Who Can Make an Affidavit in the UAE?

 An affidavit is a written statement made under oath or affirmation, declaring that the information provided is true and accurate. In the United Arab Emirates, an affidavit is commonly used for legal, personal, commercial, and immigration-related matters. Understanding who can make an affidavit in the UAE is important because the document must follow certain legal procedures to be accepted by courts, government authorities, embassies, and private institutions.

In general, any competent adult individual can make an affidavit in the UAE, provided they meet the legal requirements and the statement relates to facts within their personal knowledge. The affidavit must usually be signed in front of an authorized legal officer, notary public, or relevant authority depending on the nature of the matter.

Individuals Who Can Make an Affidavit in the UAE

Any person who is at least 18 years old and mentally competent can prepare and sign an affidavit in the UAE. The individual must understand the contents of the affidavit and confirm that the information stated is true. The affidavit can be made by UAE nationals as well as expatriates living in the country.

People often use an affidavit for matters such as:

• Confirming identity or nationality
• Declaring marital status
• Verifying income or employment
• Confirming ownership of property
• Supporting court proceedings
• Declaring financial obligations
• Providing witness statements
• Immigration and visa applications

The person making the affidavit is known as the “deponent” or “affiant.” The deponent must personally appear before the relevant authority when signing the affidavit.

Can Foreign Nationals Make an Affidavit in the UAE?

Yes, foreign nationals can make an affidavit in the UAE. Since the UAE has a large expatriate population, affidavits are frequently prepared by residents from different countries for both local and international purposes.

For example, expatriates may require an affidavit for:

• Sponsorship applications
• Educational admissions
• Embassy documentation
• Family matters
• Property transactions
• Business disputes
• International legal proceedings

In many cases, foreign nationals may need the affidavit translated into Arabic because Arabic is the official language used in UAE courts and government departments. Certified legal translation may also be required before submission.

Can Companies Make an Affidavit?

A company itself cannot physically swear an affidavit, but an authorized representative of the company can do so on behalf of the organization. This is usually a director, manager, shareholder, or legal representative who has authority to act for the business.

Corporate affidavits may be used for:

• Commercial disputes
• Debt recovery matters
• Contract verification
• Company ownership declarations
• Compliance matters
• Financial claims
• Court proceedings

The representative may need to provide supporting documents such as a trade license, board resolution, or power of attorney to prove authorization.

Role of Notary Public in an Affidavit

In the UAE, affidavits are generally notarized before they become legally recognized. A notary public verifies the identity of the person signing the affidavit and confirms that the signature was made voluntarily.

The notary public may ask for:

• Emirates ID or passport
• Residency visa copy
• Supporting documents
• Draft affidavit text
• Translation documents if required

Once the affidavit is signed and notarized, it can be used for official legal purposes. Some affidavits may also require attestation from additional authorities depending on where the document will be used.

Affidavit Requirements in the UAE

To prepare a valid affidavit in the UAE, certain conditions should be met:

1. Truthful Information

The affidavit must contain accurate and truthful information. Providing false statements in an affidavit can result in legal penalties.

2. Personal Knowledge

The deponent should only include facts that are within their own knowledge unless specifically stating information received from another source.

3. Proper Identification

Valid identification documents must be presented during notarization.

4. Legal Language Requirements

Many UAE authorities require the affidavit in Arabic. If the original document is in English or another language, certified legal translation may be necessary.

5. Signature Before Authorized Authority

The affidavit should usually be signed before a notary public or authorized officer to ensure authenticity.

Can Someone Make an Affidavit for Another Person?

Generally, an affidavit should be made personally by the individual who knows the facts stated in the document. However, in some situations, a person with legal authority, such as someone holding a power of attorney, may sign certain declarations on behalf of another person.

For example:

• Parents may act for minors
• Legal guardians may act for incapacitated individuals
• Company representatives may act for businesses

The authority to act on behalf of another person must usually be supported by legal documentation.

Importance of an Affidavit in UAE Legal Matters

An affidavit serves as important documentary evidence in many legal and administrative procedures in the UAE. Courts, government agencies, banks, embassies, and business entities may request an affidavit to verify facts or declarations.

Because the affidavit is made under oath, it carries legal significance and can influence the outcome of disputes or official applications. Any false declaration may expose the deponent to civil or criminal liability under UAE law.

Conclusion

In the UAE, any mentally competent adult who has personal knowledge of certain facts can make an affidavit. Both UAE nationals and expatriates are permitted to prepare affidavits for personal, commercial, or legal purposes. Businesses may also submit affidavits through authorized representatives. To ensure validity, the affidavit usually needs notarization, proper identification, and in many cases, Arabic legal translation. Since affidavits carry legal weight, accuracy and compliance with UAE legal procedures are essential when preparing such documents