Play a pivotal role in shaping the legal framework for a real estate development business in Dubai, this position offers the opportunity to act as the primary in-house legal authority. Providing practical, commercially minded advice across the full development lifecycle — from land acquisition and structuring through construction, sales, and handover. The role combines strategic influence with hands-on legal work, requiring a professional who can balance legal protection with business pragmatism while engaging with executives, regulators, and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on land acquisitions, SPAs, development agreements, joint ventures, and consultant contracts.
• Provide legal guidance on feasibility-stage structuring, balancing risk management with business objectives.

• Draft, review, and negotiate main contractor agreements (FIDIC-based and bespoke), subcontractor contracts, and specialist agreements.
• Manage variations, claims, and extensions of time (EOTs) while advising project and commercial teams on risk mitigation and dispute avoidance.

• Prepare and review off-plan and ready property SPAs, reservation forms, payment plans, and addendums.
• Ensure compliance with Dubai Land Department (DLD), RERA, and escrow law requirements.

• Serve as the key legal point of contact for DLD, RERA, and escrow trustees.
• Support licensing, registrations, approvals, and regulatory filings related to development projects.

• Draft and review shareholder agreements, board resolutions, and corporate governance documents.
• Coordinate with external legal advisors on complex or high-risk matters.

• Manage pre-litigation and dispute matters involving contractors, consultants, and buyers.
• Liaise with external counsel for litigation or arbitration where required and maintain a comprehensive dispute register.
• Support management in developing contract approval matrices, legal risk policies, and standard contract templates.
• Train internal teams on contractual obligations and risk awareness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB); Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of UAE legal experience, with strong exposure to real estate development.
• Prior in-house experience with a developer is highly advantageous.

• Solid understanding of UAE real estate and construction law, FIDIC contracts, and regulatory compliance with DLD, RERA, and escrow regulations.
• Experience managing external counsel, disputes, and complex contractual negotiations.

• Commercially pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and risk assessment skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with non-legal teams.
• High attention to detail, ownership, and accountability.

Ref: TH158857