Is a general POA allowed for buying or selling real estate in Dubai?
A general Power of attorney Dubai is generally not allowed for buying or selling real estate. Dubai Land Department and trustee offices usually require a special POA that clearly mentions the exact property and the authority to buy or sell it. Most Dubai lawyers advise against using a general POA for property transactions due to high rejection risk.
What Is a General Power of Attorney?
A general Power of Attorney grants wide authority over the principal’s affairs. It may include rights to:
- Manage assets
- Operate bank accounts
- Handle business matters
- Sign contracts generally
At first glance, this sounds sufficient. However, Dubai real estate transactions are not treated as “general matters” under UAE law.
Why Dubai Restricts General POAs for Real Estate
Property ownership in Dubai is tightly regulated. The authorities want to ensure that:
- The owner clearly intended to sell or buy the property
- The exact asset is identified
- No ambiguity exists about authority
- Fraud and misuse are prevented
A general POA is considered too broad and open-ended. This is why, in practice, Dubai Land Department often rejects general POAs for property transfers.
This conservative approach is strongly supported by Dubai lawyers, who regularly see transactions delayed or cancelled due to improper POAs.
Is a General POA Ever Accepted for Property Transactions?
In rare cases, yes — but only if the general POA contains very specific wording that effectively turns it into a special POA.
For example, a general POA may be accepted if it:
- Explicitly mentions buying or selling real estate
- Identifies the property clearly
- Authorizes signing before Dubai Land Department
- Is properly notarized and attested
Even then, acceptance is discretionary, not guaranteed. Most Dubai lawyers consider this approach risky.
What Is a Special Power of Attorney Dubai?
A special Power of attorney Dubai is drafted for one specific purpose. In real estate matters, it usually includes:
- Exact property details
- Authority to buy or sell
- Authority to sign SPA and transfer documents
- Authority to appear before DLD and trustee offices
- Optional authority to receive or release funds
Because it removes ambiguity, this type of POA is consistently accepted.
Difference Between General and Special POA (Practical View)
From a legal theory standpoint, both documents are valid.
From a Dubai property transaction standpoint, only one works reliably.
That practical distinction is why Dubai lawyers almost always insist on a special POA for real estate.
Buying Property Using a General POA – Is It Allowed?
In practice, no.
Buying property involves:
- Reservation forms
- Sale and Purchase Agreements
- Developer approvals (for off-plan units)
- Registration with Dubai Land Department
Most developers and trustee offices refuse to proceed if the buyer’s representative holds only a general POA.
A Power of attorney Dubai for buying property must explicitly authorize:
- Property acquisition
- Signing purchase agreements
- Registration of ownership
Selling Property Using a General POA – Is It Allowed?
Selling property is even more sensitive than buying.
Authorities want confirmation that:
- The owner truly intends to sell
- The price and property are not altered
- The attorney is not abusing authority
Because of this, general POAs are commonly rejected for sales.
This is one of the most frequent problems Dubai lawyers encounter with overseas sellers.
Dubai Land Department’s Position on General POAs
While no single public rule bans general POAs outright, Dubai Land Department practice makes their position clear:
- General POAs are scrutinized heavily
- Any ambiguity leads to rejection
- Special POAs are preferred
In real-world transactions, acceptance depends on the reviewing officer — a risk no serious seller or buyer should take.
Attestation Requirements Still Apply
Whether general or special, a Power of attorney Dubai must be properly attested.
If signed in the UAE:
- Notarized before a Dubai Notary Public
If signed outside the UAE:
- Notarized locally
- Attested by UAE Embassy
- Attested by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Even a perfectly drafted POA will fail if attestation is incomplete — a detail Dubai lawyers pay close attention to.
Language and Translation Rules
If the POA is drafted in a language other than Arabic:
- A legal Arabic translation is mandatory
- The Arabic version controls interpretation
Poor translations are another common reason for rejection.
Risks of Using a General POA for Property
Using a general POA instead of a special one can result in:
- Transfer rejection at trustee office
- Developer refusal
- Buyer backing out
- Loss of deposit
- Legal disputes
- Significant delays
These risks are why Dubai lawyers rarely recommend general POAs for property matters.
Why Some People Still Try to Use General POAs
Common reasons include:
- Convenience
- Cost-saving attempts
- Lack of legal advice
- Misunderstanding UAE property rules
Unfortunately, these shortcuts often cost more in the long run.
Can a General POA Be Converted into a Special POA?
Yes.
Many Dubai lawyers advise:
- Revoking the general POA (or leaving it in place)
- Issuing a separate special Power of attorney Dubai for the property
This avoids confusion and ensures acceptance.
Can a Lawyer Act Under a General POA?
Even when a lawyer is appointed, general authority is not enough for property transactions.
Lawyers themselves prefer operating under a clear, limited, special POA to protect both parties.
This is standard professional practice among Dubai lawyers.
Is an Irrevocable General POA Accepted?
No — “irrevocable” does not solve the problem.
Irrevocable POAs are sometimes used in financing or development structures, but they still must be specific to the property transaction.
Off-Plan Properties and General POAs
For off-plan units:
- Developers impose their own POA requirements
- Many reject general POAs outright
- Some require their own approved wording
This makes a special Power of attorney Dubai essential.
When a General POA Might Still Be Useful
A general POA is still valuable for:
- Asset management
- Banking
- Business operations
- Ongoing administrative matters
It just isn’t the right tool for property transfers.
Why Dubai Lawyers Strongly Recommend Special POAs
From experience, Dubai lawyers know that:
- Property transactions are procedural
- Rejection causes financial and timing risks
- Buyers and developers demand certainty
A properly drafted special POA avoids all of this.
Best Practice Recommendation
If you are buying or selling property in Dubai:
- Do not rely on a general POA
- Issue a special Power of attorney Dubai
- Limit authority to the specific transaction
- Ensure full attestation and translation
This approach aligns with how Dubai authorities actually operate.
Final Conclusion
While a general POA is legally valid in many contexts, it is usually not allowed for buying or selling real estate in Dubai. Dubai’s property system demands clarity, specificity, and documented intent — standards that general POAs rarely meet.
That is why experienced Dubai lawyers almost universally advise using a special Power of attorney Dubai for any real estate transaction. It reduces risk, prevents rejection, and ensures your property deal moves forward smoothly — without unnecessary stress or costly delays
