Dubai has approved a Digital Authorisation System that will let a relative, colleague or representative handle certain government transactions for you without a notary. However, there is no launch date yet, and officials have not published the list of services.
Soon, you will be able to let someone else handle certain Dubai government transactions for you without visiting a notary or attesting a document. The Dubai Executive Council approved the new Digital Authorisation System on 27 October 2026, but no launch date has been announced.
So you cannot use it today. Here is what officials have confirmed, what they haven’t, and how to prepare.
What the Digital Authorisation System is
It is a digital way to give another person permission to act for you with government entities. You create, manage and activate the authorisation online, in real time, with no paperwork.
Digital Dubai developed the system and will run it. The Executive Council, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, approved it at its meeting on 27 October 2026.
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How it will work
Your identity is verified through UAE PASS, the national digital identity. The system aims to work across government apps and service channels, so one authorisation should not depend on a single app.
So far, the authorities have not published step-by-step instructions. Based on what officials have announced so far, expect the process to look broadly like this, though the details may change:
- Sign in with UAE PASS.
- Create an authorisation naming the person who will act for you.
- Activate it digitally.
- Manage or cancel it later through the same system.
Treat these steps as the general outline only. Digital Dubai will set the actual flow.
What it replaces
Until now, letting someone act for you has often meant preparing a power of attorney or getting papers attested. That takes time and can cost money. The new system is meant to remove that step for the transactions it covers.
Who benefits most
- Working professionals who cannot take time off to visit service centres.
- Families where one person handles paperwork for parents or relatives.
- Residents who are travelling but need a routine transaction completed.
- Businesses that delegate routine tasks to staff.
What it will not cover (for now)
The system starts with low-risk government transactions only. That is the key limit. Property sales, major financial matters and similar high-stakes dealings are not confirmed as included, so do not assume a digital authorisation can replace a notarised power of attorney for them.
The authorities have not yet published the list of covered services. Until they do, keep using your current process for anything important.
The targets Dubai has set
According to the council, the system aims for:
- A fully digital customer experience.
- 100 per cent effectiveness in reducing fraud, disputes and operational risk.
- A score of 90 per cent on the Customer Effort Index, which measures how easy a service is to use.
These are goals, not results. Real performance will only be clear after launch.
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How to prepare now
Set up UAE PASS
Identity checks run through UAE PASS, so you will almost certainly need an account. If you do not have one, set it up through the official UAE PASS app. The person you authorise may need one too, though that has not been confirmed.
Keep your Emirates ID valid
An expired Emirates ID can cause problems with digital identity services. Check your expiry date now.
Choose someone you trust
Anyone you authorise can act on your behalf for the covered services. Pick carefully, and once the system launches, check how to review and cancel authorisations.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming it is live. It is approved, not launched.
- Dropping your power of attorney plans too early. If you need one for a major transaction, arrange it the usual way.
- Trusting unofficial offers. If anyone offers early access or charges you to set it up, be cautious. Use official Digital Dubai and UAE PASS channels only.
Part of a Wider Package
The authorisation system was one of three policies approved at the same meeting. The council also approved an Urban Centres Development Plan worth more than Dh2 billion and a Sustainable Population Planning Policy, which links population forecasts with Dubai’s economic and urban plans.
Khaleej Journal will update this article once Digital Dubai confirms the launch date and the list of services covered.
FAQs
Can I use Dubai’s Digital Authorisation System now?
No. The Dubai Executive Council approved it on 27 October 2026, but no launch date has been announced. Digital Dubai is expected to confirm details later.
Do I need a notary for the new digital authorisation?
For the transactions it covers, no. The system is designed to work without a notary or document attestation. Only low-risk government transactions are included for now, and the full list is not yet published.
How is my identity verified?
Through UAE PASS, the national digital identity. The system is designed to work across government apps and service channels.
Will it replace a power of attorney?
Not entirely. It starts with low-risk government services. For major matters such as property or financial transactions, assume you still need the usual legal route unless Digital Dubai says otherwise.
