A plain guide from the DUNES Power of Attorney team. Last reviewed 4 November 2026.
A public notary in Dubai works through the Dubai Courts Notary Public. A private notary is a firm or lawyer licensed to notarise documents under Dubai’s notary public law and supervised by Dubai Courts. Either can notarise a power of attorney, so choose on timing, convenience and total cost.
What does a notary do?
A notary confirms who is signing, checks that the signer understands the document and authenticates the signature. For a power of attorney this is usually the step that makes banks, courts and government offices willing to rely on it. Notarisation is different from attestation, which is the later step that makes a document usable abroad.
What is a public notary in Dubai?
Public notaries work through the Dubai Courts Notary Public. You can use a notary office or, for eligible services, the online e-notary service. Public notaries handle many document types at the fees approved by Dubai’s Executive Council.
What is a private notary in Dubai?
Private notaries are licensed under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2013 concerning Notaries Public. They often offer more flexible hours and quicker appointments. Dubai’s Executive Council sets the approved notary fees, and its 2025 resolution lists fines for private notaries who collect more than the approved fee. If a quote looks higher, ask which part is the notary fee and which part is drafting, typing, translation or help with the appointment.
Public notary vs private notary: what is the difference?
| Public notary | Private notary | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Government notary working through Dubai Courts | Licensed firm or lawyer, supervised by Dubai Courts |
| Appointments | Set by the court’s notary offices and online service | Often more flexible, depending on the office |
| Notary fees | Approved by Dubai’s Executive Council | Same approved fees; extra charges should be for separate work |
| Online | E-notary service for eligible documents | Depends on the office, so ask |
| Often chosen for | Standard documents with set appointments | Urgent documents, or a convenient location |
Which should you use for a power of attorney?
Either can notarise a POA, so choose on convenience, timing and total cost. If a specific bank or office has a preference, ask it first. Check that a private notary is licensed in Dubai before you book.
Is notarisation the same as attestation?
No. Notarisation is the first step. If the POA will be used abroad, it usually goes on to UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation and then the destination country’s embassy. See Power of Attorney attestation and Does a Foreign Power of Attorney Need MOFA Attestation in the UAE?
How do we help with the notary step?
We draft and type the POA in Arabic and English, check names against your IDs and prepare the document set so the appointment is short. See Notary Public for Power of Attorney and Power of Attorney translation.
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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 a private notary notarise a power of attorney?
Yes, if the notary is licensed in Dubai. Ask to see the licence and confirm the total fee before you book.
Do I have to appear in person?
The principal normally signs before the notary. Dubai Courts also offers an e-notary service for eligible documents, so ask which route fits your POA. See Can a Power of Attorney Be Done Online in Dubai?
What do I bring to the notary?
A valid passport or Emirates ID, the draft in Arabic or Arabic and English, and the attorney’s details exactly as on their ID.
Is a power of attorney notarised in Dubai valid in other emirates?
A UAE notarised POA is generally accepted across the country, but the receiving office may have its own rules. Ask before you rely on it.
Is notarisation enough for use abroad?
Usually not. A POA for use abroad normally needs MOFAIC attestation and then the destination country’s embassy. See Power of Attorney from Dubai to India for one example.
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.
Call or WhatsApp +971 52 734 9884
Landline 04 29 65 787
Email info@dxblegal.com
Office #404A, 4th Floor, Aspin Commercial Tower, Dubai