A Power of Attorney (POA) is a fundamental legal document used worldwide to authorize one person to act on behalf of another in legal, financial, or personal matters. In Arabic-speaking countries, or for transactions involving Arabic legal systems, it is essential that the POA is either drafted in Arabic or officially translated into Arabic to be valid and accepted by courts and government agencies.
This article will help you understand how a Power of Attorney in Arabic works, what it should include, and how to ensure it is legally recognized.
๐ What Is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney grants legal permission from a person (known as the principal) to another (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to carry out certain actions on their behalf. These can include:
- Managing property
- Representing in court
- Conducting financial transactions
- Making healthcare decisions
- Handling immigration or residency processes
In Arabic, a Power of Attorney is called ุชูููู ุฑุณู ู (Tawkeel Rasmi).
๐ Why Use a Power of Attorney in Arabic?
Many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar, operate primarily in Arabic when it comes to official documentation. To be valid in these jurisdictions, a POA must be:
- Written in Arabic, or
- Translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator and
- Notarized and legally attested
Using a POA that has not been translated or attested properly may lead to rejection by courts, real estate offices, immigration departments, or financial institutions.
๐งพ What Should a Power of Attorney in Arabic Include?
A legally acceptable Arabic POA must clearly outline:
| Section | Arabic Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Title | ุงูุชูููู ุงูุฑุณู ู | Official Power of Attorney heading |
| Principal Information | ุจูุงูุงุช ุงูู ููู | Full name, ID/passport, nationality, address |
| Agent Information | ุจูุงูุงุช ุงููููู | Full name, ID/passport, contact details |
| Granted Powers | ูุทุงู ุงูุตูุงุญูุงุช | Detailed list of actions the agent is authorized to perform |
| Duration | ู ุฏุฉ ุงูุตูุงุญูุฉ | Effective start date and expiration, if any |
| Signatures | ุชูููุนุงุช | Signature of principal (and agent, if required) |
| Notarization | ุชุตุฏูู | Stamp from a Notary Public or court |
โ๏ธ Types of Power of Attorney Commonly Used in Arabic
There are several variations of POA depending on the scope and purpose. The most common include:
1. General Power of Attorney (ุชูููู ุนุงู )
- Grants broad authority over multiple areas such as business, finances, or property
- Often used for long-term or open-ended representation
2. Special or Limited Power of Attorney (ุชูููู ุฎุงุต)
- Grants authority for a single action or event (e.g., selling a vehicle or signing a contract)
3. Real Estate Power of Attorney (ุชูููู ุนูุงุฑู)
- Specific to buying, selling, or managing property
4. Court Power of Attorney (ุชูููู ููู ุฑุงูุนุฉ)
- Authorizes a lawyer to represent the principal in legal proceedings
๐ ๏ธ How to Get a Power of Attorney in Arabic
Whether youโre inside or outside the UAE or another Arab country, hereโs how you can get a legally accepted Arabic POA:
๐น Inside the Country:
- Draft the POA in Arabic (or have it translated by a certified translator)
- Visit a Notary Public (ูุงุชุจ ุงูุนุฏู)
- Present valid ID/passports
- Sign the POA in front of the notary
- Receive official notarization and copies
๐น Outside the Country:
- Draft or translate the POA in Arabic
- Notarize it with a local notary in your country
- Get it attested by:
- Your Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- UAE/Arab country embassy or consulate
- UAE/Arab Ministry of Foreign Affairs (upon arrival in the country)
๐ Translation & Legalization Tips
- Use a certified legal translator with government approval
- Avoid using free translation tools; legal errors can invalidate your document
- Review the translated POA with a local lawyer to ensure clarity and accuracy
- Get copies stamped and translated if required by multiple departments
๐ง Who Typically Uses Arabic POAs?
- Expats managing assets in the Middle East
- Foreign investors conducting business in Gulf countries
- Elderly individuals assigning family members to handle affairs
- Residents authorizing others for court or visa processes
- Companies assigning legal representatives for transactions
โ Final Thoughts
A Power of Attorney in Arabic is more than just a translationโitโs a legally binding instrument that must follow strict linguistic, legal, and procedural requirements to be recognized in Arabic-speaking jurisdictions. By ensuring the POA is properly written or translated, notarized, and attested, you can legally empower someone you trust to act on your behalf with full confidence.
When legal power crosses borders, language matters. Make sure your POA speaks the right oneโclearly, correctly, and officially.