You cancel a UAE power of attorney the way it was made: through a notary public. The notary records a revocation, which you can usually do in person or through the courts' online notary services. Then tell your attorney and everyone who might rely on the old power, such as your bank, because someone who deals with your attorney in good faith before hearing of the revocation may still hold you to it.
When you can cancel
You can cancel a power of attorney at any time, even before its end date, and you do not need your attorney's agreement.
A few are harder to undo. One given in someone else's interest, for example to secure a debt or to complete a sale already agreed, may need that person's consent. If yours describes itself as irrevocable, speak to a UAE lawyer before you act.
Where to do it
- In Dubai: at a Dubai Courts notary public, in person or through the courts' online notary service.
- In Abu Dhabi: through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department's notary services.
- In the other emirates: through the Ministry of Justice notary services.
- Outside the UAE: before a notary where you are, then attested for use in the UAE, the same way an original power of attorney signed abroad is made.
Fees and the exact steps change from time to time, so check them with the notary before you go.
What to bring
- Your Emirates ID or passport.
- The power of attorney you are cancelling, or its notarisation number and date.
- Your attorney's full name and details as they appear on the original.
Tell everyone who relies on it
The revocation protects you fully once people know about it. Send a copy, in writing, to:
- Your attorney, keeping proof that it was delivered.
- Your banks, if the power covered accounts.
- The land department or the developer, if it covered property.
- The traffic authority or the dealer, if it covered a vehicle.
- Any company, authority or court that holds a copy of the original.
When a power of attorney ends by itself
A power of attorney also ends when its task is done, when its end date passes, or when the person who gave it dies. A narrow power with an end date is the simplest one to live with, because it closes itself.
Still need someone to act for you?
Make a new, narrower one: a special power of attorney that lists each act the person may do, with limits and an end date. Sidqo can draft it with you and leaves spaces for your ID numbers, which you fill in yourself.