Can a Power of Attorney Be Revoked or Cancelled in Dubai?
Yes, a Power of Attorney can be revoked in Dubai at any time, subject to legal conditions, the nature of the POA, and any contractual limitations. However, the process is not always as simple as many people assume, especially when third parties, courts, or free-zone authorities are involved.
Understanding Revocation of Power of Attorney in Dubai
A Power of Attorney (POA) is based on trust. UAE law recognises that the principal—the person granting authority—has the right to withdraw that authority. That said, the right to revoke is not absolute in every situation.
In Dubai, revocation of a power of attorney Dubai depends on several factors, including:
- Whether the POA is general or special
- Whether it is personal or corporate
- Whether it is linked to a contractual obligation
- Whether third-party rights have already arisen
This is why revocation should always be handled carefully and, ideally, with guidance from experienced Dubai lawyers.
Types of POA and Their Impact on Revocation
Not all POAs are treated the same when it comes to cancellation.
General Power of Attorney
A general POA grants broad authority over multiple matters. These are usually easier to revoke, provided no binding commitments have already been made.
Special Power of Attorney
A special POA is limited to specific acts (e.g., selling a property, managing a company, signing an agreement). Revocation is still possible, but timing matters greatly.
Irrevocable Power of Attorney
Some POAs are labelled as “irrevocable.” This does not always mean they can never be revoked, but it does significantly limit the principal’s ability to cancel without consequences.
Each category of power of attorney Dubai is treated differently under UAE legal principles.
Is Revocation Always Allowed?
In principle, UAE law allows a principal to revoke a POA. However, revocation may not be legally effective if:
- The POA is issued in the interest of the agent or a third party
- The POA is linked to a contractual obligation (such as a sale agreement)
- The revocation causes harm to a party who relied on the POA in good faith
In such cases, revocation may still occur, but it may expose the principal to legal claims or compensation obligations.
This is one of the most common areas where people seek advice from Dubai lawyers.
How to Revoke a Power of Attorney in Dubai
Revocation must follow a formal process. Informal revocation—such as a WhatsApp message or email—is not legally sufficient.
Visit the Notary Public
Revocation of a power of attorney Dubai must be done through the Dubai Notary Public (or the relevant notary authority in the emirate where it was issued).
Issue a Revocation Deed
A formal revocation deed is prepared, clearly identifying:
- The original POA
- The date of issuance
- The agent whose authority is being revoked
Notarisation
The revocation deed must be notarised to become legally effective.
Once notarised, the POA is considered revoked from a legal standpoint—subject to notification requirements.
Notification: The Most Overlooked Step
Revocation alone is not always enough.
For revocation to be enforceable against third parties, the principal must notify:
- The agent
- Relevant authorities (courts, land department, free zones, banks)
- Any third party that relied on the POA
Failure to notify may result in the agent continuing to act under the old POA, and those acts may still bind the principal.
This is why Dubai lawyers usually recommend formal written notices and, in some cases, public announcements.
What Happens If the Agent Acts After Revocation?
If the agent was not notified, actions taken in good faith may still be legally binding.
If the agent was notified and continues to act, those actions may be invalid, and the agent could face civil or even criminal liability depending on the circumstances.
This distinction is critical when revoking a power of attorney Dubai.
Revocation in Property-Related POAs
Property transactions are especially sensitive.
If a POA was used to:
- Sell property
- Transfer ownership
- Sign sale agreements
Revocation after signing binding documents may not undo the transaction.
For example:
- If a sale agreement was signed under a valid POA, revocation will not invalidate that agreement
- If ownership has already been transferred, revocation comes too late
This is why Dubai lawyers advise principals to revoke immediately if trust is compromised.
Corporate POA Revocation in Dubai
Corporate POAs involve additional complexity.
Revocation may require:
- Board resolutions
- Shareholder approval
- Updating company records
- Notifying free-zone or mainland authorities
In DIFC or other free zones, failure to properly update records may result in the revoked agent continuing to appear as an authorised signatory.
A corporate power of attorney Dubai should always be revoked in line with corporate governance rules.
Can a POA Be Revoked If the Principal Is Abroad?
Yes.
If the principal is outside the UAE, revocation can still occur, but the process is longer.
Usually, this involves:
- Issuing a revocation document abroad
- Attesting it through the UAE embassy
- Legalising it through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Registering it with the UAE notary
This is a common scenario handled by Dubai lawyers for overseas clients.
What If the Agent Refuses to Cooperate?
The agent’s consent is not required to revoke a POA.
Revocation is a unilateral right of the principal. However, disputes may arise if:
- The agent claims financial loss
- The agent claims an irrevocable interest
- There is an underlying contract
In such cases, revocation may lead to litigation rather than a clean cancellation.
Death, Incapacity, and Automatic Revocation
Under UAE law, a power of attorney Dubai is automatically terminated if:
- The principal dies
- The agent dies
- The principal loses legal capacity
However, third parties may still require formal proof before recognising termination.
This is another reason notification and documentation remain important even when revocation is automatic.
Banking and Revocation: A Separate Process
Banks do not always rely solely on notary records.
Even after revocation:
- Banks may require a stamped revocation copy
- Some banks require internal forms
- Others may need updated board resolutions
Failure to notify banks can lead to unauthorised transactions even after revocation.
Common Mistakes When Revoking a POA in Dubai
Some of the most frequent errors include:
- Assuming verbal revocation is enough
- Forgetting to notify third parties
- Revoking too late, after commitments are made
- Revoking without reviewing underlying contracts
- Using a revocation format that does not match the original POA
These mistakes often result in disputes that could have been avoided with advice from Dubai lawyers.
How Long Does Revocation Take?
In most cases:
- Notary revocation can be completed the same day
- Notifications may take several days
- Full effectiveness depends on third-party acknowledgment
Urgent cases can sometimes be expedited.
Final Thoughts
So, can a Power of Attorney be revoked or cancelled in Dubai?
Yes—but revocation is a legal act with real consequences, not just an administrative step.
A power of attorney Dubai gives significant authority, and revoking it requires equal care. Whether the POA involves property, business, banking, or litigation, the timing and method of revocation matter.
Experienced Dubai lawyers approach revocation strategically—ensuring that authority is withdrawn cleanly, third parties are notified properly, and the principal is protected from unintended liability.
