A general power of attorney in Dubai («وكالة عامة» or «توكيل عام») lets a person you trust act for you in many routine matters: government counters, utility and telecom accounts, collecting certificates and signing ordinary forms. It suits frequent travelers and residents who spend long periods abroad. Wordcraft drafts it in Arabic and English and books your signing with a licensed private notary, Dubai Courts, ADJD or the MOJ e-Notary.
What a General POA Lets Your Agent Do
Your agent can do what the document lists and nothing more, so the list of powers is the heart of the POA. A typical general POA in the UAE covers:
- Representing you before federal and local government departments, free zones and utility providers
- Applying for, renewing, collecting and signing routine documents and certificates
- Receiving mail, notices and official correspondence in your name
- Day-to-day dealings with landlords, service providers and telecom companies
- Following up on applications and signing ordinary forms
Three powers are never implied, even in a broad document: delegating to another agent, receiving money and going to court. If you want any of them, they are written in expressly. We go through these points with you before drafting, so the agent is not turned away at the counter.
Where a General POA Is Not Enough (DLD, RTA, Banks)
Broad wording is convenient, but some counters want more precision:
- Property: for a sale, the Dubai Land Department usually expects a POA that names the unit and the exact acts (sell, receive the price, sign at the trustee office). A property power of attorney is the safer document.
- Vehicles: the RTA usually wants the car identified by plate and chassis number; see the vehicle power of attorney.
- Banks: many banks ask for the bank, the account and the permitted operations to be named, and some use their own form.
- Courts: representation in a case normally goes to a lawyer under a separate litigation POA.
Tell us where the POA will be presented and we will say whether a general POA, a special POA or both fits, before anything is signed.
General or Special: Which One Do You Need?
| General POA | Special POA | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Many matters, broadly worded | One task or one asset, precisely worded |
| Typical use | Ongoing personal and administrative affairs | Property sale, vehicle transfer, one bank or company matter |
| Acceptance | Some authorities want specific wording | Preferred by DLD, RTA and many banks |
| Risk | Higher, because the agent can do a lot | Lower, because it is limited to the stated task |
Many clients sign a general POA for everyday matters and a special power of attorney for the one big transaction.
How Long a General POA Lasts, and How to Revoke It
A general POA stays in force until the end date you write into it, until you revoke it, or until the law ends it, for example on the death of either party. POAs notarized at ADJD in Abu Dhabi carry a three-year limit; the rules for each notary are set out in our guide to power of attorney validity in the UAE. Because the agent's authority is wide, act quickly if trust breaks down: see cancel a power of attorney.
What to Bring for a General POA
- Your Emirates ID if you are a UAE resident, or your passport if you are visiting or live abroad (the original, for the notary)
- The agent's full name as printed in their passport or Emirates ID, with a copy
- A short list of the matters the agent will handle, even rough notes
- Any end date or condition, such as "only while I am outside the UAE"
- Signing from another country? Read how a POA from abroad is prepared for UAE use
How We Prepare and Book Your General POA
Send a photo of your ID and a line on what the agent should handle. Within 10–30 minutes you get a free written quote that names the notary route. Once you pay through the secure link, we send the bilingual draft for your comments. You then sign before the notary, at the counter or on a video call through the Ministry of Justice e-Notary, and the notarized POA reaches you online. The notary performs the notarization; our work is the text, the booking and the follow-up. If a foreign bank or registry will receive the POA, MOFA and embassy attestation can be added afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a general and a special power of attorney?
A general POA gives broad authority over many everyday matters. A special POA is limited to one task or one asset and names it precisely, which is why the DLD, the RTA and most banks prefer it.
Is a "wakala amma" the same as a general power of attorney (tawkeel aam)?
Yes. «الوكالة العامة» (wakala amma) and «التوكيل العام» (tawkeel aam) are two names for the same document. In UAE legal usage «وكالة» is the standard word for a power of attorney, and «توكيل» is a common synonym, so the notary treats both as a general POA.
Can I sell my Dubai property with a general POA?
Usually not. For a sale, the DLD generally wants a POA that names the property and the power to sell, and we check its current requirement before drafting.
How long is a general POA valid in the UAE?
It has no fixed lifespan unless you write one in, or unless it was notarized at ADJD, where a three-year limit applies.
Can I make a general POA without an Emirates ID?
Yes. Dubai Courts requires a valid Emirates ID, so without one we arrange notarization through the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) with your passport, usually in a video session.
Can I cancel a general POA later?
Yes, at any time, by signing a notarized revocation and informing the agent and any office that holds a copy.
Last updated: September 2026
