A general power of attorney (POA) is a notarised document in which one person gives another broad authority to act on their behalf across a range of matters for example managing assets, signing documents and dealing with government bodies. It is wide in scope, as opposed to a specific POA limited to one defined task.
Where you’ll see it
A general POA is common when an owner lives abroad or cannot attend in person and needs someone in the UAE to act for them. For anything involving property, the document must be properly notarised, and getting the wording and attestation right is exactly where a power of attorney specialist helps, so the POA is actually accepted when it is needed.
Why it matters
A POA only works if it is valid and accepted by the body relying on it. A general POA that is too vague, expired, or not properly notarised and attested can be rejected at the trustee office or notary stalling a sale at the worst possible moment. For high-value acts like selling property, authorities often expect specific wording rather than broad general powers.
What it is not
A general POA is not a special (specific) POA, which is limited to one defined act such as selling a named property. It is also not permanent — it can be revoked by the person who granted it, and it ends on their death.
Example
An owner relocating overseas grants a trusted relative a general POA so they can manage the owner’s UAE affairs. When it later comes to selling a specific apartment, the notary or trustee office may still require a specific POA naming that property and the power to sell it.
Connected documents and parties
Notarised POA document, Emirates ID or passport of both parties, legal translation where needed; grantor (principal), attorney (agent), notary public.
Going deeper: if you need a POA drafted or attested for use in the UAE, see the fuller guidance from a UAE power of attorney service.
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Last reviewed: June 2026