents to handle tenant agreements.

Best for: Real estate owners who need someone to manage property transactions or day-to-day rental affairs.

4. Business Power of Attorney

A Business POA in the UAE gives authority to managers, directors, or partners to:

• Sign contracts on behalf of the company.
• Represent the company before government authorities.
• Handle corporate bank accounts.

Best for: Companies that want to delegate authority for smooth operations.

Often required during company formation, restructuring, or when dealing with banks and government departments.

5. Guardianship Power of Attorney

This POA is specifically for appointing guardians for minor children in case of the parent’s absence or incapacity. It clearly outlines:

• Who will act as the child’s guardian.
• What responsibilities they will hold (education, medical decisions, etc.).

Best for: Parents who want legal certainty for the care of their children in the UAE.

6. Medical Power of Attorney

A Medical POA gives someone authority to make healthcare-related decisions for you if you are unable to do so.

Best for: Individuals who want peace of mind about medical choices in emergencies.

7. Vehicle Power of Attorney

This is a specialized POA for buying, selling, or transferring ownership of a car.

Best for: Residents who want someone else to complete RTA procedures or car sales on their behalf.

How to Choose the Right POA in the UAE

When deciding which type of POA you need, consider:

• Purpose – Is it for business, property, or personal use?

• Scope of Authority – Do you want limited or broad powers?

• Duration – Is it for a one-time transaction or ongoing management?

• Trust – How much do you trust the agent you are appointing?

How to Get a Power of Attorney in the UAE

• Draft the POA – Work with a legal professional to ensure it meets UAE legal standards.

• Translate into Arabic – All POAs must be in Arabic or have a certified Arabic translation.

• Notarize the POA – Visit a notary public or private notary office in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other emirates.

• Use the POA – Once notarized, your agent can officially act on your behalf.

How UAE Private Notary Can Help

At UAE Private Notary, we assist individuals and businesses with:

• Drafting legally sound POAs tailored to your needs.
• Providing certified Arabic translations.
• Fast and hassle-free notarization services.
• Mobile notary services at your convenience.

We make sure your Power of Attorney in the UAE is clear, valid, and protects your best interests.

Final Thought

A Power of Attorney is a powerful legal tool—but only if it’s done right. By understanding the different types of POA in the UAE, you can choose the one that fits your situation, whether it’s for property, business, guardianship, or personal matters.

Don’t leave important decisions to chance. Secure your future with the right Power of Attorney, and let the experts guide you through the process.