Can a Power of Attorney Be Revoked in Dubai
Yes. A Power of Attorney (POA) can be revoked in Dubai at any time, provided the revocation follows the proper legal procedure. The revocation must be formally executed and, in most cases, notarized to ensure it is legally effective and enforceable.
However, revoking a POA is not as simple as sending an email or verbal instruction. Dubai law requires clear, documented, and officially recognized steps to protect all parties involved.
Understanding POA Revocation in Dubai
A Power of Attorney creates a legal relationship of authority between the principal (the person granting power) and the agent (the person receiving power). Because this authority can involve property, money, litigation, or business control, UAE law ensures that ending this authority is just as formal as creating it.
In Dubai, revocation means:
- The agent’s authority is terminated
- The agent can no longer legally act on behalf of the principal
- Third parties must be informed of the revocation
Until revocation is properly completed, the POA remains legally valid, even if the principal no longer wishes it to be used.
Is Verbal or Written Revocation Enough?
This is a common misunderstanding.
The clear legal position: No
- A verbal instruction to stop using a POA has no legal effect
- A simple written notice without notarization is not sufficient
- Informal messages do not protect the principal from liability
If an agent continues to act using a valid, notarized POA, third parties may still rely on it unless they are officially notified.
Role of Notary Public Dubai in POA Revocation
Just as a POA must be notarized to be valid, its revocation must usually be notarized through Notary Public Dubai.
The notary ensures:
- The principal’s identity and intent are verified
- The revocation is officially registered
- A formal record exists to prevent disputes
Once notarized, the revocation carries full legal force.
Step-by-Step Process to Revoke a POA in Dubai
Draft a POA Revocation Document
The revocation document must clearly:
- Identify the original POA
- State the intention to revoke it
- Specify the date of revocation
This document should be precise and legally sound.
Notarize the Revocation
The principal must appear before Notary Public Dubai (in person or through approved digital notarization) to authenticate the revocation.
Notify the Agent
The agent should be formally notified of the revocation. This is critical to prevent misuse and future disputes.
Inform Relevant Authorities and Third Parties
If the POA was used for:
- Property transactions
- Court cases
- Banking or corporate matters
then all related institutions must be notified immediately.
What If the Agent Refuses to Cooperate?
An agent’s consent is not required to revoke a POA.
The authority exists solely at the principal’s discretion, unless:
- The POA is irrevocable by law
- The POA is linked to a vested legal interest
In such cases, legal advice from Dubai Lawyers becomes essential to assess enforceability and risk.
Can a POA Be Irrevocable in Dubai?
Yes, but only in limited circumstances.
An irrevocable POA is typically linked to:
- A financial interest
- A contractual obligation
- A secured transaction
Even then, irrevocability must be explicitly stated in the POA and supported by valid legal grounds.
Courts interpret irrevocable POAs very narrowly, and misuse or abuse of authority can still justify cancellation.
Revoking a Foreign-Issued Power of Attorney
If the POA was issued outside the UAE, revocation can be done in two ways:
- Revoke it in the country of origin and complete full UAE attestation
- Execute a local revocation through Notary Public Dubai, if permissible
Because cross-border documentation is complex, Dubai Lawyers often assist in choosing the safest and fastest option.
What Happens If You Don’t Revoke a POA Properly?
Failure to revoke a POA correctly can lead to serious consequences:
- Unauthorized sale of property
- Financial loss
- Legal disputes with third parties
- Difficulty proving misuse of authority
- Long court proceedings to undo transactions
In Dubai, third parties acting in good faith may still rely on an active POA, even if the principal claims it was “cancelled informally.”
Does a POA Automatically End in Certain Situations?
Yes, a POA may terminate automatically in limited cases, such as:
- Death of the principal
- Death of the agent
- Expiry date stated in the POA
- Completion of the specific task (for special POAs)
However, relying on automatic termination without documentation can be risky. Formal revocation remains the safest approach.
Can You Revoke a POA Remotely?
Yes. Dubai allows:
- Remote notarization via approved digital platforms
- Video-based identity verification
Even remote revocation must still be completed through Notary Public Dubai to be legally valid.
Common Mistakes When Revoking a POA
- Assuming email or WhatsApp messages are enough
- Not notifying banks or authorities
- Forgetting about copies held by third parties
- Delaying revocation after a dispute arises
- Using unclear or incomplete revocation language
Each of these mistakes can leave the principal exposed to liability.
How Dubai Lawyers Assist With POA Revocation
Professional guidance ensures that revocation is:
- Legally sound
- Properly documented
- Communicated to all relevant parties
Dubai Lawyers typically help with:
- Drafting revocation documents
- Coordinating with Notary Public Dubai
- Advising on irrevocable POAs
- Managing disputes arising from misuse
- Protecting assets during transition
This is especially important in high-value property or business matters.
Cost and Timeline for Revocation in Dubai
- Revocation can often be completed within a few working days
- Digital notarization may speed up the process
- Costs are modest compared to the risks of leaving a POA active
Timely revocation can prevent months—or years—of legal complications.
Final Answer: Can a POA Be Revoked in Dubai?
Yes — but only if done correctly.
A Power of Attorney remains valid until it is:
- Formally revoked
- Properly notarized
- Clearly communicated
Revocation through Notary Public Dubai is the safest and most legally effective method. Attempting shortcuts can expose the principal to unnecessary legal and financial risks.
