Notary Services in Abu Dhabi: ADJD & ADGM Notarization by Licensed Private Notaries

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Notarization is a critical legal step to authenticate documents, verify signatures, and prevent fraud in the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, notary services are governed by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Courts.

Whether you need a Power of Attorney (POA), a commercial contract notarized, or a Non-Muslim Will registered, the process must comply with strict UAE laws.

Who Can Notarize Documents in Abu Dhabi? (Your 3 Options)

You have three primary channels for notarization, and we can assist with all of them.

1️⃣ Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) – The Public Authority

The main government entity for all notarization in Abu Dhabi. They handle personal, commercial, and corporate documents.

Services: Offers standard notarization and a dedicated English Language Notary Services Bureau for documents in English, saving you time and translation costs.
Process: Requires an online application and appointment scheduling.
We Help: We manage your application, document upload, and appointment booking via the ADJD system.

2️⃣ ADGM Courts Notary Public – For Free Zones & Non-Muslim Wills

Located in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) free zone, this notary specializes in:

Business Documents: For companies registered in ADGM or other free zones.
Non-Muslim Wills & Probate: Registering wills for expatriates under common law principles, providing security for your assets and family.
Process: All appointments are booked through the ADGM eCourts Platform.
We Help: We guide you through the specific ADGM requirements, draft bilingual wills, and schedule your virtual or in-person appointment.

3️⃣ Licensed Private Notaries – Faster & More Flexible

Licensed by the ADJD, private notaries are qualified lawyers who can perform the same notarization functions as the public authority but often with faster turnaround times and more personalized service.

Why Choose a Private Notary: Ideal for urgent corporate matters, complex contracts, and clients who prefer a more consultative approach.
Our Network: GloboPrime works directly with a panel of licensed private notaries in Abu Dhabi. This allows us to offer you premium, fast-track notarization services without the administrative hassle of dealing with government queues.

Why Notary Services in Abu Dhabi are Important?

Notary services are legally required for various business and personal transactions. These include:

✅ Business & Corporate Transactions – Power of Attorney (POA), contracts, company formations.
✅ Property & Real Estate Transactions – Buying, selling, and leasing properties.
✅ Personal Status Matters – Marriage, divorce, guardianship agreements.
✅ Employment & Work Visas – Employment contracts, experience certificates.
✅ Legal Disputes & Litigation – Sworn declarations, legal affidavits.
✅ International Document Use – Requires attestation for use outside the UAE (via MOFA).

If you need notarization for business, real estate, employment, or residency, we can assist you with Abu Dhabi’s notary procedures to help you complete the process efficiently.

Ministry of Justice (MOJ) E-Notary Services

The UAE Ministry of Justice offers a fully digital “E-Notary” service (moj.gov.ae) for certain documents. This is the fastest and most affordable option for eligible users.

Feature	Details
Who It’s For	UAE Nationals and residents with a valid UAE PASS digital ID.
Process	Fully online – no physical appointment required.
Document Language	System is primarily Arabic; documents may need Arabic translation.
Official Fees	AED 100 – AED 1,000 depending on document type, plus knowledge dirham fees.
Best For	Straightforward POAs, contracts, and corporate documents where all parties have UAE PASS.

✅ Eligible Documents (Examples)

Standard Powers of Attorney
Simple commercial contracts
Declarations
Corporate resolutions (for eligible entities)

Types of Notary Services Available in Abu Dhabi

A. General Notary Services (ADJD & ADGM)

✅ Contract Authentication – Business, property, and employment contracts.
✅ Power of Attorney (POA) – Personal & corporate POA notarization.
✅ Signature Verification – Ensuring authenticity of signatures.
✅ Affidavits & Sworn Declarations – Personal and legal matters.

B. English Notary Services Bureau (ADJD)

✅ 100% Online notarization in English (no need for Arabic translation).
✅ Covers business contracts, resolutions & declarations.
✅ Available worldwide for UAE & international users.

C. Personal Status & Family Law Notarization

✅ Marriage Contracts (Islamic & non-Muslim agreements).
✅ Guardianship & Custody Agreements.
✅ Non-Muslim Wills – Notarized by ADGM Courts.

D. Business & Commercial Notarization

✅ Company formation documents – Trade license agreements.
✅ Board resolutions & shareholder agreements.
✅ Real estate & lease agreements.

🔹 Important: If your document is for use outside the UAE, you may need additional MOFA attestation after notarization.

Power of Attorney (POA) Notarization in Abu Dhabi – ADJD & ADGM

Notary Locations & Working Hours in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Notary Public Locations

Branch Name	Location	Working Hours	Contact
ADJD Main Building	Abu Dhabi	08:00 AM – 06:00 PM	02-6512912
Economic Development	Abu Dhabi	08:00 AM – 02:00 PM	02-6953640
Chamber of Commerce	Abu Dhabi	08:00 AM – 02:00 PM	02-6514113
Al Jazeera Club – Tas’heel	Abu Dhabi	08:00 AM – 02:00 PM	02-6512210
Bani Yas Court	Abu Dhabi	08:00 AM – 02:00 PM	02-6512911
Al Ain Judicial Services	Al Ain	08:00 AM – 06:00 PM	03-7047090
Al Ruwais Court	Al Dhafra	08:00 AM – 02:00 PM	02-6513240

ADGM Courts Notary Public

Location: Level 3, ADGM Authorities Building (near Rosewood Hotel).
Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 AM – 05:00 PM.
Contact: 📩 notarypublic@adgmcourts.com |
+971 2 333 8986.
Appointments: Must be booked via
ADGM eCourts Platform.

Notary Public Services in Abu Dhabi

What is the step-by-step process for notarizing a document at ADGM Courts in Abu Dhabi?

ADGM Courts Notarisation Process

1️⃣ Platform & Documents: Submit your notarization request via the ADGM e-Courts Platform , attaching the document(s) and any relevant supporting materials.
2️⃣ Initial Assessment: The notary office evaluates the submitted materials to ensure compliance with Abu Dhabi Law No. (11) of 2017 and ADGM Courts’ guidelines.
3️⃣ Further Documentation/Amendments: If additional documents or changes are required, you will receive an email outlining the necessary updates. Resubmission: Once updates are made, resubmit your request for review.
4️⃣ Prohibited by Law or Out of Scope: Certain documents may be disallowed under Abu Dhabi Law No. (11) of 2017, or your request may be beyond the notary’s remit. Notification: You will be informed of the reason for rejection.
5️⃣ Next Steps for Appointment: If approved, authorized signatories must email notarypublic@adgmcourts.com to request an appointment, including document details and signatories.
6️⃣ Meeting Coordination: The notary office provides a virtual meeting link (e.g., Webex) with an ID and passcode. Instructions on required original IDs and documents will be shared.
7️⃣ Virtual Meeting: Log in at the scheduled time.
- ✅ Present original identification (e.g., passport) for verification.
- ✅ Confirm the accuracy of the document(s) to be notarized.
- ✅ The notary verifies documents, collects electronic signatures, and completes the notarization.
8️⃣ Final Steps: Payment details and receipts are sent via SMS or email. Final notarized documents or confirmation will be provided as per ADGM Courts’ procedures.

Legal Document Notarization in Abu Dhabi

How to Notarize a Document in Abu Dhabi? (Step-by-Step Process)

1️⃣ Submit a Notarization Request

Apply online via the
ADJD website
or the ADGM eCourts Platform.

2️⃣ Document Review & Approval

The notary public will review your submitted documents to ensure compliance with Abu Dhabi notarization regulations.

3️⃣ Pay the Notarization Fees

Securely pay the required notarization fees online before proceeding with the verification process.

4️⃣ Attend Appointment & Verify Identity

Attend your scheduled appointment in person or through ADJD Webex for remote identity verification.

5️⃣ Receive Your Notarized Document

Once approved, you will receive a digitally notarized document via email or as a downloadable file.

Required Documents for Notarization

Essential Documents (May Vary by Service)

✅ Original document to be notarized
✅ Valid ID (Emirates ID or passport) for all signatories

Remote Notarization (ADJD)

✅ Principal must have a valid Emirates ID

Power of Attorney (POA) Notarization

✅ Passport copy of the principal
✅ Residence visa (if applicable)
✅ Supporting documents (e.g., title deeds, vehicle registration)
✅ Board/shareholder resolution (for company-related POAs)

Non-Muslim Wills at ADGM Courts

✅ Bilingual will (Arabic & English)
✅ Certified legal translation (Ministry of Justice)
✅ Testator’s personal details (matching Emirates ID)

Other Key Requirements

✅ Arabic translation may be needed unless using ADJD’s English Notary Services Bureau
✅ Documents must not violate laws, fall under another entity’s jurisdiction, or have notary restrictions
✅ International use? Further MOFA or embassy attestation may be required

Appointment Booking for Notary Services

1. Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Notary Public

✅ Mandatory Appointment: Booking is required after fee payment.
✅ Remote & In-Person Notarization: Choose between Webex remote sessions or in-person visits.
✅ POA Online Notarization: After approval, applicants must select an available Webex appointment slot.

2. ADGM Courts Notary Public

✅ Booking via ADGM eCourts Platform: All appointments must be scheduled online.
✅ Check FAQs Before Scheduling: Review ADGM guidelines before booking.
✅ POA Notarization Requirement: The signing director must attend the Webex appointment with their passport and a certified company resolution.

How to Notarize a Document in Abu Dhabi? (Step-by-Step Guide)

To notarize a document in Abu Dhabi, follow these 5 simple steps:

1️⃣ Prepare Your Document

Ensure the document is complete and accurate before submission. If the document is in English, translation into Arabic may be required unless using the English Notary Services Bureau.

2️⃣ Choose Your Notary Type

✔️ Public Notary (ADJD) – For standard notarization.
✔️ Private Notary – For urgent or corporate services.
✔️ ADGM Courts Notary Public – For business & free zone companies.

3️⃣ Submit Your Application

Public Notary (ADJD): Apply online at adjd.gov.ae or visit a notary office.
ADGM Courts Notary: Book through the eCourts Platform at adgm.com.
Private Notary: Contact a licensed private notary office.

4️⃣ Verify Your Identity

Present a valid Emirates ID or passport. For business documents, provide a trade license and shareholder agreements.

5️⃣ Pay Fees & Receive Notarized Document

Pay the notarization fee (varies based on document type). If notarizing online, receive a digital notarized copy. If in-person, collect the stamped document.

Done! Your document is now officially notarized and legally valid in Abu Dhabi.

Need More Help?

Book a notary appointment today!

How We Can Help You

Our dedicated team is here to streamline every step of the notarization, attestation, and translation process in Abu Dhabi. From initial document review to final attestation, we ensure a hassle-free experience. Here’s what we offer:

Expert Consultation

✔️ We analyze your documents and advise on the best notary channel (ADJD, ADGM Courts, or Private Notary).
✔️ Clarify legal requirements, translations, and supporting evidence needed for notarization or attestation.

Appointment Handling

✔️ We assist in scheduling appointments—either in-person or virtual—based on your availability.
✔️ Manage your eCourts or ADJD account, ensuring each phase is completed correctly and on time.

Document Preparation & Drafting

✔️ Assistance in drafting Powers of Attorney, contracts, wills, and declarations in compliance with UAE legal standards.
✔️ Coordinate certified translations for legal and official documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Attestation & Legalization

✔️ Comprehensive document attestation services for embassies, ministries, and legal authorities.
✔️ Assistance with UAE MOFA attestation and embassy legalizations for international document use.

End-to-End Support

✔️ Guide you through payment processes and legal formalities.
✔️ Quick resolution for challenges such as remote verification issues and document amendments.

By choosing our services, you minimize the risk of delays, errors, and potential rejections, ensuring a fast, compliant, and hassle-free experience for all your notary, attestation, and translation needs in Abu Dhabi.

Educational Documents

Personal Documents

Marriage Certificate Attestation
Birth Certificate Attestation
School Leaving Certificate Attestation
Divorce Certificate Attestation
Transfer Certificate Attestation
Medical Certificate Attestation
Death Certificate Attestation
Experience Certificate Attestation

Commercial Documents

Board Resolution Attestation
Commercial Invoices Attestation
Certificate of Origin Attestation
Memorandum of Article Attestation
Shareholders Resolution Attestation
Certificate of Incorporation Attestation
Memorandum of Association Attestation
Articles of Association Attestation

Embassies Attestation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between a Private Notary and a Public Notary in Abu Dhabi?

Both public notaries and private notaries serve the same legal function—to notarize documents and certify their authenticity. However, there are key differences in how they operate:

Feature	Public Notary (ADJD)	Private Notary
Authority	Government official under Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)	Licensed by ADJD but operates independently
Processing Time	Standard waiting times due to high volume of requests	Faster service and priority processing
Fees	Government-regulated, lower fees	Higher fees due to premium services
Location	Notary offices under ADJD, including Judicial Department, Economic Department, and Chamber of Commerce	Law firms, legal consultancies
Service Flexibility	Standard business hours, limited urgent services	Extended hours, remote & mobile notarization
Use Case	Suitable for personal, business, and government-related notarization	Best for urgent notarization, business deals, and legal contracts

If I register a Non-Muslim Will with ADGM Courts, why does probate go through ADJD, and what does this mean for my heirs?

This is the most misunderstood aspect of ADGM wills. The ADGM Courts Notary Public registers and notarizes your will, but it does not handle probate. Here's the complete breakdown:

The Two-Stage Process:

Stage 1: Registration (ADGM Courts)

Your will is drafted under common law principles.
Notarized in bilingual format (Arabic/English) with MOJ-licensed translation.
Registered in the ADGM Wills Registry.
Cost: ADGM review fee + ADJD registration fee.

Stage 2: Probate (ADJD Wills and Probate Office)

When you pass away, your executor applies to ADJD Courts, not ADGM.
ADJD issues the grant of probate—the legal authority to administer your estate.
Banks, property registries, and government authorities recognize the ADJD probate order.

Are notarisation and attestation the same?

No, notarisation and attestation are different legal processes serving distinct purposes.

Feature	Notarisation	Attestation
Performed By	Notary Public (government or private licensed by ADJD/MOJ)	Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), embassies, consulates, and other government bodies
Purpose	Verifies the identity of signatories, ensures documents are signed willingly, and authenticates signatures	Confirms the document's authenticity for official use, particularly across international borders
Scope	Domestic – valid within the UAE jurisdiction	International – recognized globally after completion of the full attestation chain
Process	Single-step process before a notary public	Multi-step process involving MOFA, embassies, and sometimes home country authorities
When Required	Powers of Attorney, contracts, affidavits, legal agreements for local use	Educational certificates, marriage/birth certificates, commercial documents for use abroad, immigration, employment overseas

Notarisation is often the first step in the attestation chain. For international use, a document must first be notarized, then attested by MOFA, and finally by the relevant embassy.

Who is the notary public in the UAE?

According to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), a notary public is any person approved or licensed by the Judicial Department to notarize customary documents. Under UAE law, there are three categories:

Types of Notaries Public in the UAE

Type	Description	Authority
Government Notary Public	A public servant appointed at the Courts to perform notary duties within government offices	Works within official government hours at ADJD, Dubai Courts, or other judicial entities
Private Notary Public	A natural person licensed by the Ministry of Justice or judicial authorities, registered on the Roll, to exercise notary functions within a licensed law firm	Offers flexible appointments, mobile services, and faster processing while maintaining the same legal authority as government notaries
Governmental Notary	An employee of a government entity authorised by the Department to practise notary work for that entity's employees or the public	Limited to specific government departments

What a Notary Public Does

Notarizes documents according to the law or upon request by applicants
Affixes the executive formula to notarized documents
Notarizes and certifies all declarations
Affirms and proves the date of customary documents

Legal Framework

In Abu Dhabi, notaries public operate under Law No. (11) of 2017 concerning the Notary Public in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In Dubai, they are governed by Law No. (4) of 2013.

What is the difference between a public notary and a private notary?

The main difference between a public notary and a private notary lies in their employment setting, appointment flexibility, fee structure, and scope of specialization, though both have equal legal authority.

Factor	Public Notary	Private Notary
Work Location	Government offices (ADJD, Dubai Courts service centers)	Licensed law firms or legal consultancies
Scope of Services	Broad services covering all document types as a government duty	Often specialize in specific legal areas: corporate law, real estate, wills, commercial contracts
Appointment Flexibility	Fixed government hours (typically 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM or 6:00 PM)	Flexible scheduling, evening appointments, weekend availability, and mobile/remote services
Processing Speed	Standard queues; may require waiting	Expedited processing; often same-day service
Fees	Standard government fees as set by Cabinet Resolution	Standard government fees PLUS 30% professional fee as permitted by law
Availability	Limited to physical office locations	Can often attend client locations or provide remote service
Legal Authority	Full legal authority under ADJD/Dubai Courts	Full legal authority; notarizations are equally valid

When to Choose a Private Notary

You need urgent or after-hours service
You require mobile notary services (notary comes to you)
You have complex documents in specialized areas (corporate restructuring, cross-border wills, etc.) requiring expert legal review before notarization
You value privacy and personalized attention from a legal professional who understands your specific industry

When to Choose a Public Notary

You prefer government service centers
Your matter is straightforward and not urgent
You want to avoid the 30% professional fee premium
Your document type falls outside the specialization areas of private notaries

According to Article 2 of Cabinet Resolution No. of 2026, private notaries are explicitly permitted to charge the standard government fees plus 30% as their professional fees. Both public and private notaries must be registered and licensed by the judicial authorities.