Why You May Need a Power of Attorney in Dubai

Life in Dubai is extremely fast-paced. Whether you are a business owner juggling multiple enterprises, or an expat managing assets back home and handling both personal and professional responsibilities, there will come a time when you cannot be present to handle everything yourself. Under these circumstances, a Power of Attorney becomes an essential legal tool.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a document that authorises another person to act on your behalf. This person is in most cases referred to as an ‘Attorney-in-fact’ or an ‘Agent’. In the UAE, where procedures can be highly regulated and in-person representation is mandatory in most cases, obtaining a power of attorney can save you time, while simultaneously ensuring that all your affairs run without interruption.

What situations could a Power of Attorney help with?

It is a common misconception that POAs are usually required only in critical circumstances. However, the best use for a Power of Attorney in UAE is when it is widely employed for practical, everyday purposes. Here are some common everyday scenarios, where having a Power of Attorney could greatly benefit you:

Property Transactions: If you are considering purchasing, selling, or leasing real estate, you may not always be accessible to sign contracts, attend registrations, or interact with the Dubai Land Department to take care of your affairs. Having a Power of Attorney in this situation would authorise a trusted representative to perform these transactions on your behalf.

Business Operations: Entrepreneurs frequently want someone to manage company registration procedures, sign paperwork with free zone or mainland authorities, or even represent them in banking-related financial matters. A well-drafted Power of Attorney in Dubai ensures that all matters pertaining to this delegation, run without any impediments.

Family Matters: Parents can use POAs to manage things like travel-related approval for their children while they are away.

Vehicle Management: In most cases, the physical presence of a person is required for activities such as registering a new car or selling an old one. A POA allows your agent to act on your behalf and execute these processes.

Some Types of Powers of Attorney in the UAE

General Power of Attorney: Grants broad authority, allowing the agent to act on your behalf and manage a plethora of issues, including property, financial, and business-related matters.

Special Power of Attorney: Limits authority granted to an agent to a specific task, such as selling a specific property or representing you in a single business transaction.

Property Power of Attorney: A document created specifically for the purchase, sale, rental, or management of real estate.

Company POA: Meant to be created for business shareholders and directors who want to transfer responsibility for company creation, licensing, and day-to-day business operations.

Understanding the type of POA most suited for you is crucial, and this is where competent legal advice from a trusted POA service-provider may help.

Legal requirements in Dubai

In Dubai, all Power of Attorney documents must be notarised before they can be considered to be valid. The Dubai Courts Notary Public and authorised e-notary services are responsible for this. The notarisation process ensures that the POA is formally recognised and can be put into immediate effect if required.

For expats, POAs drafted abroad must be legalised by the UAE Embassy in the country of issuance and attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being accepted locally. This guarantees that the document adheres to the legal framework of a Power of Attorney in the UAE.

Why Accuracy Matters

A poorly drafted POA can cause problems rather than solve them. Lack of clarity in phrasing might result in misunderstandings, conflicts, delays or even rejection by the government offices. This is why it is considered best practice to seek assistance from experienced specialists who are well-acquainted with both legal requirements and practical implications of a Power of Attorney in Dubai.

In a place like Dubai where possibilities and responsibilities frequently outpace your availability, a Power of Attorney goes beyond being a legal requirement in just rare instances. It is a practical necessity. Whether for property, business, family, or personal reasons, having a well-drafted and properly notarized POA guarantees that your affairs are always in capable hands.