A legal document, usually in writing, giving details of a formal legally binding agreement, between two or more different people or groups. To be legally binding it must contain certain elements: it must contain an offer made by one party and accepted in its entirety by the other, it must include some form of consideration whether it be money, goods or services, and it must be properly signed by all parties to it, and dated.

A public officer constituted by law to serve the public in non-contentious matters. A notary’s main function is to attest and certify, by his/her hand and official seal, certain classes of documents, in order to give them authenticity in government authorities, foreign jurisdictions, etc.

A written authorisation to represent or act on another’s behalf (the principal) in private affairs, business or some other legal matter, sometimes against the wishes of the principal. It is generally terminated when the principal dies or becomes incompetent, but the principal can revoke it at any time. See also: Online POA and Other Notary Public Services in the UAE