What is the main difference between a Notary Public and a Private Notary?

A Notary Public is a government official based in a state-run office (like Dubai Courts centers). A Private Notary is also a licensed official, but they offer mobile services, coming to your location for added convenience, often at a premium fee.

Do all documents for notarization need to be in Arabic?

Yes. A document must either be entirely in Arabic or in a bilingual format with Arabic and another language in two columns on the same page. A document only in English or another language will not be accepted by the Dubai Notary Public.

Can I get a Power of Attorney notarized if I am outside the UAE?

You cannot use the in-person Dubai Notary Public service if you are abroad. However, you have two options: 1) Notarize the POA at a UAE Embassy in your current country, or 2) Use Dubai's modern E-Notary platform for a remote video-conference notarization, which we can facilitate.

Notary Public Services – Dubai Notary Services

The Pillar of Legal Authenticity in the UAE

Notary Public services form the bedrock of legal documentation and transactional integrity in Dubai and across the UAE. A Notary Public is not just a legal professional; they are a government-appointed official, operating under the direct jurisdiction of authorities like the Dubai Courts. Their fundamental role is to act as an impartial public officer to deter fraud and ensure that legal documents are executed with full understanding and free will by all parties involved.

The Notary's seal is a powerful symbol of authenticity. When affixed to a document, it certifies that the identities of the signatories have been rigorously verified, that they have acknowledged their signatures in the Notary's presence, and that the act complies with the strict legal statutes of the UAE. This official act gives documents the legal weight required for them to be recognized and enforced by other government bodies, courts, and commercial entities.

Official Functions of a Dubai Notary Public

The scope of a Notary Public in Dubai is specific and vital. They are authorized to handle a range of critical documents that underpin business and personal life in the emirate:

Powers of Attorney (General & Special): The most common function. A POA is a powerful document granting another person the legal right to act on your behalf. A Notary Public ensures the person granting this power (the Principal) is doing so willingly and understands the implications.
Memorandums of Association (MOA): For the establishment of many types of companies in the UAE, the MOA must be notarized to become a legally binding foundational document for the business.
Legal Affidavits and Declarations: These are sworn statements of fact. The Notary Public administers an oath and witnesses the signature, making the statement admissible in legal or official proceedings.
Real Estate Contracts: While many property transactions are handled by the Dubai Land Department, certain related agreements and declarations may require notarization to be enforceable.
Judicial Notices and Warnings: A Notary Public can officially issue legal notices on behalf of individuals or companies, creating an official record of the communication.

A view of the Dubai skyline, representing business and corporate law.

The Formal Notarization Process: A Step-by-Step Procedure

Unlike more flexible services, the official Notary Public process follows a strict, formal procedure to ensure maximum legal integrity.

Expert Document Drafting: Before approaching the Notary, the document (e.g., a POA) must be drafted perfectly. It must be clear, unambiguous, and fully compliant with UAE law. Our firm specializes in drafting these documents to prevent rejection.
Legal Translation: A critical step. All documents submitted to a Dubai Notary Public must be in Arabic or in a bilingual format (Arabic and English). If your document is only in English, it must first be translated by a Ministry of Justice-certified legal translator.
Appointment and In-Person Visit: An appointment is made at an official Notary Public branch (e.g., Al Twar, Al Barsha). All signatories must attend this appointment in person; representation is generally not permitted.
Rigorous Identity Verification: In the presence of the Notary, all individuals must present their original, valid Emirates ID (for UAE residents) or Passport (for non-residents). Photocopies are not accepted.
Execution and Official Seal: The individuals will sign the document directly in front of the Notary Public. The Notary then affixes their official seal and signature and records the transaction in their official register, rendering the document legally effective.

Language & Translation Requirements

The language requirement is one of the most critical aspects of the Dubai Notary Public system. The official language of the courts and government is Arabic. Therefore, any document presented for notarization must be in Arabic. For the convenience of the diverse population, a bilingual format is accepted, where one column is in English and the adjacent column is its official Arabic translation. A document solely in English will be rejected. Our service includes coordinating with certified legal translators to ensure your documents meet this mandatory requirement without any errors or delays.