Affidavit Of Possession Template for the United Arab Emirates

An Affidavit of Possession is a legally binding sworn statement that you use to formally declare your possession of property or assets under United Arab Emirates law. This document serves as official evidence of your claim and must be notarized according to UAE Federal Law No. 22 of 1991 to be legally valid. When properly executed, it becomes a crucial piece of documentary evidence that can be presented in court proceedings, government offices, or administrative matters throughout the UAE.

When do you need this document?

You need an Affidavit of Possession when establishing your claim to property or assets in situations where formal documentation may be incomplete or disputed. This commonly occurs during property registration processes with UAE municipalities, when resolving boundary disputes with neighbors, or when claiming ownership of inherited assets without clear title deeds. Real estate professionals often require this document when processing property transfers, particularly for older properties where historical records may be incomplete. You may also need this affidavit when applying for utility connections, seeking building permits, or during legal proceedings involving property rights. Government authorities frequently request this document as supporting evidence for various administrative processes related to property ownership and possession claims.

Key legal considerations

Your Affidavit of Possession must include comprehensive details about the property or asset, including exact location, boundaries, size, and distinguishing features. You must clearly state the basis and duration of your possession, providing specific dates and circumstances of how you acquired possession. The document requires your full legal details including Emirates ID number, nationality, and current address. Any joint possessors must be identified and may need to co-sign the affidavit. You must include supporting documentation references such as utility bills, tax receipts, or witness statements that corroborate your possession claim. Be extremely careful about accuracy, as making false statements in a sworn affidavit constitutes perjury under UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 and can result in serious criminal penalties including imprisonment.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

Under UAE Federal Law No. 22 of 1991, your Affidavit of Possession must be notarized by a licensed UAE notary public to be legally valid. The document must be prepared in both Arabic and English, with the Arabic version serving as the authoritative text in case of discrepancies. You must appear in person before the notary with valid Emirates ID or passport for identity verification. UAE Federal Law No. 10 of 1992 requires that the affidavit meet specific evidentiary standards, including clear identification of the subject property and detailed factual statements about your possession. Some emirates may have additional requirements through local property registration authorities, so check with the relevant municipality before finalizing your document. The affidavit must be executed voluntarily without coercion, and you may be required to provide witnesses depending on the specific circumstances and local regulations.