Power of Attorney Dubai Validity? 7 Answers

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants one person (called the “attorney”) the right to make decisions or perform legal and financial actions on behalf of another person (called the “principal”). POA is widely used in Dubai to simplify legal and business transactions, especially when the principal cannot be present in person. Below, the POA&MORE team provides a comprehensive guide to power of attorney Dubai validity

Dubai court power of attorney validity

The power of attorney Dubai validity depends on its type and purpose. However, in general, a power of attorney must be certified by a Dubai notary public to be valid in court. Therefore, the POA&MORE team explains the types of powers of attorney and their validity in Dubai:

General Power of Attorney: This grants the attorney broad authority to manage all of the client’s legal and financial affairs. This power of attorney remains in effect until revoked by the client or upon the death of either party.
Special Power of Attorney: This grants the attorney specific authority, such as to sell a specific property or represent the client in a specific case. It automatically expires upon completion of the task stated therein or upon the death of either party.
Irrevocable Power of Attorney: This is rarely used, but it grants the attorney the right to act in specific matters without the client being able to revoke it. This power of attorney is typically used when the attorney has a personal interest in the matter, such as being a creditor.

Dubai power of attorney Dubai validity

For a power of attorney to be valid before the Dubai Courts, the following conditions must be met:

Required Documents: All documents used in the power of attorney must be valid and notarized.
Notarization: The power of attorney must be authenticated by a Dubai Notary Public. If issued outside the UAE, it must be authenticated by the relevant authorities in the country of issuance, then by the UAE Embassy there, and finally by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Legal Capacity: Both the principal and the attorney must have full legal capacity, i.e., be of sound mind, and not under guardianship.

Validity of a POA in Dubai

Typically, there is no expiration date for the power of attorney Dubai validity unless explicitly stated in the document itself. A power of attorney remains valid until it is revoked by the principal or expires for one of the following reasons:

Expiration of the purpose of the power of attorney: If the power of attorney is for a specific matter (such as the sale of a specific property), it becomes invalid after the completion of that matter.
Death of the principal or attorney: The power of attorney automatically expires upon the death of either party.
Cancellation of the power of attorney: The principal can revoke the power of attorney at any time by formally notifying the attorney, preferably through a notary public.
Expiration of a specific period: If the power of attorney includes a specific period of validity (for example, “for one year from the date of notarization”), it becomes invalid after that period expires.

Read more: How to check power of Attorney online in Dubai 2025

Does a power of attorney in UAE trump a will?

In the UAE, a Power of Attorney (POA) does not override a Will, as each serves a completely different purpose and operates in two different time periods:

A Power of Attorney (POA): A legal document that grants another person (called the “attorney”) the authority to act on your behalf (the “Principal”) in your financial, legal, and business affairs during your lifetime. A POA becomes effective once signed and notarized, but it automatically revokes upon the death of the principal.
A Will: A legal document that expresses your final wishes regarding how your property and assets (the estate) will be distributed and appoints a guardian for your minor children after your death. A Will only becomes effective after the death of the testator.

Therefore, if you have a Power of Attorney for someone to manage your estate, this becomes invalid upon your death, and the attorney cannot dispose of your estate after that. In this case, the will you prepared to determine the fate of your assets and their distribution to your heirs will be activated.

Based on the above, having a power of attorney does not replace having a will. Rather, both documents are necessary to provide comprehensive legal protection for your assets and personal affairs in the UAE, especially for residents and expatriates, to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes and not according to the provisions of Islamic Sharia, which apply in the absence of a registered will.

Does a power of attorney cease at death?

Yes, in general, the power of attorney Dubai validity expires upon the death of the principal or the attorney. This means that once the person who gave the power of attorney (the principal) or the person to whom the power of attorney was given (the attorney) dies, the power of attorney becomes void and without legal effect. This is because a power of attorney is a personal legal relationship based on trust between the two parties.

Despite the general rule, there may be some exceptions where the situation may differ slightly, but these often relate to special powers of attorney or those prepared for specific purposes. Therefore, it is always best to consult a specialized attorney if you have any doubts about the status of a particular power of attorney.

Can an authorized person do anything under a power of attorney in the UAE?

A general power of attorney in the UAE grants broad and flexible powers to the person authorizing the attorney (the attorney) to act on behalf of the principal in a variety of matters. However, the attorney cannot do “everything” in absolute terms. What an attorney can do under a general power of attorney:

Financial matters: Managing bank accounts, depositing and withdrawing funds, issuing checks, managing investments, paying bills, and collecting debts.
Business management: Managing commercial affairs, signing contracts, concluding agreements, and managing the company’s daily operations.
Legal matters: Representing the principal in legal proceedings, settling disputes, and making legal decisions.
Real estate transactions: Managing and leasing properties, signing sales and purchase contracts, and managing properties.
Other transactions: This can also include matters such as Vehicle Power of Attorney for vehicle transactions, immigration procedures, and personal affairs.

Restrictions on the power of attorney Dubai validity

Although a general power of attorney Dubai validity grants broad powers, it is not absolute. The principal must have the right to delegate, and the attorney must be legally qualified to exercise it.
Matters Requiring Personal Presence: Some actions or transactions may require the personal presence of the principal and cannot be carried out under a power of attorney.
Specific Restrictions in the Power of Attorney: The principal can place specific restrictions or conditions in the power of attorney document itself, limiting the attorney powers.
Attorney Validity: The attorney must be able to exercise the powers delegated to them. In the event of misuse of powers, the principal can take legal action against them.

A general power of attorney in the UAE is a powerful legal instrument that grants the attorney broad, but not unlimited, powers. The power of attorney must be properly notarized with a notary public, and the scope of powers must be clearly defined to ensure legal compliance and protect the principal’s rights.

Power of attorney validity period

In Dubai, the duration of the power of attorney Dubai validity depends on its type, purpose, and applicable laws. In general, the validity of a POA in the UAE can be summarized as follows:

1. General or Special Power of Attorney (Indefinite Term):

Original: The power of attorney remains valid unless revoked by the principal (the person who issued the power of attorney) or by the death of either the principal or the attorney.
This means that there is no automatic expiry date for the power of attorney unless explicitly stated in the document itself.

2. Powers of Attorney Related to Real Estate:

Power of Attorney for Property: The maximum power of attorney validity in the UAE is two years from the date of notarization. After this period, it may need to be re-notarized by a notary public.
Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Property: The maximum validity is five years.

3. Limited-Term Powers of Attorney:

If the principal specifies a specific term for the power of attorney in the document (for example, one year), the power of attorney expiration automatically expires at the end of that term.
If the power of attorney is for a specific purpose (such as completing a specific transaction), it automatically becomes invalid once that transaction is completed.

4. Powers of Attorney for Lawyers:

Powers of attorney granted to lawyers for litigation purposes in Dubai may have a validity of up to five years.

Special power of attorney expiration

In Dubai and the UAE in general, there is no specific law specifying the validity period of a special power of attorney, unless explicitly stated in the power of attorney itself. However, the power of attorney Dubai validity in the following cases:

Death of the principal or attorney: The power of attorney expires upon the death of either party.
Revocation of the power of attorney by the principal: The principal can revoke the power of attorney at any time, unless the power of attorney was issued in favor of the attorney or there is a condition preventing revocation.
Completion of the power of attorney’s purpose: If the power of attorney is for a specific task (such as the sale of a specific property), it expires upon completion of that task.
Loss of legal capacity: If the principal or attorney loses their legal capacity (for example, due to disability or illness).
Expiration of the term specified in the power of attorney: If a validity period is specified in the power of attorney document itself, it becomes invalid upon expiration.
Real estate entities: In some cases, particularly entities related to real estate transactions, the power of attorney may need to be re-stamped by a notary public after a specific period (such as one year) has passed to be accepted in official transactions.

How long does a notarized power of attorney last?

There is no uniform and fixed duration for the validity of a notarized power of attorney Dubai validity. Its duration depends on several factors, the most important of which are:

General Power of Attorney: Generally, a general power of attorney remains valid until revoked by the principal or in the event of the death of the principal or attorney.
Special Power of Attorney (Specific Purpose Power of Attorney): This type of power of attorney expires once the purpose for which it was issued has been completed. For example, a power of attorney to sell a specific property expires upon completion of the sale.
Content of the Power of Attorney: The principal can specify a specific duration for the power of attorney Dubai validity in the document itself. If an expiration date is specified, the power of attorney becomes invalid after that date.
Power of Attorney for Sale of Real Estate: Typically, the power of attorney is valid for a maximum of two years.
Power of Attorney for Purchase of Real Estate: The power of attorney can be valid for up to five years.
Death of the principal or attorney.
Cancellation of Power of Attorney by the Principal: The principal can cancel the power of attorney at any time by formally notifying the attorney.
Loss of Legal Capacity: If the principal or attorney loses legal capacity (such as insanity or incapacity).

Benefits of POA&MORE in issuing official power of attorney in Dubai

POA&MORE is a leading legal services firm in Dubai, especially when it comes to Power of Attorney (POA). Here are the most important benefits the company offers in this field:

1. Experience and Specialization

POA&MORE specializes in power of attorney services, giving it extensive experience in all types of powers of attorney, including:

General Power of Attorney: Grants the attorney broad powers to manage all of the client’s affairs.
Special Power of Attorney: Limited to specific powers, such as selling a property or managing a bank account.
Power of Attorney for Judicial Proceedings: Authorizes lawyers to represent you in court.

2. Saving Time and Effort

The company greatly facilitates the process of preparing a power of attorney, handling all legal and administrative procedures, such as:

Drafting the power of attorney in both Arabic and English.
Providing and preparing the necessary documents.
Scheduling an appointment and coordinating with a notary public.

3. Comprehensive Legal Support

The company’s role is not limited to preparing the power of attorney alone. It also provides comprehensive legal consultations to ensure that the power of attorney is drafted in a manner that protects your interests and prevents any potential misuse.
Notarization of powers of attorney issued outside the UAE.
Issuing powers of attorney for companies.
Cancelling the official power of attorney.

If you are looking for a quick and reliable way to issue an official power of attorney in Dubai, POA&MORE provides you with a professional and comprehensive service that ensures the process proceeds smoothly and legally.

Does the power of attorney expire?

Yes, the power of attorney expires. The power of attorney expires in several cases, including:

Expiration of the specified period: If the power of attorney is specified for a specific period of time, it expires at the end of this period.
Completion of the purpose for which the power of attorney was given: If the work or purpose for which the power of attorney was given is carried out, it expires automatically.
Death of one of the parties: Does power of attorney expire when someone dies? Whether the principal or the attorney, death leads to the expiration of the power of attorney.
Cancellation of the power of attorney by the principal: The principal can cancel the power of attorney at any time unless the power of attorney is established for the benefit of a third party or the attorney.
Judicial invalidation of the power of attorney: In some cases, the court can cancel the power of attorney if it is proven that there is a defect in it or if it was used in a matter that violates the law.

How Long Does the Power of Attorney Stay in Effect?

The duration of the power of attorney varies depending on the type of power of attorney, the conditions contained therein, and the applicable laws. In general, it can be said that there are two main types of powers of attorney:

Special power of attorney: This type of power of attorney gives the attorney specific powers to accomplish a specific task. There is no specific duration for its validity and it usually ends upon the completion of the task assigned to the attorney, or upon the death of one of the parties (the principal or the attorney).
General power of attorney: This type of power of attorney gives the attorney broad powers to act on behalf of the principal in all his affairs. There is no specific duration for its validity either, and it usually ends upon the death of one of the parties or the cancellation of the power of attorney by the principal.

When Can a Power of Attorney Become Invalid?

The issue of the validity of the power of attorney is an important legal issue, as it determines the extent of the attorney’s powers to act on behalf of the principal. Does the power of attorney expire? The power of attorney expires and becomes invalid in the following cases:

Expiration of the term: If the power of attorney is limited to a specific period of time, it expires upon the expiration of this period.
Completion of the work required of him: Once the attorney completes the task that he was assigned to do, the power of attorney automatically expires.
Death of one of the parties: Whether the principal or the attorney dies, the power of attorney expires, unless there is a prior agreement to the contrary.
Cancellation of the power of attorney by the principal: The principal has the right to cancel the power of attorney at any time unless there is an express condition in the contract that prevents this.
Loss of capacity: If one of the parties (principal or attorney) loses his legal capacity, such as insanity or foolishness, the power of attorney becomes void.
Change of circumstances: In some cases, a change in the circumstances on which the contract was concluded may lead to the expiration of the power of attorney, such as the sale of the property that was the subject of the power of attorney.
Attorney’s breach of duty: If the attorney breaches his duties stipulated in the contract or by law, the principal has the right to cancel the power of attorney.

Does the power of attorney expire? The bottom line

Does the power of attorney expire? Yes, a power of attorney expires. There are several factors that can be considered:

Completion of the purpose for which the power of attorney was given: If the work for which the attorney was authorized is completed, the power of attorney is automatically terminated.
Expiration of the period specified in the power of attorney: If the power of attorney is specified for a specific period of time, the power of attorney expires upon the expiration of that period.
Death of one of the parties (the principal or the attorney): Generally, the death of either party results in the expiration of the power of attorney, unless the contract states otherwise.
Cancellation of the power of attorney by the principal: The principal has the right to cancel the power of attorney at any time unless the power of attorney is for the benefit of a third party or the attorney.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a power of attorney last in the UAE?

In general, there is no power of attorney Dubai validity period in the UAE. It remains valid until it is revoked or its purpose expires. However, there are some exceptions and cases in which the power of attorney’s validity period is determined:

If a time period is specified in the power of attorney: If the principal specifies a specific expiration date in the power of attorney, it becomes invalid after this period expires.
If the power of attorney is for real estate purposes: Some real estate transactions may require the power of attorney to be re-stamped by a notary public after one year; otherwise, it may not be accepted in certain transactions.
If one of the parties (the attorney or the principal) dies: In this case, the power of attorney automatically becomes invalid.
If the principal revokes the power of attorney: The principal can revoke the power of attorney at any time, unless the power of attorney is “irrevocable” (which is possible in some emirates, such as Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, but not in Dubai).
If the purpose of the power of attorney has been fulfilled: If the power of attorney was issued to perform a specific task, it expires once that task is completed.
Commercial Entities: There are specific laws for commercial entities. The contract term can be five years if the attorney is obligated to construct specific buildings or facilities, unless otherwise agreed.

Therefore, it is always important that the power of attorney is clearly drafted and its purpose is precisely defined, and that the client is aware of the expiration dates of the power of attorney Dubai validity. It is always best to consult a POA&MORE lawyer, as they specialize in the UAE, to obtain accurate legal advice tailored to the specific power of attorney.

Is power of attorney valid after death in the UAE?

In general, a power of attorney in the UAE no longer remains valid after the death of the principal. According to UAE law, the power of attorney Dubai validity in the following cases:

Death of the principal or the attorney: The death of either party automatically revokes the power of attorney.
Expiration of the purpose of the power of attorney: If the power of attorney is for a specific matter, it expires upon completion of that matter.
Expiration of the specified period: If the power of attorney is for a specific period, it expires upon the expiration of that period.
Revocation of the power of attorney: The principal can revoke the power of attorney at any time.

There may be some limited exceptions that may allow the power of attorney to continue after the principal’s death, but these cases are rare and subject to certain conditions. For example, the principal may have a will that explicitly states that the power of attorney will continue after their death for specific purposes. Or, if the power of attorney is intended to pay off the principal’s debts after their death, it continues until that purpose is fulfilled.

When does a power of attorney expire?

How long does a poa last? The power of attorney Dubai validity is subject to several factors, and there is no uniform expiration date for all types of power of attorney Dubai validity. Here are the most important points that determine the expiration of the power of attorney in Dubai:

1. The term specified in the power of attorney:

If the power of attorney specifies a specific validity period (for example, one, two, or five years), it automatically becomes invalid after this period has expired.
It is always recommended to specify an expiration date for the power of attorney in Dubai, especially if it is for a specific and temporary purpose.

2. Completion of the purpose:

A special power of attorney automatically expires once the task or purpose for which it was issued has been completed. For example, if the power of attorney is for the sale of a property, it becomes invalid after the completion of the sale and transfer of ownership.

3. Death of one of the parties:

The power of attorney expires immediately upon the death of the principal (the person who issued the power of attorney) or the attorney (the person being authorized).
The power of attorney no longer becomes effective after death, and any actions taken under it become illegal.

4. Revocation of the power of attorney:

The principal can revoke the power of attorney at any time, unless the power of attorney is irrevocable (which is rare).
The cancellation is officially done through a notary public, and the principal must notify the attorney in writing.

5. Types of Special Powers of Attorney:

In some cases, certain government entities impose time limits on the validity of powers of attorney. For example:

Powers of attorney to sell real estate in Dubai: These are often valid for a maximum of two years.
Powers of attorney to purchase real estate: These may be valid for up to five years.
Powers of attorney to litigate for lawyers: These may be valid for up to five years.

Contact Us