Legal Director – Real Estate Development

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Legal Director to join the executive team of a leading private real‑estate developer in Dubai. This senior leadership position will oversee all legal matters, support the company’s growth strategy, and ensure robust governance across a diverse portfolio of high‑end residential, hospitality and mixed‑use projects.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the legal function and provide strategic advice to the executive leadership team.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, development contracts and corporate documentation.
• Advise on land acquisitions, joint ventures, financing arrangements and asset transactions.
• Manage legal aspects of major real‑estate developments from acquisition through delivery and operation.
• Oversee external counsel across multiple jurisdictions as required.
• Ensure compliance with UAE laws, corporate‑governance standards and regulatory obligations.
• Identify and mitigate legal and commercial risks throughout the organisation.
• Support dispute resolution, claims management and litigation strategy when needed.
• Develop legal policies, governance frameworks and best‑practice procedures.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with a recognised legal qualification.
• 12+ years post‑qualification experience, including extensive exposure to real‑estate development and corporate/commercial law.
• Previous experience with a leading real‑estate developer, investment company, private developer or an international law firm advising the sector.
• Strong track record negotiating complex commercial and development agreements.
• Deep understanding of corporate governance, acquisitions, joint ventures and large‑scale development transactions.
• Commercially minded with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives.
• Experience in the UAE is highly desirable; GCC experience is an advantage.

Required skills

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial and development agreements.
• Legal risk assessment and mitigation.
• Corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
• Dispute resolution and litigation strategy.