General vs Specific Power of Attorney in the UAE

What Is a General POA?

A general power of attorney grants broad authority to the appointed person. It typically covers multiple types of actions — property transactions, banking, company matters, and legal representation — without limiting the authority to a single defined task.

General POAs are commonly used between family members or business partners where ongoing representation is needed. They are convenient but carry more risk because the scope of authority is wider.

What Is a Specific POA?

A specific power of attorney limits the authority to one clearly defined action. For example, a specific POA might authorise someone to sell a single identified property, or to close a single bank account. Once the action is completed, the POA is effectively spent.

Specific POAs are lower risk because the appointed person can only act within the narrow scope defined in the document.

Comparison

Which Should You Choose?

If you need someone to handle a single transaction — selling a property, closing a bank account, completing a company registration — a specific POA is usually the right choice. It limits exposure and is accepted by most authorities without issue.

If you need ongoing representation across multiple matters, a general POA may be more practical. However, Dubai Land Department rules restrict general POAs for property sale to first-degree relatives only.

If you’re unsure, the correct type is confirmed before you pay. No commitment until the POA type is identified.

For formal definitions, see the POA glossary.

Related pages: Property POA Service · Company POA Service