To get a special power of attorney in Dubai, name your representative, define exactly what they can do, and prepare your identification and supporting documents. Submit the draft through Dubai Courts’ notary service or an authorised private notary. Eligible applicants can complete identity checks and signing remotely.
What is a special power of attorney?
A special power of attorney, or special POA, authorises someone to act on your behalf for a defined transaction or set of tasks. You are the principal, and the person you appoint is your agent.
For example, you could authorise an agent to sign transfer documents for one Dubai apartment while you’re abroad. The document can identify the property, specify what the agent may sign and state whether they can receive the sale proceeds.
A general POA can cover a wider range of matters. If you’re delegating one transaction, start by listing the actions it requires. Read our comparison of general and special powers of attorney in the UAE.
How do you get a special power of attorney in Dubai?
Start with the organisation that will receive the POA. Ask the bank, registration trustee, licensing authority or other recipient what wording and documents it requires. Then prepare the POA and submit it for notarisation.
1. Define the task and choose your agent
Choose someone you trust who can complete the transaction. Use their full legal name as it appears on their passport or Emirates ID.
List the actions they need to take. Submitting paperwork, signing a contract, transferring ownership and receiving payment are separate actions. For a property sale, check whether your agent needs to handle the proceeds or whether payment can go directly to you.
2. Draft the POA for the specific transaction
Include the names and identification details of both parties. Identify the property, vehicle, company or application involved. State what the agent may sign, submit or collect, and include an expiry date if appropriate.
Dubai’s notary rules provide for Arabic documents and certain foreign-language formats. Ask the notary whether to prepare a bilingual draft or attach a certified Arabic translation. Check that names, numbers and powers match across both versions.
3. Gather identification and supporting documents
Prepare the principal’s and agent’s identification details and copies of the documents the notary requests. The rest of the checklist depends on the transaction.
| Purpose | Supporting documents to prepare |
|---|---|
| Sell or transfer property | Title deed or relevant registration document, plus the exact unit or plot details. |
| Handle a company matter | Trade license, relevant company documents and any resolution needed to establish signing authority. |
| Transfer a vehicle | Vehicle registration or possession documents and the details required by the receiving authority. |
| Deal with a bank | The account or transaction reference and any wording or form the bank requires. |
If you’re signing on behalf of a company, check who has authority to grant the POA. A director or manager may need supporting company documents or a resolution.
4. Submit the application and follow the signing instructions
Use Dubai Courts’ notary service or an authorised private notary that handles your type of POA. Submit the draft and supporting documents, pay the applicable fees and follow the notary’s signing instructions.
For an eligible remote application, the notary may verify your identity and consent by video. Keep your original identification available. Once the document is issued, check the names, powers and expiry date before giving it to your agent.
How much does a special POA cost in Dubai?
Dubai’s published notary fee schedule lists AED 100 for each signature attested on a general or special POA. The total can also include drafting, legal translation, private notary charges or overseas attestation, depending on the route you use.
Ask for an itemised quote before you proceed. Our Dubai power of attorney cost guide explains which fees to check.
Can you get a special power of attorney from outside the UAE?
You may be able to use Dubai’s remote notary process if you meet its identity and access requirements. Confirm that route before arranging an overseas appointment.
If you sign the POA abroad, ask the UAE embassy or consulate responsible for the issuing country about the applicable process. You may need local notarisation, legalisation by the issuing country’s authorities and attestation through the UAE mission. Confirm whether further UAE attestation or certified Arabic translation is needed before you send the document to Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
Does my agent need to attend the notary appointment?
Ask the notary who must attend for your application. Have the agent’s identification details ready, and confirm whether the receiving organisation needs any separate signature or verification from them.
How long is a special POA valid for Dubai property?
Dubai Land Department publishes a two-year acceptance period for POAs covering sales, mortgages and gifts, and five years from notarisation for purchases. Check the terms of your document and confirm acceptance with the registration trustee before booking the transaction.
Can I use an English-only special POA?
Dubai’s notary rules allow a foreign-language document in certain cases with a certified Arabic translation attached. Confirm the format with both the notary and the organisation that will use it.
Does a property POA transfer ownership by itself?
The POA gives your agent authority to act. Ownership transfers through the applicable registration process. For a Dubai sale, ask the registration trustee to check the document before the transfer appointment.
Can I cancel a special power of attorney?
Ask the issuing notary or relevant authority about the formal revocation process. If the agent has already used the POA with a bank, registry or other organisation, check how to notify that organisation and update its records.
Get help preparing a special POA in Dubai
Tell Momentum what you need your agent to do, where you’ll sign and who will receive the document. Our team can help you identify the paperwork and coordinate the notarisation process. Explore Momentum’s UAE power of attorney services.
