Key takeaways
- In Dubai, notary work is done mainly by government notaries, private notaries on the courts' roll and the e-notary system.
- In some countries, a lawyer or solicitor certifies documents before the foreign ministry stage.
- Notarisation usually comes first; MOFA attestation follows for documents going abroad.
- Private notary fees from 2 January 2026: AED 100 per party registered, AED 100 per signature.
- DIFC Courts' notary service offers notarisation by secure video.
The difference
| Lawyer attestation (abroad) | Notary in Dubai | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | A lawyer or solicitor, where that country allows it | Mainly government notaries, private notaries on the roll and e-notary |
| Typical work | Certifying copies, witnessing signatures | Signatures, contracts, affidavits, POAs |
| What comes next | That country's foreign ministry, UAE embassy, MOFA | MOFA if the document goes abroad |
| Legal basis | That country's rules | Law No. 4 of 2013 as amended by Law No. 26 of 2021 |
What a Dubai notary can do
A government notary can register documents and contracts, attest the parties' signatures, validate their dates, register and attest affidavits after administering an oath, attest signatures on non-Muslim marriage contracts, and attest non-Muslim wills. Private notaries charge under the decision in force from 2 January 2026: AED 100 per party registered, AED 100 per signature and AED 1,000 if the notary travels to you, plus office and notary fees. DIFC Courts runs its own notary service with notarisation by video.
Which one do you need?
- Document signed in Dubai for use abroad: a Dubai notary, then MOFA, then any destination country steps.
- Document signed abroad for use in Dubai: a notary or lawyer in that country, its foreign ministry, the UAE embassy, then MOFA.
- Power of attorney: notarised where signed. See power of attorney in Dubai.
- Copy of a certificate: the issuer or a notary. See true copy rejections.
A note on lawyers
Notarising a document isn't legal advice. If you need advice on what a document says or does, or representation in court, that's for a licensed advocate. Global Sky PRO is not a law firm and doesn't give legal advice. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022, representing clients before the courts is reserved for licensed advocates, apart from limited exceptions for close relatives.
We type documents, prepare copies and help you reach the right notary, then handle MOFA. See lawyer attestation.
Sources
- Dubai Legislation Portal: Law No. 26 of 2021 amending the notaries law
- Dubai Legislation Portal: Resolution No. 137 of 2022 on digital notary public services
- Dubai Media Office: private notary fees from 2 January 2026
- DIFC Courts: notary service
- MOFA: attestation FAQs
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.