Can Power of Attorney Dubai be used for making medical and educational decisions for children?

 

Yes, a Power of Attorney Dubai can be an invaluable tool for parents or guardians to authorize another trusted person to make medical and educational decisions for their children when they are unavailable. In family matters, especially for expatriate parents, divorced couples, or those with demanding work schedules, a properly executed POA ensures that children’s health, safety, and education are continuously managed without legal or administrative disruption.

Under UAE law, parents or legal guardians have the primary authority to make decisions regarding a child’s medical care and education. However, situations often arise where the parent is temporarily abroad, traveling, or otherwise unable to be present. In these cases, granting a Power of Attorney Dubai to a responsible adult—such as a relative, family friend, or legal representative—allows the agent to act on the parent’s behalf for specific purposes.

For medical matters, a POA can authorize the agent to:

1. Consent to medical treatments or procedures – This is critical in emergencies when the parent cannot be reached immediately. Hospitals often require legal authorization before performing certain treatments, and a notarized POA provides this authority.

2. Access medical records – The agent can liaise with doctors, clinics, or hospitals to obtain medical records necessary for ongoing care.

3. Manage health insurance claims – For families with private medical coverage, a POA can authorize the agent to process insurance claims and ensure timely payment of medical expenses.

4. Coordinate specialist appointments – Regular checkups, vaccinations, or specialist consultations can be scheduled and managed through the agent.

In educational matters, a Power of Attorney Dubai can authorize the agent to:

1. Enroll children in schools or educational programs – This is particularly useful when parents are abroad or busy with work commitments.

2. Sign academic documents – Agents can sign report cards, school permissions, or consent forms required by institutions.

3. Attend parent-teacher meetings – Regular communication between the school and parents is vital for a child’s educational development. A POA allows the agent to participate in meetings and provide updates to the parents.

4. Handle disciplinary or administrative issues – Agents can communicate with school authorities to resolve academic or behavioral concerns.

It is essential to understand that the Power of Attorney Dubai must be clearly drafted to specify the exact scope of authority. A general POA grants wide-ranging powers, but in family matters, a specific or limited POA is often preferred. This ensures that the agent can act only within the designated areas, such as medical care or education, and prevents unauthorized decisions.

Proper notarization is mandatory for the POA to be legally recognized in Dubai. The document must be signed before a licensed notary public, and if issued abroad, it may require attestation and translation into Arabic. Educational institutions and medical facilities in Dubai typically require notarized POAs to recognize the agent’s authority.

Parents should also regularly review and, if necessary, update their POAs to reflect changing circumstances. For instance, once a child reaches a certain age or the parent becomes available again, the POA can be revoked or amended. Clear communication with the appointed agent ensures that the child’s best interests are always the top priority.

Using a Power of Attorney Dubai in these contexts offers several advantages:

• Continuity of care – Children receive consistent medical attention and educational supervision even when parents are temporarily unavailable.

• Legal clarity – Hospitals, clinics, and schools recognize the POA as a valid authorization, reducing potential disputes or delays.

• Flexibility – Parents can appoint different agents for medical and educational matters, depending on their expertise or availability.

• Protection – Properly drafted POAs protect both the principal and the agent from misunderstandings, ensuring decisions are made in the child’s best interest.

It is important to note that a POA does not replace parental rights. It simply delegates authority for specific purposes. Custody and guardianship decisions remain under court jurisdiction, and the POA cannot override court orders regarding custody, travel, or guardianship restrictions.

In conclusion, Power of Attorney Dubai is an effective and practical legal instrument for parents and guardians to manage their children’s medical and educational needs when they are unavailable. When carefully drafted, notarized, and limited to the intended purposes, a POA ensures that children receive uninterrupted care and guidance, while parents maintain control over major decisions and compliance with UAE law.