Head of Legal (RE Development) (United Arab Emirates) Dubai

Requirements

Candidates must have 12+ years of relevant legal experience, with significant expertise in UAE real estate development and property law. A strong commercial mindset, proven leadership capabilities, and the ability to advise C-level executives are essential for this senior role.

Job Summary

Seeking a highly experienced and commercially minded Head of Legal to lead the Group’s legal function across its real estate development and investment activities.

The ideal candidate will have strong UAE real estate development experience, preferably from a leading property developer .

This is a senior leadership position requiring a strong, independent legal professional who can manage complex real estate matters, protect the Group’s interests, advise senior management, and establish robust legal frameworks as the business continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities
Lead and oversee the Group’s entire legal function and provide strategic legal advice to senior management and stakeholders.
Advise on real estate development projects from acquisition and structuring through development, sales, handover, and completion.
Draft, review and negotiate complex agreements including development agreements, SPAs, JV agreements, construction contracts, consultancy agreements, MOUs, NDAs and commercial contracts.
Provide legal guidance on property acquisitions, disposals, development structures, joint ventures and investments.
Manage regulatory and compliance matters relating to UAE real estate development and RERA/DLD requirements.
Identify and mitigate legal, contractual and commercial risks across the Group.
Manage relationships with external law firms, consultants, government authorities and other legal stakeholders.
Oversee disputes, claims, litigation and arbitration matters and coordinate with external counsel where required.
Establish and improve legal policies, processes, contract templates and governance frameworks.
Support senior leadership and business teams in high-value negotiations and strategic transactions.
Ensure all projects and business activities operate within applicable UAE laws and regulations.
Lead and develop the internal legal team as the function grows.
12+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably with significant experience in the UAE.
Strong experience in real estate development, preferably gained directly within a major property developer.
Candidates from DAMAC and other leading UAE developers will be strongly considered.
Proven experience handling large-scale property development projects and transactions.
Strong knowledge of UAE real estate laws, DLD/RERA regulations, property transactions and development frameworks.
Excellent drafting, negotiation and contract-management skills.
Experience managing complex commercial disputes and external legal counsel.
Strong commercial understanding with the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
Proven ability to advise C-level executives, directors and senior management.
Leadership experience managing legal teams or legal functions.
UAE legal qualification preferred; candidates with strong UAE real estate legal experience will also be considered depending on their background.
Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.
Private Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Training & Development

Responsibilities

The Head of Legal will lead the Group’s legal function, providing strategic advice on real estate development, investments, and complex commercial agreements. They are responsible for managing regulatory compliance, mitigating legal risks, and overseeing disputes while supporting senior leadership in high-value transactions.

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