Vice President - Legal (M&A & Real Estate)

About the role

A leading, privately held, diversified international group based in Dubai is looking for a senior legal professional to join its Group-level legal team. The business operates across real estate, hospitality, luxury and technology, with a portfolio spanning the GCC and international markets. The successful candidate will advise directly on complex M&A transactions, major real estate deals and strategic corporate matters.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the legal structuring and execution of M&A transactions, including share purchases, asset acquisitions, joint ventures and group reorganisations.
• Advise on large-scale real estate acquisitions, disposals and development transactions across the GCC and internationally.
• Draft and negotiate SPAs, JVAs, SHAs, term sheets and associated transaction documentation.
• Advise on cross-border structuring, regulatory approvals and legal risk.
• Work closely with Finance, Strategy and commercial leadership on transaction execution.
• Manage external legal advisers and provide senior-level governance and risk guidance.

Required profile

• 10+ years' PQE, qualified in a common or civil law jurisdiction.
• Strong background in M&A and corporate transactions.
• Demonstrable experience in real estate transactions, ideally across commercial, residential, mixed-use or hospitality assets.
• Previous exposure to a Group, HoldCo or multi-entity environment.
• UAE/GCC experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to operate autonomously and advise senior leadership.