A plain guide from the DUNES Power of Attorney team. Last reviewed 4 November 2026.
A power of attorney should contain the full names and ID numbers of both parties, a plain list of the powers, any limits, a start and end date, and a notarised signature. Copying a template without adapting it is a common reason for refusal.
What information must a power of attorney include?
- The title and date. Say what kind of POA it is and when it is signed.
- The principal. Your full name exactly as in your passport or Emirates ID, with the document number.
- The attorney. The person you appoint, named in the same exact way, with their document number.
- The powers. Each action the attorney may take, in plain and specific terms.
- Limits and conditions. What the attorney may not do, and any approvals that are still needed.
- The validity period. A start and end date, or a clear statement that it stays valid until revoked.
- Where it will be used. The bank, office or country that will receive it, so the wording fits that purpose.
- Signature and notarisation. Signed before a notary, with matching Arabic and English versions where both are needed.
How should the powers be written?
Vague wording such as “handle all my affairs” is risky. Law firms advising on the new Civil Transactions Law, in force since 1 June 2026, report that a POA written only in general terms covers acts of management and preservation, and that other acts need a special agency naming the act. List each action instead, for example “sell the vehicle, sign the transfer and receive the sale proceeds”. If the attorney must receive money, say so in the document.
What do banks and land offices expect?
Offices read a POA literally. For property, summaries of the Dubai Land Department’s Circular No. 29/R/2025 describe transaction-specific wording and electronic verification of the document. Banks may insist on their own form. Ask the receiving office what it needs in writing before you draft.
Why are templates risky?
A template written for a different purpose may leave out a power you need, or include one you did not intend to give. Names that do not match the passport, a missing number or an Arabic and English version that disagree can all stop a notary or an office.
What should you check before you sign?
- Every name and number against the passport and Emirates ID.
- The Arabic and English versions, side by side.
- Whether the receiving office wants particular wording.
- How and when you will revoke it. See How to Cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai.
Need the wording typed and checked? See our POA typing and legal typing service.
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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change, so check with the office that will receive your document.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a free template for a power of attorney?
You can use one as a starting point, but it must be checked against your purpose, the receiving office and the 2026 changes before you sign.
Does a power of attorney need to be in Arabic?
UAE offices work in Arabic. The document is drafted in Arabic, or in Arabic and English, or translated by a certified translator.
Should I put an end date in a power of attorney?
For temporary needs, yes. A clear end date makes it easy for offices to read and limits your risk. See How Long Is a Power of Attorney Valid in the UAE?
Can I limit what the attorney can do?
Yes. State what the attorney may not do, and any approvals or signatures still needed.
Can you check my draft before I sign?
Yes. We review the wording against your ID documents and the receiving office’s needs, then prepare it for the notary.
Need a power of attorney arranged in Dubai?
Tell us what the POA is for and where you are signing. We will confirm the type, the documents, the timeline and the cost.
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