Baker McKenzie
Info CheckedReal Estate Lawyers
DIFC, Dubai
About
Baker McKenzie is one of the world's largest law firms, founded in 1949 in Chicago. With over 6,500 lawyers across 77 offices in 47 countries, the firm has maintained a continuous presence in the Middle East for over 40 years. The Dubai office operates from DIFC with approximately 40 lawyers covering UAE and regional matters.
Note: Baker McKenzie and Habib Al Mulla & Partners separated in September 2022 and now operate independently.
Real Estate & Hospitality Practice
The MENA real estate practice, co-headed by Keri Watkins (Chambers Band 3), focuses on:
- Hotel, leisure, and resort development projects
- Hotel management and franchise agreements
- Land acquisitions and joint ownership structures
- Real estate financing and Islamic lending
- Corporate M&A for real estate portfolios
- Private equity real estate investments
- Cross-border real estate structuring
- Construction and infrastructure disputes
Notable Dubai Transactions
- Goldman Capital Investments: Sale of the Radisson Blu hotel in Dubai Media City to Select Group
- Aldar Properties: AED 400 million investment in two European private real estate credit platforms
- Olayan Group: Acquisition of 24.5% stake in ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC
- The Palm Dubai Resort: Acquisition advisory
Awards & Rankings
- Chambers Global 2026: Band 2 — Real Estate UAE (ranked 11 consecutive years)
- Chambers Global 2026: Band 1 — Real Estate Global Multi-Jurisdictional
- Legal 500 UAE: Tier 1 — Commercial, Corporate & M&A
- Legal 500 UAE: Tier 2 — Real Estate
- 357 practice area rankings and 528 lawyer rankings globally (Chambers 2026)
Key Differentiators
Baker McKenzie is one of few firms in Dubai advising across all three UAE legal frameworks simultaneously — DIFC law, ADGM law, and onshore UAE law. Their global network of 77 offices makes them particularly valuable for cross-border real estate transactions, such as advising Aldar Properties on European credit platform investments from Dubai.
Sources
Services Offered
Key services Baker McKenzie provides for real estate lawyers clients in Dubai:
Why Choose Baker McKenzie
- Global law firm founded in 1949 with one of the largest international footprints (offices across roughly 45 countries).
- Advises across DIFC, ADGM and onshore UAE — covering Dubai's free-zone and mainland real estate frameworks from one team.
- Recognised real estate practice ranked for Real Estate in the UAE by Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500.
- Full-service support spanning transactions, real estate finance, construction, hospitality assets and disputes.
- Dubai office located in the DIFC (Al Fattan Currency House, Tower 2).
How Baker McKenzie Works
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1
Initial consultation
Discuss your real estate matter — purchase, sale, lease, financing, structuring or dispute — and the relevant jurisdiction (DIFC, ADGM or onshore UAE).
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2
Scoping and engagement
The firm assesses the matter, assembles the relevant real estate, finance or disputes team and agrees the engagement terms.
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3
Legal work and documentation
Lawyers carry out due diligence, draft and negotiate documentation (e.g. sale, lease or finance agreements) or progress the dispute as required.
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4
Completion and ongoing support
Transactions are completed and registered as needed, with continuing advice on asset management or related regulatory matters.
Business Profile
Hours and pricing may change — confirm directly with the business before engaging.
Licenses & Certifications
Licenses and certifications are subject to renewal. Verify current status with the issuing authority before engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Baker McKenzie have a real estate practice in Dubai?
Yes. The firm has a recognised real estate practice in the UAE — ranked for Real Estate by Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 — advising on transactions, finance, hospitality assets, construction and disputes from its Dubai office in the DIFC.
Where is Baker McKenzie's Dubai office located?
The Dubai office is in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) at Al Fattan Currency House, Tower 2. The firm also has an Abu Dhabi office in ADGM Square on Al Maryah Island.
Can the firm advise on both DIFC/free-zone and onshore UAE property?
Yes. Baker McKenzie advises across DIFC, ADGM and onshore UAE legal frameworks, which is relevant for real estate matters that span free-zone and mainland regimes.
What types of real estate matters does the firm handle?
The real estate practice covers acquisitions and disposals, real estate finance, commercial leasing, hotels and hospitality projects, corporate structuring and joint ventures, construction, and real estate litigation and arbitration.
Is Baker McKenzie a large or boutique firm?
It is a global, full-service law firm founded in 1949 with one of the largest international networks (offices in roughly 45 countries), so its UAE team can draw on cross-border resources.
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Dubai?
There is no legal requirement to use a lawyer for a standard residential purchase, but for higher-value, commercial, off-plan, financed or cross-border transactions, legal advice on the sale and purchase documentation and structuring is commonly used to manage risk. Confirm the appropriate scope directly with the firm.
How are fees structured?
Fees are quoted on request based on the nature and complexity of the matter. Contact the firm directly for an engagement proposal.
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