When to Use a Power of Attorney in the UAE

A Power of Attorney (POA) is often confused with a Will, but the two serve entirely different purposes.

POA vs. Will

A POA is valid only during the lifetime of both the person granting it and the person receiving it.

If either party passes away, the POA becomes immediately invalid. At that point, the Will takes over for probate and asset distribution.

This means a POA cannot be used for post-death matters and does not replace a Will in any way.

When a POA Is Useful

In the UAE, a POA is commonly used when someone is:

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• Travelling
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• Hospitalized or unable to move
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• Facing temporary or permanent mental incapacity
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• Needing assistance with a specific transaction (e.g., property transfer, business setup, bank matters)
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Once registered with the court, the appointed representative can act on behalf of the grantor strictly within the powers authorized.