General: managing your affairs while away
A trusted person handles everyday matters, payments and authorities for you.
Notary & POA services · Dubai, UAE
General Power of Attorney and special POA in Dubai
A general power of attorney gives someone broad authority to manage your affairs; a special power of attorney limits them to named acts. Our advocates tell you which one your situation needs, then draft it in Arabic and English and arrange the notarization.
- Drafted by a licensed UAE law firm
- Individuals and companies
- Arabic and English
- From the UAE or abroad
Thank you. Your request is in.
An advocate will contact you shortly.
Preview only: this form does not send requests yet.What is the difference between a general and a special POA?
A general power of attorney authorises the attorney to act for you across many matters, such as managing accounts, dealing with authorities and handling everyday transactions. A special power of attorney authorises only the acts it names, such as selling one specific property or car. Many UAE authorities accept only a special POA for sales and transfers.
Which one fits
When to choose a general or a special power of attorney
The right choice depends on what your attorney will do and which authority will receive the POA.
General: supporting a family member
Authorise a spouse or child to act broadly on your behalf.
General: running business matters
A manager handles routine company and government transactions.
Special: selling or buying property
Name the property and the sale. Dubai requires this.
Special: selling a vehicle
Name the car and the sale for the licensing authority.
Special: one defined transaction
Signing one contract, collecting one payment or one document.
Side by side
General vs special power of attorney at a glance
What each type usually covers.
- General: broad authority over many matters
- General: everyday transactions and authorities
- General: higher risk, so choose the attorney carefully
- Special: only the acts named in it
- Special: needed for most sales, gifts and mortgages
- Special: preferred by land, vehicle and bank authorities
- Both: must be notarized to be used in the UAE
- Both: stay valid until revoked or the stated period ends
- Both: can be cancelled through the notary
Selling, gifting or mortgaging an asset usually needs the act named expressly. When in doubt, a special POA is the safer choice.
Documents
Documents needed for a general or special power of attorney
You (the principal)
- Emirates ID, or passport for non-residents
- Trade licence and signatory ID for companies
The attorney
- Emirates ID or passport of the person you authorise
- Their full name exactly as on their ID
For a special POA
- Details of the asset or transaction
- Title deed, car registration or contract, as relevant
Good to know
- A POA is issued in Arabic in the UAE; we give you a bilingual version
- Companies may need a partners' resolution before signing
How it works
How to get a general or special power of attorney in Dubai
- 01
Tell us what needs doing
An advocate confirms whether a general or a special POA fits, and what it must say.
- 02
We draft it in Arabic and English
Precise wording for the powers you want to give, and nothing more.
- 03
Sign before the notary
In person, by video call where remote notarization is available, or at a UAE embassy abroad.
- 04
Your attorney uses it
The notarized POA is ready for courts, banks and government departments.
Inside the UAE or abroad
Making a general or special POA from inside the UAE or from abroad
In the UAE
Sign before the notary
Sign before a notary public in person, or remotely by video call where the notary offers it.
Outside the UAE
Sign where you live
Use remote notarization where allowed, or sign at a UAE embassy or local notary and have the POA attested and translated.
How a POA from abroad worksBefore you sign
Check these before you sign a general power of attorney
- Give only what is neededA general POA is powerful. If one transaction is enough, choose a special POA.
- Set a time limitYou can make the POA valid for a fixed period.
- Exclude sensitive powersYou can exclude selling, gifting or receiving money.
- Choose the attorney carefullyThey act in your name. Pick someone you trust fully.
- Know how to cancel itYou can revoke a POA at any time through the notary. How to cancel a POA
Why Al Kirbi
The right POA type, decided by advocates
- Advice before draftingWe tell you which type the receiving authority accepts, so you sign once.
- Precise wordingYour attorney gets the powers you intend, and no more.
- Confidential from the first messageYour documents are handled under legal professional confidentiality.
General and special power of attorney: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a general and a special power of attorney?
A general POA covers many matters broadly. A special POA covers only the acts it names, such as selling a specific property or car.
Can a general power of attorney be used to sell property?
Rarely in Dubai. The Land Department expects the sale to be named expressly, so a special POA is needed. See property power of attorney.
Is a general POA enough to sell a car?
Not always. A special POA naming the car is accepted more readily. See vehicle power of attorney.
How long is a general power of attorney valid in the UAE?
Until you revoke it or the period stated in it ends. It also ends on the death of the principal.
Can I cancel a general POA?
Yes, at any time through the notary. See how to cancel a POA.
How much does a general or special POA cost?
Fees depend on the powers and how it will be notarized. Send your request and we confirm a clear quote before any work starts.
Related power of attorney services
Real estate POASell, buy or lease property without being there.Read moreVehicle POASell or transfer a car without being there.Read morePOA from abroadSign where you live, use it in the UAE.Read moreLawyer & court POAAppoint an advocate for any case.Read moreCancel a POARevoke a POA in the UAE or from abroad.Read more