General Power of Attorney

Description

A general power of attorney is typically used to handle general everyday needs in the UAE in situations where someone cannot personally handle his/her affairs and wishes to authorize another person to carry out tasks on his/her behalf.

Powers included

A general power of attorney in the UAE typically includes powers to:

• Purchase and manage real estate property and other assets
• Set up businesses/companies
• Represent before third parties, government departments and banks etc.
• Represent before Etisalat, du, DEWA and other utility service providers
• Represent in legal affairs and appoint lawyers
• Purchase shares in companies
• Sign contracts and other documents

Power to sell assets or real estate

1. Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain

As a matter of practice, a general power of attorney with powers to sell assets or real estate property is permitted to be signed before a Notary Public in the above Emirates so long as the principal and agent (attorney) share one of the following relationships:

1. Husband and wife
2. Father and child
3. Siblings

For all other relationships, a special power of attorney is required to be signed for the sale of assets or real estate property in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain.

2. Emirate of Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, a general power of attorney is not allowed to include any powers to sell any assets. Hence, a special power of attorney may be required to authorise someone to sell any assets, real estate property, vehicles or shares in companies etc.

Note: The powers included in general power of attorney may remain subject to change in different Emirates from time to time without notice. In addition, there may be specific requirements by third parties or Government Departments to prepare special power of attorney in respect of the sale of assets.