Can I Cancel My Power of Attorney in Dubai Anytime

Can I Cancel My Power of Attorney in Dubai Anytime

Yes, a Power of Attorney (POA) in Dubai can be cancelled at any time, provided certain legal conditions are met. Whether the POA was issued for property matters, banking transactions, litigation, or personal representation, UAE law allows the principal (the person who granted the POA) to revoke it. However, the process is not as simple as just informing the agent verbally. Cancellation must follow formal procedures through the Notary Public Dubai, and in many cases, legal guidance from experienced Dubai lawyers is essential to avoid disputes, misuse, or legal exposure.

This guide explains when, how, and under what conditions a Power of Attorney can be cancelled in Dubai, along with practical insights that many people overlook.

Understanding Power of Attorney Under UAE Law

A Power of Attorney is a legal instrument through which one person (the principal) authorizes another (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on their behalf. In Dubai, POAs are governed by UAE Civil Law and must generally be notarized to be legally valid.

POAs in Dubai typically fall into two broad categories:

• General Power of Attorney – broad authority over multiple matters
• Special (Specific) Power of Attorney – limited authority for a defined task or transaction

Regardless of the type, the right to cancel remains with the principal, unless the POA is structured as irrevocable under specific legal conditions.

Can a Power of Attorney Be Cancelled Anytime?

Short Answer: Yes, in most cases

As a general rule, you can cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai at any time, even if:

• It was granted for a long duration
• The agent disagrees
• The purpose of the POA is not yet completed

However, there are important exceptions, especially where third-party rights are involved.

Situations Where Cancellation Is Fully Allowed

You can freely cancel your POA if:

• The POA is revocable (most are)
• The agent has not acquired any independent legal right under the POA
• The POA was granted for convenience, trust, or representation only
• You no longer trust the agent or circumstances have changed
• The purpose of the POA is completed or no longer relevant

In these cases, the Notary Public Dubai can process the revocation without requiring the agent’s consent.

Situations Where Cancellation May Be Restricted

A POA cannot be cancelled unilaterally if it is legally classified as irrevocable. This usually happens when:

• The POA is linked to a sale, mortgage, or financial guarantee
• The agent has a direct financial interest protected by law
• The POA explicitly states it is irrevocable and tied to consideration
• Third-party rights (banks, buyers, courts) rely on the POA

In such cases, Dubai lawyers are essential to assess whether cancellation is possible through court proceedings.

How to Cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai

Review the POA Carefully

Before initiating cancellation, review:

• Whether the POA is general or special
• Any clause mentioning irrevocability
• The scope of authority granted
• Whether third-party rights are involved

A legal review by Dubai lawyers helps identify risks before revocation.

Apply for POA Cancellation at Notary Public Dubai

Cancellation must be done formally through the Notary Public Dubai. The process typically includes:

• Submitting an application for revocation
• Presenting Emirates ID or passport
• Providing the original POA (if available)
• Paying the applicable notary fee

The notary issues an official POA revocation deed, which legally nullifies the agent’s authority from that date onward.

 Notify the Agent and Relevant Authorities

While the POA is legally cancelled once notarized, notification is critical. You should inform:

• The agent (in writing)
• Banks, developers, or courts involved
• Government authorities or private entities relying on the POA

Failure to notify third parties may expose you to legal complications, even after cancellation.

Can a POA Issued Outside Dubai Be Cancelled?

Yes. A POA issued outside the UAE can also be cancelled, but the process is slightly more complex.

You generally have two options:

• Cancel it abroad, notarize the revocation, then legalize and attest it for UAE use
• Cancel it directly in Dubai through the Notary Public Dubai, if the POA was already attested and registered locally

Experienced Dubai lawyers often manage cross-border POA cancellations to ensure full legal recognition.

What Happens If the Agent Continues Using a Cancelled POA?

Once a POA is legally revoked:

• Any action taken by the agent after cancellation is invalid
• The agent may be held civilly and criminally liable
• Transactions may be reversed if challenged in court

This is why proper notification and documentation are just as important as the cancellation itself.

Does POA Cancellation Need Court Approval?

In most cases, no court approval is required. Cancellation through the Notary Public Dubai is sufficient.

Court involvement becomes necessary only if:

• The POA is disputed
• The agent refuses to acknowledge revocation
• The POA is irrevocable and linked to financial rights
• There is misuse or fraud

In such disputes, Dubai lawyers represent the principal to protect their legal position.

Can an Agent Cancel a Power of Attorney?

Yes, an agent may also renounce or resign from a POA. However:

• The resignation must be formally documented
• The principal must be notified
• Third parties must be informed

Even when an agent resigns, formal closure through Notary Public Dubai is strongly advised to avoid future liability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cancelling a POA

Many people assume cancellation is informal. Common errors include:

• Informing the agent verbally only
• Not registering revocation with the notary
• Forgetting to notify banks or developers
• Assuming expiry equals cancellation
• Ignoring POAs issued abroad

These mistakes can have serious legal and financial consequences. Consulting Dubai lawyers ensures the cancellation is airtight.

Is There a Time Limit to Cancel a POA?

No. A POA does not need to expire before cancellation. You may revoke it:

• Immediately after issuance
• Mid-transaction (subject to rights involved)
• Years later, if still active

The law prioritizes the principal’s intention, as long as legal safeguards are followed.

Power of Attorney Cancellation in Property Matters

Property-related POAs require extra caution. If a POA is used for:

• Selling real estate
• Managing rentals
• Signing transfer documents

Then cancellation must be promptly communicated to:

• Dubai Land Department
• Developers
• Brokers and banks

This is where experienced Dubai lawyers add significant value by coordinating with all stakeholders.

Costs and Timeline for POA Cancellation

• Timeline: Often same day or within 1–2 working days
• Cost: Moderate notary fees (varies by POA type)

Urgent or disputed cases may take longer if court proceedings are involved.

can you cancel your Power of Attorney in Dubai anytime?

In most cases, yes, and the law is firmly on the principal’s side.

However, the how matters just as much as the right. Proper revocation through the Notary Public Dubai, combined with strategic guidance from experienced Dubai lawyers, ensures that:

• Your authority is fully withdrawn
• No misuse occurs after cancellation
• Your legal and financial interests remain protected

A Power of Attorney is a powerful tool—but cancelling it correctly is equally powerful. If there’s even a small doubt, professional legal advice can save significant trouble down the line.