We’re sure you’re already familiar with the terms notarize, public notary, and notarization. They’re often part of our work or even our personal dealings. There can also be giant placards that you’ve seen advertising notarial services.
To those who are not aware of anything regarding document notarization in UAE, there is one thing you have to remember. So-called notaries that are providing notarial services on carry on tables and chairs are fake! In this article, we’ll give you a quick guide on notary of documents in UAE and what notarization really means. Read on!
Who or what is a Public notary in Dubai/UAE?
In Dubai, the local authorities have allowed designated public officials and private notaries to provide notary services in UAE. According to the legislation, public and private notaries are those who have law degrees, no criminal convictions, and UAE nationals. Any Arab national can also be excluded from the condition provided that the work experience of the professional as a public notary isn’t less than 10 years. Also, the local authorities have to provide their approval on the law firm or lawyer to perform notarial acts. Those who are given the license in operating as private notaries in Dubai have already undergone all the training courses and oath taking with the Chief Justice or Executive Judge.
What is the purpose of notary of documents?
A public notary in Dubai notarizes documents in order to prove that personal appearance has been provided for by document signatories and signatures on the documents are genuine. A public notary will verify or authenticate a document to make it legal for due execution and admissible in court as evidence. The general public, administrative agencies, and courts are reliant on acknowledgement that is executed by public notaries in UAE.
You may want to know: Difference Of Document Notarization And Document Authentication In UAE
What can a public notary do for me?
A public notary in UAE is allocated special powers in order to perform notarial acts, such as the following:
- Oaths and affirmations;
- Acknowledgements;
- Witnessing of signatures;
- Copy certificates; and
- All other acts authorized by local authorities
A notary public in Dubai is also authorized in certifying affixing of signatures with thumbmarks or other marks on documents that are presented for notarization in UAE. A notary public may also be given authorization in signing on an individual’s behalf who may not be able to sign or create a mark on documents.
Find more detail: Importance Of Document Notarization In UAE
What are the acts that are prohibited for notaries in UAE?
A notary public is not allowed in notarizing a document outside the place of business or work. This is why mobile notaries simply acquire the documents for notarization and deliver them when they have been notarized. Also, if a public notary is given notarial commission within a certain jurisdiction, it won’t be able to notarize in other places (subject to certain exemptions to the rule).
Additionally, a notary public in Dubai won’t be able to notarize a document if a signatory isn’t present during the time of document notarization and if there isn’t any evidence of identity provided. Lastly, a notary can’t notarize if it is a party to an instrument that’s to be notarized. A private notary in Dubai is considered a party if it receives a fee, right, commission, property, cash, or any other type of consideration.
Read more: Notarization Of Documents In Foreign Languages
What documents should be notarized?
Most documents are not considered legal or enforceable in UAE if they have not been notarized. The reason for this is to provide sufficient protection to concerned parties from potential fraud. A notary in UAE will ensure that all those who sign a document are, in fact, doing so willingly or were not forced. A legal document will need a signature or official seal from a public notary.
Among the legal documents that is to be notarized is a will. Deeds and trusts also are common kinds of legal documents which require public notaries in Dubai to witness for the document signing. A document such as a deed, will, or trust involves asset transfer from an individual’s ownership to a different party.
Medical documents also have to undergo the proper notarization process. A document that explains medical treatments which a party plans on having has to be notarized. All medical documents offer detailed instructions with respect to the health or medical care an individual’s wants. They are to be notarized in order to avoid any disputes among family members and relatives and for doctors to be aware of the patient’s wishes when he/she isn’t able to communicate them.
If you wish to know more regarding the notarization of documents in UAE, call us here in Private Notary Dubai! You can have a quick conversation with our team over the phone or book a consultation to find out how we can help you with our notary services in UAE.
Hassan Humaid Al Suwaidi is a UAE Citizen and the founder of the firm HHS Lawyers. He has a vast experience of 20 years of dealing with high-value and complex notary requirements. Hassan has been involved in some of the largest legal settlements in the UAE and is commended for his ability to attain the most favourable outcomes for his clients.
