What is the difference between a general and specific POA in Dubai?
The key difference is scope and purpose.A general Power of attorney Dubai gives broad authority over multiple affairs, while a specific Power of attorney Dubai limits authority to a clearly defined task, such as buying or selling a particular property. For sensitive matters like real estate, courts, and government registrations, Dubai lawyers almost always recommend a specific POA.
What Is a Power of Attorney Dubai?
A Power of attorney Dubai is a legal document that allows one person (the principal) to appoint another person (the attorney or agent) to act on their behalf. The authority granted can be wide or narrow, depending on how the document is drafted.
In Dubai, POAs are commonly used when:
- The principal is overseas
- The principal cannot attend in person
- Business or property matters require representation
- Ongoing administrative tasks must be handled
However, not all POAs are treated the same.
Understanding a General Power of Attorney
A general Power of attorney Dubai grants broad authority to the attorney to act across multiple areas of the principal’s affairs. It may include the right to:
- Manage assets and properties
- Sign contracts generally
- Operate bank accounts
- Represent the principal before authorities
- Handle business and administrative matters
Because of its wide scope, it is often used for long-term or ongoing management, especially where trust between parties is high.
When Is a General POA Commonly Used?
- Managing day-to-day affairs while the principal is abroad
- Running a business
- Handling banking and administrative matters
- Overseeing multiple assets
That said, broad authority comes with higher legal scrutiny, which is where problems often arise.
Understanding a Specific (Special) Power of Attorney
A specific Power of attorney Dubai is drafted for one clearly defined purpose. The attorney’s authority is limited to exactly what is written in the document—nothing more, nothing less.
Examples include authority to
- Sell a specific property
- Buy a particular unit
- Sign one defined contract
- Represent the principal in one court case
- Complete one government procedure
Because of its precision, this type of POA is favoured by authorities and institutions.
This is why Dubai lawyers rely heavily on specific POAs for high-value or high-risk transactions.
Core Difference Between General and Specific POA
Scope of Authority
- General POA: Broad, open-ended authority
- Specific POA: Narrow, task-based authority
Level of Risk
- General POA: Higher risk of misuse or misinterpretation
- Specific POA: Lower risk due to defined limits
Acceptance by
Authorities
- General POA: Often questioned or rejected for sensitive matters
- Specific POA: Commonly accepted when properly drafted
This practical distinction is central to how Dubai lawyers advise clients.
Why Dubai Authorities Prefer Specific POAs
Dubai’s legal and administrative system places a strong emphasis on clarity of intent. Authorities want to ensure that:
- The principal knowingly approved the exact action
- The attorney cannot exceed authority
- There is no ambiguity in interpretation
- Fraud and coercion risks are minimised
A general Power of attorney Dubai, by nature, leaves room for interpretation. A specific POA removes that uncertainty.
Real Estate Transactions: Where the Difference Matters Most
The most critical area where the difference between general and specific POAs becomes obvious is real estate.
Selling Property
For property sales, authorities usually require
- Clear permission to sell
- Exact property identification
- Authority to sign sale and transfer documents
A general POA may mention “property management,” but that is often not enough. Most Dubai lawyers insist on a specific POA for property sales.
Buying Property
Buying involves
- Reservation forms
- Sale and Purchase Agreements
- Developer approvals
- Registration with Dubai Land Department
Again, a specific Power of attorney Dubai is far more reliable.
Banking and Financial Matters
Banks in Dubai are cautious
- General POA: May be accepted for account operation, but often with restrictions
- Specific POA: Required for large transfers, closures, or special instructions
Banks frequently impose their own compliance rules, which align closely with advice given by Dubai lawyers.
Court Representation and Legal Proceedings
Courts usually require
- A POA that clearly mentions litigation authority
- Specific case or court references
A general POA without explicit litigation wording may be rejected.
This is another area where Dubai lawyers draft POAs carefully to avoid procedural issues.
Duration and Control
General POA
- Often long-term
- Can remain active until revoked
- Requires strong trust
Specific POA
- Often time-limited
- Ends automatically once the task is complete
- Provides greater control to the principal
Many clients prefer specific POAs precisely because they feel safer and more controlled.
Can You Have Both at the Same Time?
Yes. Many principals choose to
- Maintain a general Power of attorney Dubai for day-to-day matters
- Issue specific POAs for major transactions
This layered approach is commonly recommended by Dubai lawyers.
Attestation Requirements for Both Types
Regardless of type, a Power of attorney Dubai must be properly attested.
If signed in the UAE
- Notarised before a Dubai Notary Public
If signed outside the UAE
- Notarised locally
- Attested by UAE Embassy
- Attested by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Failure at any stage can render the POA unusable.
Language and Translation Rules
If the POA is not in Arabic
- A legal Arabic translation is mandatory
- The Arabic text prevails in case of conflict
Poor translations are a frequent cause of rejection—something Dubai lawyers are careful to avoid.
Risks of Using the Wrong Type of POA
Choosing the wrong POA can lead to
- Rejected transactions
- Delays in property transfers
- Loss of deposits
- Legal disputes
- Financial exposure
These risks are why professional advice matters.
Why Dubai Lawyers Strongly Emphasise This Difference
From daily experience, Dubai lawyers know that:
- Authorities apply strict interpretation
- Ambiguity causes rejection
- Prevention is cheaper than correction
They treat POA drafting as a strategic legal step, not just paperwork.
How to Decide Which POA You Need
Ask yourself
- Is the task one-time or ongoing?
- Is the transaction high-value or sensitive?
- Will government authorities be involved?
If the answer involves property, courts, or large sums, a specific Power of attorney Dubai is almost always the correct choice.
Common Misconceptions
- “General POA covers everything” – Not in practice
- “If it’s notarised, it’s enough” – Attestation and wording matter
- “Authorities must accept it” – Acceptance is discretionary
These misconceptions often lead clients to seek help only after problems arise.
Best Practice Recommendation
For most individuals
- Use a general POA only for routine matters
- Use specific POAs for property, litigation, and major transactions
- Always ensure proper attestation and translation
This mirrors the approach taken by experienced Dubai lawyers.
Final Conclusion
The difference between a general and a specific Power of attorney Dubai is not just technical—it has real legal and financial consequences. A general POA offers convenience but comes with risk and limited acceptance for sensitive matters. A specific POA offers precision, control, and far greater reliability.
That is why Dubai lawyers consistently favour specific POAs for important transactions. Choosing the right type from the start protects your interests, avoids unnecessary delays, and ensures your affairs are handled exactly as you intended.
