Power of Attorney for Abu Dhabi2026-10-21T04:21:59+00:00

Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi

Appoint someone you trust to act legally on your behalf, whether you’re traveling, living outside the UAE, or simply unable to attend a transaction in person. Depending on the powers you grant, your attorney can manage or sell property, deal with government authorities, run a business, handle banking, represent you in court, or take care of a specific personal or commercial matter.

A POA has to be drafted carefully, backed by the correct documents, and notarized through the right authority, generally the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).

Tell us what you need the POA for, and we’ll make sure it’s drafted right and accepted the first time. Handled online, start to finish.

What Is a Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi?

A Power of Attorney, or POA, is a legal document through which one person or entity authorises another person to act on its behalf.

The parties are generally known as:

The PrincipalThe person or entity granting the authority; and
The Attorney or AgentThe person receiving the authority.

The attorney does not become the owner of the principal’s assets. The attorney may only act within the powers expressly granted. A property-management POA, for example, does not authorize the attorney to sell the property.

Certain transactions require express, specific authority. A special POA is generally required to:

  • Sell or purchase property
  • Mortgage or release a mortgage
  • Gift property
  • Enter into a settlement or make an acknowledgement
  • Transfer ownership rights
  • Allow the attorney to contract with himself or herself on behalf of the principal
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The UAE follows a strict rule: the attorney can only act within the limits of the POA. Any act outside those powers will be refused by the receiving authority.

How to Get a Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi

To obtain a Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi, you must first determine the exact purpose of the POA. This is important because the intended transaction determines:

The type of POA requiredThe powers that must be includedThe supporting documentsThe competent Notarization authorityWhether Arabic, English or bilingual wording is requiredWhether the receiving authority must review the draft in advance

The general process is as follows.

01

Identify the intended transaction

The first step is to confirm exactly what the attorney will be required to do. For example, “deal with my property” may not be sufficiently clear if the attorney must sell the property, receive the sale proceeds, apply for a mortgage-liability letter, discharge an existing mortgage, or sign before the Abu Dhabi real estate authorities. Each important power should be expressly stated.

02

Select the attorney

The principal should appoint a trustworthy and legally capable person. The attorney's name and identification details must be entered accurately and should match the attorney's passport or Emirates ID. Depending on the transaction, more than one attorney may be appointed. The POA should then clarify whether they may act:

  • Individually;
  • Jointly;
  • By majority; or
  • In accordance with another stated arrangement.
03

Gather the supporting documents

The documents required will depend on the POA, but they may include:

  • Valid passport of the principal;
  • Emirates ID of the principal, where applicable;
  • UAE residence visa, where applicable;
  • Passport or Emirates ID of the attorney;
  • Mobile number and email address;
  • Property title deed or property registration document;
  • Vehicle registration card;
  • Valid trade licence;
  • Memorandum or Articles of Association;
  • Incorporation documents;
  • Share certificate or company register;
  • Board or shareholder resolution;
  • Proof of the signatory's corporate authority;
  • Bank or financing documents; and
  • Any other document connected to the authorized transaction.

All names, identification numbers and asset details should be consistent across the supporting documents.

04

Prepare the POA

The POA should be drafted according to its actual purpose. It should clearly identify:

  • The principal;
  • The attorney;
  • The assets, company, property, vehicle, account or transaction concerned;
  • The authorities before which the attorney may appear;
  • The documents the attorney may sign;
  • Whether the attorney may receive money or documents;
  • Whether the attorney may appoint a substitute;
  • Whether the attorney may contract with himself or herself; and
  • The intended validity period, if applicable.

Broad or copied wording can create problems. A POA should be detailed enough to complete the transaction but should not grant unnecessary powers that expose the principal to avoidable risk.

05

Submit the application

The application is submitted through the applicable ADJD notary service. The principal may be required to access the platform using UAE PASS, while the process for overseas or non-resident principals may vary depending on the available service and verification arrangements. The application, draft POA and supporting documents are then reviewed by the competent team or notary.

06

Complete notarial verification

Once the application is accepted, the principal may be required to attend a remote video call with the notary. During the call, the notary may:

  • Verify the principal's identity;
  • Ask the principal to display the original passport or Emirates ID;
  • Confirm that the principal understands the POA;
  • Confirm that the POA is being granted voluntarily;
  • Confirm the identity of the attorney; and
  • Clarify the powers being granted.

Additional information, corrections or documents may be requested before approval.

07

Pay the applicable fees

The required government and notarial fees must be paid. Fees may differ depending on the type of POA, number of principals, number of attorneys, attachments, language and requested service.

08

Receive the Notarized POA

After successful verification and approval, the final Notarized POA is generally issued digitally. It can then be presented to the relevant bank, property authority, court, government department, company or other institution.

Let us handle the steps

Eight steps, the right powers, the correct documents, and an ADJD notary call to pass. We've done this hundreds of times, so tell us your transaction, and we'll take it from draft to notarized POA.

Types of POA in Abu Dhabi

The correct type of POA depends on the extent of the authority being granted.

G

General Power of Attorney

A General Power of Attorney gives the attorney broad authority to manage a range of the principal's affairs. Depending on its wording, it may cover:

  • Government and administrative matters;
  • Contractual matters;
  • Utility accounts;
  • Employment-related matters;
  • Property management;
  • Banking procedures;
  • Court representation;
  • Collection of documents; and
  • Other general personal or business matters.
A General POA should not be assumed to authorise every transaction. Acts such as selling, gifting or mortgaging property generally require express authority.
S

Special Power of Attorney

A Special Power of Attorney is limited to a particular transaction, asset or responsibility. It is usually more suitable where the principal only wants the attorney to complete one defined task. Examples include:

  • Selling a specific property;
  • Purchasing a particular property;
  • Registering a mortgage;
  • Selling or transferring a vehicle;
  • Closing a bank account;
  • Representing the principal in a specified case;
  • Collecting a particular document; or
  • Signing a specific agreement.
A Special POA reduces ambiguity and limits the attorney's authority to the stated purpose.
P

Property Power of Attorney

A Property POA may authorise the attorney to buy, sell, manage, lease, mortgage or otherwise deal with real estate in Abu Dhabi. For a property sale, mortgage, gift or other act of disposal, the property and the authorized transaction should normally be clearly identified. The powers may need to include authority to:

  • Negotiate and sign the sale and purchase agreement;
  • Appear before the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre and the relevant municipality or registration authority;
  • Apply for and receive approvals and no-objection certificates;
  • Settle service charges and obtain clearance certificates;
  • Sign transfer and registration documents;
  • Apply for, register, replace or discharge a mortgage;
  • Pay fees and receive receipts;
  • Hand over or collect title documents; and
  • Receive the purchase price, if specifically intended.
If the attorney will purchase the property from the principal or otherwise act on both sides of the transaction, the POA must expressly permit self-contracting. Even where such wording is included, the receiving authority may apply additional requirements.
PM

Property Management POA

This authorises the attorney to manage a property without necessarily giving the attorney the right to sell it. It may cover:

  • Leasing the property;
  • Signing tenancy contracts;
  • Renewing or terminating tenancies;
  • Collecting rent;
  • Handling Tawtheeq-related procedures;
  • Paying service charges;
  • Managing utilities and maintenance;
  • Representing the owner before developers and property managers; and
  • Filing or responding to tenancy-related claims.
If the attorney must sell, gift or mortgage the property, these powers should be added expressly.
B

Business or Company POA

A Business POA allows an authorized person to represent a company, shareholder, partner or business owner. The powers may include:

  • Managing the company;
  • Renewing or amending a trade licence;
  • Dealing with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and other licensing authorities;
  • Signing contracts;
  • Managing employees and immigration matters;
  • Opening or operating bank accounts, subject to bank approval;
  • Buying or selling company assets;
  • Transferring shares;
  • Representing the company before tax and customs authorities; and
  • Appointing professional advisers.
Before Notarization, the notary will generally need to verify that the person signing for the company is authorized under the company's constitutional documents or a valid corporate resolution. A manager's title alone may not be sufficient if the required power is not supported by the company documents.
C

Court Case POA

A Court Case POA authorises a licensed lawyer or another permitted representative to act in legal proceedings, subject to UAE procedural rules. Court-related powers may include:

  • Filing claims and applications;
  • Submitting defences and evidence;
  • Attending hearings;
  • Appointing advocates and legal consultants;
  • Filing appeals;
  • Receiving notices;
  • Commencing enforcement;
  • Entering into settlements;
  • Waiving claims or rights; and
  • Receiving awarded amounts.
Sensitive procedural powers—such as settlement, waiver, acknowledgement, arbitration or receipt of money—should be expressly stated where required.
Bk

Banking POA

A Banking POA may authorise the attorney to deal with a named bank in relation to specified accounts or banking facilities. It may cover:

  • Opening, operating or closing an account;
  • Signing bank forms and instructions;
  • Obtaining statements and balance confirmations;
  • Depositing or withdrawing funds;
  • Transferring account balances;
  • Collecting manager's cheques;
  • Cancelling cards and cheque books;
  • Settling liabilities; and
  • Obtaining clearance or no-liability certificates.
Banks apply strict internal compliance and risk-control policies. A Notarized Banking POA does not automatically compel a bank to accept the attorney's instructions. We therefore recommend obtaining the bank's draft approval before Notarization whenever possible.
V

Vehicle POA

A Vehicle POA may authorise the attorney to:

  • Register or renew a vehicle;
  • Sell or transfer ownership;
  • Export or import the vehicle;
  • Obtain inspection certificates;
  • Deal with insurance;
  • Pay fines and fees;
  • Release a vehicle from impoundment; or
  • Represent the owner before traffic and licensing authorities.
The vehicle details should be included where the POA relates to a particular vehicle.
I

Inheritance and Estate POA

An Inheritance POA may authorise the attorney to represent an heir or interested party in estate procedures. It may include powers to:

  • Apply for an inheritance notification;
  • Represent the principal before the courts;
  • Identify and collect estate assets;
  • Deal with banks and property authorities;
  • Sign estate-distribution documents;
  • Receive the principal's inheritance share; and
  • Appoint lawyers or other representatives.
The required wording and supporting documents will depend on the stage and nature of the estate proceedings.

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Legal Requirements for POA in Abu Dhabi

The exact requirements differ by transaction, but the following principles generally apply.

The principal must have legal capacity

The principal must be legally capable of granting the relevant authority and must understand the nature and consequences of the POA. A guardian or custodian cannot dispose of a minor's property merely by granting a POA. Transactions involving a minor's property may require approval from the competent court.

The principal's identity must be verified

The principal must provide valid identification and complete the required verification procedure. The notary may refuse the application if the principal's identity cannot be established or if the details do not match the supporting documents.

The POA must be granted voluntarily

The principal must understand the document and grant the authority without coercion. The notary may ask questions to confirm the principal's intention.

The attorney must be identifiable

The attorney's full name, nationality and identification details should correspond with the attorney's passport or Emirates ID.

The powers must be lawful and sufficiently clear

A POA cannot authorise an unlawful act. The wording must also identify the powers the attorney is expected to exercise. For acts extending beyond ordinary management—particularly sale, mortgage, gift, settlement and acknowledgement—a special or express authority is generally necessary.

Self-contracting must be expressly authorized

Under Abu Dhabi real estate requirements, an attorney may not contract with himself or herself in the principal's name unless the POA expressly permits it. This can arise when:

  • The attorney purchases the principal's property;
  • The attorney transfers an asset to himself or herself;
  • The attorney represents both parties; or
  • The attorney otherwise benefits directly from the transaction.

Corporate authority must be established

Where the principal is a company, the individual signing the POA must have authority to bind the company. The notary may review:

  • The company's valid trade licence;
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association;
  • Share register or ownership documents;
  • Board or shareholder resolutions;
  • The powers of the manager or director; and
  • The company's full ownership structure.

Where a UAE company is owned by another company, documents relating to the parent company and the ultimate authorized individual may also be required.

Foreign documents must be properly legalised

A POA executed outside the UAE will require:

  • Notarization in the country of execution;
  • Authentication or legalization by the competent foreign authorities;
  • Attestation by the UAE embassy or consulate in that country;
  • Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs after arrival in the UAE; and
  • Legal translation into Arabic where required.

The exact chain can vary according to the country of origin, applicable treaties, the document and the receiving authority.

How Much Does a Power of Attorney Cost in Abu Dhabi?

POA TypeFee (excl. VAT)
Personal / Special POAAED 1,690 + 5% VAT
Personal Property POAAED 1,990 + 5% VAT
Personal General POAAED 1,990 + 5% VAT
Business POAAED 2,290 + 5% VAT

Message us your case

Send us a quick note about your transaction, and we'll tell you exactly which POA fits and what it'll cost, before you commit to anything.

How Long Is a Power of Attorney Valid in Abu Dhabi?

The validity of a Power of Attorney Notarized through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) depends on the purpose for which it is issued.

3 years
General & transactional matters
  • Property transactions;
  • Vehicle matters;
  • Banking transactions;
  • Business and company matters; and
  • Other personal or administrative transactions.
5 years
Court representation & litigation
  • For court representation and litigation-related matters, an ADJD-issued POA may be valid for a maximum period of five years.

For most general and transactional matters, an ADJD-issued POA may be valid for a maximum period of three years. The principal may choose a shorter validity period when preparing the POA, depending on the nature of the authority being granted. The validity period should be clearly stated in the document.

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A POA may also cease to be effective before its stated expiry date if it is formally revoked, the authorized transaction is completed, or another legally recognised event causes the authority to end.

How to Cancel a Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi

Steps to cancel a POA in Abu Dhabi

The usual process is:

  • Obtain a copy of the original Notarized POA;
  • Confirm its Notarization details and current status;
  • Prepare the revocation or cancellation application;
  • Submit the application through the applicable ADJD service;
  • Provide the principal's identification and supporting documents;
  • Complete the required notarial verification;
  • Pay the applicable fees;
  • Receive the Notarized cancellation document; and
  • Notify the attorney and all relevant third parties.

Notify the attorney

The attorney should be formally informed that the POA has been cancelled. Ideally, the notification should be made through a method that creates reliable evidence of delivery.

Can the attorney withdraw from the POA?

Yes, an attorney may generally withdraw from the appointment, subject to the terms of the POA, applicable law and any third-party rights involved. The withdrawal should be properly documented and communicated to the principal and relevant third parties.

Notify the relevant authorities and institutions

The cancellation should also be provided to every authority or institution that previously received or may rely upon the POA, including:

  • Banks;
  • ADREC and the relevant municipality;
  • Developers and property managers;
  • Government departments;
  • Courts and law firms;
  • Licensing authorities;
  • Traffic and vehicle-registration authorities;
  • Business partners; and
  • Any other affected third party.

This is important because third parties may continue to treat the attorney as authorized until they have received proper notice of the revocation.

Get Assistance With Your Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi

Preparing the correct POA from the beginning can prevent delays, repeated Notarization and rejection by the receiving authority.

At POA.ae, we can assist you with:

  • Reviewing your intended transaction;
  • Identifying the appropriate type of POA;
  • Drafting clear and comprehensive powers;
  • Reviewing identification and supporting documents;
  • Preparing Arabic, English, or bilingual wording where applicable;
  • Coordinating the ADJD submission;
  • Guiding you through the remote verification;
  • Assisting UAE residents and overseas principals;
  • Preparing corporate and property-related POAs; and
  • Assisting with the cancellation of an existing POA.

The entire process can often be completed remotely, subject to ADJD approval, the applicant’s circumstances, and the requirements of the receiving authority.

Talk to us on WhatsApp

Contact POA.ae today, and we will guide you through the Power of Attorney process in Abu Dhabi from drafting to final Notarization.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cancel a POA in Abu Dhabi?2026-10-08T07:45:36+00:00

We can assist with the revocation of a POA through the Abu Dhabi Courts. The fees are as follows:

Government fees: AED 100

Mansoori fees: AED 550

A special revocation form must be prepared, which the client is required to sign.

Required documents:

Copy of the notarized POA

Emirates ID copies of both parties

Passport copies of both parties

Important: If the POA was issued through a Public Notary, the client must approach the same notary to proceed with the cancellation. If the POA was issued through a Private Notary, we can assist with the revocation process

My POA was signed in another country. Will Abu Dhabi accept it?2026-10-08T07:42:51+00:00

Yes. If the POA was issued abroad and is intended for use in the UAE, it generally needs to be properly authenticated/legalised in the country where it was issued, attested by the UAE Embassy/Consulate in that country, and finally attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) after arrival in the UAE.

How much does a power of attorney cost in Abu Dhabi?2026-10-08T07:40:04+00:00

Personal/Special POA: AED 1,690 + 5% VAT

Personal Property POA: AED 1,990 + 5% VAT

Personal General POA: AED 1,990 + 5% VAT

Business POA: AED 2,290 + 5% VAT

Can I get a POA in Abu Dhabi in English?2026-10-08T07:36:33+00:00

Yes. A POA can be prepared in English and notarized in Abu Dhabi.

Is a POA valid in Abu Dhabi without notarization?2026-10-08T07:38:22+00:00

No. A POA must be notarized to be legally valid and enforceable in Abu Dhabi.