Arabic and Bilingual Power of Attorney Drafting in Dubai

The language format of a POA should be chosen with the licensed notarial channel and intended receiving organisation in mind. An Arabic or bilingual draft can help those parties review the instrument, but translation does not cure an unclear scope, incorrect identity detail or missing authority.

Under current Dubai Courts POA-ratification guidance, a document not in Arabic must be accompanied by a legal translation certified by the UAE Ministry of Justice. A bilingual format is not necessarily mandatory, but an English-only document should not be presented as sufficient without confirming the required certified Arabic translation.

When a bilingual draft may be useful

A bilingual document may be appropriate when:

  • the notarial channel requires or works with Arabic text;
  • the principal or agent needs an additional language to understand the draft;
  • the receiving organisation reviews Arabic and another language;
  • company or transaction documents use more than one language; or
  • accurate transliteration of names and technical terms needs deliberate review.

The applicable provider must confirm the accepted format. Do not assume that adding an English column makes a document acceptable everywhere.

Details that need exact matching

  • principal and agent names as shown on current identity documents;
  • Arabic and Latin-script spellings or transliterations;
  • passport and Emirates ID numbers;
  • company legal name and licence details;
  • property, account, vehicle and transaction references;
  • dates, currency amounts and defined powers; and
  • names of banks, authorities, developers or other recipients.

If two records spell a name differently, flag the difference before drafting. Do not silently choose a version.

Drafting and translation are not the same service

Drafting decides which powers, limits and facts appear in the instrument. Translation expresses approved content in another language. A certified legal translation or interpreter may be a separate third-party requirement. POAS should not describe its document-preparation role as certified translation unless that service is expressly supplied by an authorised provider and itemised.

Information and document checklist

  • current identity documents for principal and agent;
  • existing Arabic and English spellings used in official records;
  • the intended outcome and receiving organisation;
  • supporting transaction, asset or company documents;
  • recipient or notary language instructions;
  • any existing translation and its provider details; and
  • a list of names or technical terms requiring confirmation.

How the process works

  1. Open the correct underlying POA service, or use Check my route if language requirements are uncertain.
  2. Send the purpose, recipient, identities and language evidence.
  3. POAS checks scope and the likely execution route before drafting.
  4. Review both content and identity spellings carefully.
  5. Complete any required translation, interpretation and licensed execution steps.
  6. Present the final instrument to the recipient, which applies its own language and acceptance requirements.

FAQs

Not necessarily. The accepted format depends on the notarial route, parties and intended recipient.

No. POAS prepares POA documents and coordinates the supported execution route. Certified translation or interpretation, where required, is a separate provider service unless expressly included.

Use the spelling supported by the current official identity and transaction records, and disclose any inconsistency before drafting.

The risk should be prevented through careful review and the applicable provider’s required format. Do not assume which text controls without confirming the document’s own clause and current legal/process requirements.

If the mismatch is within work supplied by POAS and prevents the document serving the agreed purpose, the POA Fit Promise applies. A separate third-party translator’s work is handled under that provider’s responsibility unless POAS expressly accepted responsibility for it.

Unusual or uncertain matter? Check my route