Power of Attorney in the UAE — The Complete 2026 Guide

A Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE — Wakala in Arabic — is one of the most widely used legal documents in the country. It is governed by the UAE Civil Transactions Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985). Expats abroad use a POA to manage property and assets; residents use it for business, banking and court matters; families use it to authorise a relative during travel or medical absences. This guide explains every type of UAE Power of Attorney, what it costs, how long it stays valid, and exactly how to get one — whether you are inside the UAE or overseas.

What Is a Power of Attorney in the UAE?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document in which one person (the principal) authorises another person (the agent or attorney, called the wakil in Arabic) to act on their behalf in defined legal matters. In the UAE, a POA used locally must be in Arabic or bilingual English-Arabic, and must be notarised by an authorised Notary Public to be legally valid.

Types of Power of Attorney in the UAE

There are several types of POA in the UAE, each suited to a different purpose:

• General Power of Attorney — grants broad authority across most legal, financial and administrative matters.
• Special (Limited) Power of Attorney — restricts the agent to one specific task, such as selling a particular property or attending a single court hearing.
• Property Power of Attorney — used to buy, sell, mortgage or lease real estate; accepted by the Dubai Land Department and Abu Dhabi Municipality.
• Banking Power of Attorney — authorises an agent to operate bank accounts, sign cheques and manage transfers.
• Business / Corporate Power of Attorney — authorises a manager or partner to sign trade-licence, immigration and contractual matters.
• Court Power of Attorney — authorises a representative to act in civil, labour or family court proceedings.

How to Make a Power of Attorney in the UAE

If you are inside the UAE, the process is: (1) we draft the POA in bilingual English-Arabic to the standard the receiving authority expects; (2) you review and approve the draft; (3) the principal attends the Notary Public — Dubai Courts, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, or the relevant emirate's notary — with original Emirates ID and passport; (4) the notarised POA is issued, usually the same or next working day.

If you are outside the UAE, the POA must be signed before a notary in your country, then attested by your country's foreign affairs ministry, then by the UAE Embassy there, and finally legalised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once it reaches the UAE — along with a certified Arabic translation.

Power of Attorney Cost in the UAE

The cost of a POA in the UAE depends on the emirate and the type of POA. Notary fees vary — for example, a general POA is notarised at a fixed government fee, while a POA tied to a property sale may be calculated on the property value. Drafting and certified Arabic translation are charged separately. Send us your requirement on WhatsApp for an exact, fixed quote.

How Long Is a Power of Attorney Valid in the UAE?

A UAE Power of Attorney generally remains valid until it is revoked by the principal, until its stated purpose is completed, or until the principal passes away. Some authorities and banks prefer a POA issued within the last 1–2 years, and certain POAs can specify their own expiry date. A POA can be revoked at any time by executing a Revocation Deed before a notary.

Power of Attorney by Emirate

Each emirate has its own notary system. We handle POA drafting, notarisation and attestation across all of them — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.