Contracts and obligations · Legal glossary
General power of attorneyIn Arabic: الوكالة العامة
Definition
A general power of attorney is الوكالة العامة in Arabic: an agency that is not confined to one specified act. The effect of general wording is not the same across the GCC.
How it varies across the GCC
In Saudi Arabia an agency in general words that does not specify the type of act is void (Civil Transactions Law, article 482). In Oman a general agency covers every matter that can be delegated, but not a gift, a settlement, a release, arbitration or a loan unless the instrument says so, and general words with no clear purpose allow only administration and preservation. In the UAE, article 869 of Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 allows a general agency. The articles that fix its scope are under review.
The rules that apply to a specific matter depend on the state, any free zone involved and the current text of the law, so check the official source before relying on them.
Basis by country
| Country | Basis |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025, article 869, in force on 1 June 2026: an agency may be general, special, conditional or deferred. The articles on the scope of a general agency are under review. |
| Saudi Arabia | Civil Transactions Law, article 482: an agency in general words that does not specify the type of act is void. |
| Bahrain | Under review |
| Qatar | Under review |
| Kuwait | Under review |
| Oman | Civil Transactions Law, article 675: a general agency covers every matter that can be delegated. Article 677: it covers exchanges and dispositions, not a gift, settlement, release, arbitration or a loan unless stated. Article 678: general words with no clear purpose allow only administration and preservation. |
Sources
Official texts for the points on this page. General information, not legal advice. An article number is cited only where it was verified.
- Saudi Civil Transactions Law, art. 482https://laws.boe.gov.sa/BoeLaws/Laws/LawDetails/655fdb42-8c96-422b-b8c4-b04f0095c94c/1
- Oman Civil Transactions Law, Royal Decree 29/2013 (text on qanoon.om), art. 675, 677, 678https://qanoon.om/p/2013/rd2013029/
- UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 (in force 1 June 2026), art. 869https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/4011