Real estate in the UAE is more than bricks and mortar—it’s the heartbeat of regional growth, a magnet for foreign capital, and often the cornerstone of generational wealth.

Yet beneath the glossy towers and beachfront villas lies a legal landscape that’s constantly evolving—governed by dual legal systems, free zone frameworks, emirate-level regulation, and shifting ownership rules.

Whether you’re acquiring a luxury residence through a family foundation, managing a complex commercial tenancy, or navigating strata rights and joint development arrangements, we bring clarity and strategy to every stage of your real estate journey.

But it’s not without pitfalls:

- Differing rules across emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah)

- Shifting free zone property rights

- Local sponsor vs. 100% ownership ambiguity

- Foreign ownership thresholds

- Off-plan regulatory risks and escrow requirements

- Evolving strata laws, jointly owned property (JOP) regimes, and service charge disputes

Our job is to navigate you through this—with precision, discretion, and proactive foresight.

First-Time Investors & HNW Families

- Purchasing residential property for lifestyle, investment, or golden visa eligibility

- Transferring real estate into family foundations or offshore holding structures

- Resolving developer delays, defects, or misrepresentations in off-plan purchases

Family Offices & Private Wealth Platforms

- Acquiring or managing commercial portfolios across multiple emirates and jurisdictions

- Structuring RE holdings through DIFC or ADGM foundations to ensure succession, tax efficiency, and asset protection

- Negotiating JV agreements for co-investment into real estate SPVs or developments

Institutional Developers, Funds & Property Managers

- Drafting and negotiating construction contracts, consultant agreements, and FIDIC-based frameworks

- Managing strata schemes, owners associations, and regulatory compliance under RERA and ADGM Real Estate Regulations

- Advising on acquisitions, sales, leasebacks, and cross-border real estate finance

1. Acquisition, Sale & Structuring

- Due diligence on title, encumbrances, land use rights, zoning, and project registration

- Drafting and negotiating SPAs, MOUs, escrow arrangements, and developer contracts

- Structuring acquisitions via offshore entities (BVI, Cayman, Jersey) or UAE structures (DIFC, ADGM)

- Real estate aspects of residency-by-investment strategies

2. DIFC & ADGM Real Estate

- Navigating real estate investment in common law frameworks

- Structuring and registering DIFC foundation-owned property with inheritance, trust, and tax planning in mind

- Advising on ADGM strata title acquisition, JOP management, and leasehold rights

- Cross-border enforcement of real estate rights through ADGM or DIFC Courts

3. Leasing & Tenancy Advisory

- Drafting and negotiating high-value commercial leases, subleases, and licensing agreements

- Advice on tenancy disputes, rent caps, eviction grounds, and service charge issues

- Retail lease strategy (e.g. turnover rent, mall tenancy agreements, renewal options)

- Long-term leases and musataha agreements under UAE and free zone regimes

4. Dispute Resolution & Enforcement

- Litigation and arbitration related to:

— Breach of lease or tenancy agreements

— Construction defects and developer liability

— Strata and JOP disputes

— Real estate fraud or misrepresentation

- Interim measures (injunctions, freezing orders, caveats)

- Enforcement of local and foreign judgments in UAE real estate contexts

Benefits include:

Succession planning: Avoid local Sharia succession rules by consolidating under a foundation

Asset protection: Foundations shield family assets from personal liabilities

Tax efficiency: Depending on jurisdiction, income and gains may benefit from treaty access or tax neutrality

Board governance: Control the use, transfer, or mortgaging of real estate through foundation charter terms

Privacy: Foundation structures offer discretion in ownership and governance

We integrate real estate acquisition with your estate planning, trust structuring, and cross-border reporting obligations.

The UAE off-plan market remains strong, but it’s not without risk:

- Developer delays or insolvency

- Changes in project scope or layout

- Misleading brochures or sales tactics

- Disputes over handover, quality, and final payment

We act for buyers facing:

- Breach of completion terms

- Escrow account mismanagement

- Misrepresentation and valuation disputes

- Service charge inflation or facilities non-delivery

We work discreetly to recover what is owed, resolve disputes, and—where needed—escalate to court or arbitration.

We look at:

- Zoning & planning approvals

- Tenancy schedules and lease enforceability

- Ongoing service charge obligations

- Licensing regimes for hospitality, F&B, or retail

- Fire, safety, and occupational regulation

- UAE Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) declarations and compliance

We also assist with:

- Hotel management contracts and operator agreements

- Turnkey delivery and fit-out disputes

- Negotiation of exit strategies or co-investment arrangements

- Structuring of real estate SPVs for tax and liability protection

We have represented:

- Buyers in dispute with developers over delayed delivery or title issues

- Commercial tenants facing unjust termination or excessive service charge claims

- Co-owners or co-investors in disagreement over sale, management, or refinancing

- Owners’ associations in disputes over common area maintenance or developer control

- Family members in disputes over jointly held property or inheritance issues

Our litigation and arbitration team works hand-in-hand with real estate counsel to deliver targeted, cost-efficient solutions—and where necessary, aggressive enforcement.

We advise on:

- Developer obligations in jointly owned properties

- Voting rights and governance of owners’ associations

- Service charge disputes and budgeting obligations

- Developer retention of management rights

- Conversion from single ownership to strata regime

- RERA, ADGM, and local municipality compliance

We also draft, revise, and enforce:

- JOP declarations

- Management agreements

- Facilities usage protocols

- Board governance frameworks

We advise both borrowers and lenders on secured real estate transactions, including:

- Mortgages and charges under UAE, DIFC, or ADGM law

- Islamic finance structures (ijara, murabaha, istisna)

- Assignment of rental income

- Priority and subordination agreements

- Enforcement of security and insolvency triggers

In high-value deals, we work closely with banks, offshore trustees, and investment advisors to ensure seamless execution and full legal protection.

Multi-jurisdictional fluency — We know how Dubai Land Department rules interact with DIFC law, how ADGM strata works alongside Abu Dhabi planning law, and how to integrate BVI or Jersey holding companies.

Institutional-grade documentation — From simple SPAs to complex leases, co-investment frameworks, and JV agreements, our work stands up in court and in negotiation.

We work with your wider team — Accountants, investment advisors, family office executives, and real estate brokers—our advice integrates, not isolates.

Experience across the asset class — From Palm Jumeirah penthouses to 1 million+ sq.ft. industrial complexes, we’ve advised across the spectrum.

Whether you’re buying your first villa, developing a logistics park, or managing a multi-emirate portfolio, real estate deserves bespoke legal attention—not just templated documents or box-ticking.

We advise with one goal in mind: your peace of mind—and your property’s performance.

Let us handle the law, so you can focus on the lifestyle, the investment, or the legacy.