What is a power of attorney in the UAE and how does it work?

A power of attorney (POA) in the UAE is a formal written authorisation that lets one person (the principal) appoint another (the attorney/agent) to act on their behalf in legal, financial, property, or court matters. It is governed by the UAE Civil Transactions Law and administered through the notary public departments of each emirate (for example, Dubai Courts' Notary Public or the Ministry of Justice in the northern emirates). To be legally effective for serious dealings such as property transfers, court litigation, or company matters, a POA must usually be notarised by a UAE notary public, and the scope of authority is interpreted strictly against the wording in the document. The agent can only do what the POA expressly permits. A POA can be limited to a single task or broader, and it remains valid until it expires, is revoked, or the principal dies or loses legal capacity. Before signing, confirm exactly which powers you are granting and to whom. If your situation involves property, inheritance, or litigation, you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to review the wording.