A power of attorney (POA) is often viewed as an all-encompassing legal tool. Hand it to the right person, and everything seems to fall in place. In practice, however, it does not work that way, and most definitely not in a place like Dubai. While a POA can be extremely useful, it is just as important to understand where its scope and authority end.
In the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Dubai, powers of attorney operate within a clearly defined legal framework. Courts, banks, government departments, and free zone authorities interpret them carefully. Anything that falls outside the scope of what is permitted will be rejected outright, no matter how confidently the document is presented.
Below is a clear, experience-based look at what a power of attorney Dubai cannot do and why these limitations matter more than most people realize.
A Power of Attorney Cannot Override UAE Law
The first and most critical limitation is this: no power of attorney can override UAE law. Even if a document states broad or sweeping powers, authorities will still apply local regulations first.
For example, a POA cannot be used to bypass notarization rules, licensing requirements or court procedures. If a transaction requires personal appearance under UAE law, the presence of a representative, even with a POA, will not be accepted.
This is where many expats run into issues. A POA drafted overseas or copied from another jurisdiction may sound comprehensive, but still fail to meet UAE legal standards.
A POA cannot Act After Death
This is a point that often surprises people. A POA automatically becomes invalid upon the death of the principal. It does not matter how urgent the matter is or how trusted the agent may be. Once death occurs, the estate falls under inheritance and probate laws. Any attempt to rely upon a POA after this point will be rejected by courts, banks, and land departments.
That is why estate planning in Dubai requires separate instruments such as a Will, rather than relying on a POA as a fallback solution.
A POA cannot Change Personal Status Matters Freely
Certain personal matters remain strictly confidential under UAE law. A POA cannot be used to enter or dissolve a marriage without court-specific authorization, make or revoke a Will or change guardianship arrangements without judicial approval. While limited representation may be allowed in very specific scenarios, these are tightly controlled and often require court approvals and permissions in addition to the POA itself.
A POA cannot Always Sell Property Without Precise Wording
Property transactions are one of the most common uses of POA Dubai arrangements and also one of the most misunderstood. A general POA is usually not sufficient to sell real estate in Dubai. The document must clearly specify the exact property, the authority to sell, and the authority to sign before the Dubai Land Department. If any of these elements are missing or vaguely worded, the transaction will not proceed. In some cases, developers and land authorities insist on property-specific POAs issued in Arabic and notarized locally.
A POA cannot Open or Fully Operate Bank Accounts Without Approvals
Banks in Dubai apply their own compliance standards, even when a power of attorney Dubai is presented. Many will reject general POAs, require bank-specific formats, or limit the scope of transactions allowed.
For example, an agent may be able to manage routine transactions, but not close accounts, apply for credit facilities, or change signatories. Compliance teams review POAs line by line, and any ambiguity usually leads to delays or rejections.
A POA cannot Be Used Indefinitely
Unless explicitly stated, a power of attorney does not last forever. Some POAs are:
- Valid only for a specific transaction
- Limited to a fixed time period
- Automatically revoked upon completion of the task
Even General POAs can become practically unusable over time, especially if regulations change or institutions update their internal policies. Many authorities prefer recently issued POAs to reduce the risk of misuse.
A POA cannot Cover Actions Outside Its Stated Scope
This may sound obvious, but it is one of the most common mistakes. If a POA authorizes business management, it does not automatically allow asset transfers. If it allows representation before authorities, it does not always permit signing binding contracts. Dubai authorities interpret POAs narrowly. They focus on what is explicitly written, not what is implied.
Why Understanding These Limits Matters
A poorly understood POA creates a false sense of security. People assume matters are handled, only to later discover at a critical moment that the document cannot be used as intended. In Dubai’s legal environment, precision matters. The wording format, notarization, and scope of a power of attorney determine whether it works or fails. Knowing what a POA cannot do is just as important as knowing what it can.
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