When another person needs to represent you in several matters, the wording should identify what they may do and where their authority stops. A general power of attorney request starts with the areas you want covered. The office team reviews those purposes before identifying the appropriate wording and available notarisation procedure.
When is this a useful starting point?
You may have recurring transactions to manage or need someone to act while you are outside the country. List the actual tasks instead of relying on a request to cover “everything”. If your need is limited to one transaction, a special power of attorney may be a more focused starting point for review.
Discuss powers individually
Administrative follow-up, signing, collecting documents, receiving funds and other intended financial actions should be considered separately. Do not add sale, receipt of money or further delegation simply because those words appear in an example. If several representatives are proposed, explain whether you expect them to act together or separately, so the wording can be reviewed accordingly.
What is examined before drafting?
The review considers the principal’s capacity, the representative, the intended recipients and any existing documents that may overlap with the request. A company signatory’s job title alone does not explain the full extent of their authority. Relevant corporate documents and decisions help establish the basis on which that person proposes to act.
An initial preparation list
Begin with a description of the actions and tell the team about any prescribed wording. The enquiry form does not require an identity-document upload; the appropriate document channel is explained when the requirements are identified.
- Principal and representative details, including any additional representatives.
- The requested powers and restrictions you want considered.
- Relevant company, asset or transaction records, where applicable.
- Any existing power of attorney still being used and what you want to happen to it.
Review the draft as a practical checklist
Ask whether the representative can perform each intended task and whether any wording permits actions you did not intend. Check the names, roles and information against the records. Request an explanation of unclear provisions before approving them. Once the requirements and wording are settled, the team explains the appropriate route according to the transaction and its requirements.
Timing, charges and subsequent use
The number of parties and subject areas, foreign documents, translation and verification requirements affect the estimate. Applicable charges are explained after reviewing the request. Retain the completed document and its reference, then check the receiving organisation’s procedure. A general power of attorney is not a promise of acceptance for every transaction or by every organisation.
Frequently asked questions
Does a general power of attorney automatically cover a sale?
The name alone does not answer that question. The intended action, actual wording and recipient’s requirements must be reviewed together.
Can the authority be limited?
Explain the limits you want considered, including excluded actions or conditions attached to a particular power. Their suitability and wording can then be assessed.
What if my requirements change later?
Keep the document reference and describe the change. The appropriate route may involve a new instrument, revocation or another procedure, depending on the existing wording and circumstances.
Sources
- Dubai Law No. 4 of 2013 concerning Notaries Public
- Dubai Courts Resolution No. 137 of 2022 and notarial rules
- UAE Legislation Portal — Civil Transactions Law
Discuss the next step for your request
List the areas to be covered and any actions you want excluded.
