A plain guide from the DUNES Power of Attorney team. Last reviewed 4 November 2026.
A power of attorney is rejected most often for small, avoidable reasons: powers that do not cover the task, names that do not match the ID, missing attestation or translation, or a document that is too old for the office. Check these before you sign.
Why do banks, courts and land offices reject a power of attorney?
They read the document literally. If the act they need is not written in it, or a detail does not match their records, they will not rely on it. Fixing the document usually means signing again, so it is cheaper to check first.
What are the seven most common reasons?
- The powers do not cover the task. The office looks for the specific action it needs, such as selling, registering or closing an account. Law firms report that since 1 June 2026 a POA written only in general terms covers management and preservation acts, so other acts need to be named.
- Names or numbers do not match the ID. A spelling difference from the passport, or a wrong Emirates ID or passport number, is enough for a refusal.
- The asset or case is described wrongly. Plot numbers, vehicle details, account numbers and case references must match the records exactly.
- Attestation is missing or incomplete. A document signed abroad usually needs the full attestation chain for its destination. A missing step means the UAE office will not rely on it.
- The translation is not accepted. Offices expect a certified translation. A translation that disagrees with the original, or is not certified, may be rejected.
- The document is too old. Some banks and offices want a recent date even when the document has no end date. Ask before you sign.
- The office wants its own wording or form. Banks in particular may insist on their own form. Check the policy before you draft.
What does the Dubai Land Department check?
On 16 July 2025 the Dubai Land Department issued Circular No. 29/R/2025, which introduced reforms to how POAs are accepted and verified in property transactions. Summaries describe transaction-specific wording and electronic verification of the document. If your POA was drafted before that date and you plan a property transaction, have it reviewed first.
How do you avoid a rejection?
- Ask the receiving office what it needs, in writing.
- List the exact powers and the exact asset.
- Compare every name and number with the passport and Emirates ID.
- Confirm the attestation chain for the destination.
- Use a certified translation.
- Sign close to the date you will present it.
What if your power of attorney is rejected?
Ask the office for the reason in writing, then correct that point. It may need a new document rather than an amendment. Our Power of Attorney attestation and typing services can prepare the replacement.
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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
What should I do if my power of attorney is rejected?
Ask the office for the reason in writing, then correct that point. It may need a new document rather than an amendment.
Can a rejected document be fixed?
Sometimes a minor error can be corrected, but often a new document is safer. The notary can advise.
Is a QR code enough for the Dubai Land Department?
Summaries of Circular No. 29/R/2025 say QR-code verification alone is no longer accepted and electronic verification is required. Check with the trustee office for the current practice.
Does the translation of my power of attorney need to be attested?
Some offices ask for the translation to be attested as well as certified. Ask the receiving office before you order it.
Do you check documents before I sign?
Yes. We review the wording against your ID documents and the receiving office’s needs before the notary appointment.
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
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