Can a Power of Attorney Dubai be used to sell property on my behalf?
Yes — a Power of Attorney Dubai can be used to sell property on your behalf, provided it is drafted, attested, and used correctly under UAE law. However, the details matter far more than most property owners realise. A poorly worded or improperly attested POA can delay transactions, invalidate a sale, or even expose you to legal risk.
Below is a comprehensive 1,500-word FAQ guide explaining exactly how it works, when it’s valid, and what safeguards you should put in place, written in clear, practical language and aligned with how Dubai lawyers handle real transactions on the ground.
Quick Answer (FAQ Summary)
Yes, a Power of attorney Dubai allows another person to sell your property on your behalf, as long as the POA is specific, properly attested, and accepted by the Dubai Land Department. General POAs are usually not sufficient for property sales. Most sellers rely on Dubai lawyers to draft or review the POA to ensure the transaction proceeds without rejection or dispute.
Understanding a Power of Attorney Dubai in Property Sales
A Power of Attorney Dubai is a legal document that authorises another person (the “attorney”) to act on your behalf (the “principal”). In property matters, this authority can include:
- Signing sale agreements
- Appearing before the Dubai Land Department
- Completing transfer formalities
- Receiving sale proceeds (if expressly allowed)
Property transactions are regulated and closely monitored in Dubai, so the POA must meet strict legal and procedural standards.
Can a POA Be Used to Sell Property in Dubai?
Yes, selling property through a Power of attorney Dubai is legally recognised and commonly used, especially by:
- Overseas property owners
- Investors with multiple properties
- Sellers who cannot attend transfer appointments
- Elderly owners or those with medical limitations
However, the POA must be explicitly drafted for property sale purposes. Vague or general wording is one of the most common reasons transactions fail.
This is why experienced Dubai lawyers insist on reviewing POAs before a buyer or broker proceeds.
General POA vs Special POA – What’s Accepted?
General Power of Attorney
A general POA gives broad authority over finances or assets. While it may sound sufficient, Dubai Land Department often rejects general POAs for property sales because they lack precision.
Special Power of Attorney (Recommended)
A Special Power of Attorney Dubai is drafted specifically for one property and one transaction. It usually includes:
- Exact property details (title deed number, location)
- Authority to sell, sign SPA, and transfer ownership
- Permission to appear before DLD and trustee offices
- Optional authority to receive funds (only if required)
Most Dubai lawyers strongly recommend a special POA to avoid delays.
Legal Requirements for Using a Power of Attorney Dubai
For a POA to be valid for selling property, it must meet all of the following:
Proper Attestation
- If signed in the UAE: notarised by a Dubai Notary Public
- If signed abroad:
- Notarised in the home country
- Attested by the UAE Embassy
- Attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Clear Property Authority
The POA must clearly state that the attorney is authorised to sell the property, not just manage it.
Arabic or Legal Translation
If drafted in another language, it must be legally translated into Arabic for acceptance.
Validity Period
Many POAs specify an expiry date. Expired POAs are automatically rejected.
This is where guidance from Dubai lawyers becomes essential, especially for overseas owners.
Who Can Act as Your Attorney?
Under UAE law, your attorney can be:
- A trusted family member
- A close associate
- A professional representative
- A lawyer
There is no restriction on nationality, but the person must have valid identification and the ability to appear before authorities.
Many sellers appoint Dubai lawyers directly to minimise risk and ensure professional accountability.
Can My Attorney Receive the Sale Proceeds?
Yes — but only if the POA explicitly allows it.
If the POA does not mention authority to receive funds, banks and trustees may refuse to release proceeds to the attorney. Some sellers intentionally exclude this authority to maintain financial control.
Dubai lawyers usually advise separating:
- Authority to sell and sign
- Authority to receive money
This adds an extra layer of protection.
Is a Power of Attorney Dubai Accepted by the Dubai Land Department?
Yes, provided it meets all formal requirements.
Dubai Land Department reviews POAs carefully. They check:
- Attestation stamps
- Scope of authority
- Identity matching
- Property-specific wording
Even minor drafting errors can result in rejection. This is one of the most common pain points for sellers who use templates instead of consulting Dubai lawyers.
Risks of Selling Property Through a POA
While legally valid, selling through a POA carries risks if not structured properly:
- Misuse of authority
- Unauthorized price changes
- Delays due to rejection
- Disputes over proceeds
- Fraud in poorly drafted POAs
These risks are significantly reduced when the Power of attorney Dubai is drafted or reviewed by qualified Dubai lawyers.
Can a POA Be Revoked After Issuance?
Yes. A Power of attorney Dubai can be revoked at any time unless it is irrevocable and linked to a legal obligation.
Revocation requires:
- Notarised revocation deed
- Notification to concerned parties
- Updating records if already registered
If a sale is already underway, timing becomes critical — another reason legal guidance matters.
Can a Buyer Refuse a POA-Based Sale?
Yes. Some buyers or developers prefer the owner’s physical presence, especially for high-value properties. However, a properly attested POA is legally binding.
Experienced Dubai lawyers often communicate directly with buyer representatives to reassure them of the POA’s validity.
Does the POA Holder Need to Be Present at Transfer?
Yes. The attorney must attend the trustee office or DLD transfer appointment unless another representative is authorised.
They must bring:
- Original POA
- Emirates ID or passport
- Property documents
Special Rules for Off-Plan Property Sales
For off-plan properties, additional approvals may be required from the developer. Some developers impose their own POA format requirements.
This is where involving Dubai lawyers early prevents last-minute complications.
Common Mistakes Property Owners Make
- Using a general POA instead of a special one
- Missing embassy attestation
- Forgetting Arabic translation
- Granting excessive authority
- Appointing an unreliable attorney
All of these issues can derail a sale.
When Should You Consult Dubai Lawyers?
You should involve Dubai lawyers if:
- You live outside the UAE
- The property value is significant
- The buyer requests additional assurances
- The POA was drafted abroad
- You want to limit authority safely
Professional review often saves weeks of delays and prevents costly errors.
Final Thoughts
A Power of attorney Dubai is a powerful and legally accepted tool for selling property, but it must be handled with care. When drafted correctly, it allows seamless transactions even when you are thousands of miles away. When done incorrectly, it can stall or invalidate the sale entirely.
That’s why experienced Dubai lawyers treat POAs not as simple paperwork, but as strategic legal instruments — tailored, precise, and aligned with Dubai Land Department practice
