About
DLA Piper is one of the world's largest law firms, with approximately 4,500 lawyers across 90+ offices in 40+ countries. The firm has maintained a Dubai presence for approximately 20 years, operating from Downtown Dubai.
Real Estate Practice
DLA Piper holds dual top-tier rankings for UAE real estate — Chambers Band 2 (ranked for 11 consecutive years) and Legal 500 Tier 1 — making it the highest-ranked international firm in this practice area. Their Dubai team specialises in:
- Hospitality, leisure, and retail real estate
- Government entity property advisory
- Investment acquisitions and disposals
- Mixed-use development structuring
- Joint venture agreements and land acquisitions
- Leasing (commercial, retail, and studio/showroom)
- Strata documentation
Notable Transactions
- Advised on a USD 1 billion+ luxury community development in Dubai — JV structure and land acquisition
- Assisted Ahad Group with strata issues and sale/purchase documentation for Ahad Residences, Dubai
- Advised Lucid Group on studio and service centre leases for UAE's first location at CityWalk, Dubai
Awards & Recognition
- Chambers Global 2026: Band 2 — UAE Real Estate (11 consecutive years)
- Legal 500 EMEA 2025: Tier 1 — UAE Real Estate
- Highest-ranked international firm for UAE real estate across both major legal directories
Sources
Services Offered
Key services DLA Piper provides for real estate lawyers clients in Dubai:
Why Choose DLA Piper
- Global real estate network — more than 750 real estate lawyers across 40+ countries, supporting cross-border investment into and out of the UAE.
- Downtown Dubai office at Standard Chartered Tower as part of an established Middle East presence (around 20 years in the region).
- Full real estate life cycle — planning, acquiring, developing, leasing, financing, trading and divesting handled by one multidisciplinary team.
- Independently recognised — ranked for real estate by Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500.
- Specialist sector experience in hospitality, urban regeneration and mixed-use developments.
How DLA Piper Works
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1
Initial enquiry
Contact the Dubai office to outline your property or project matter and confirm scope.
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2
Conflict check and engagement
The firm runs a conflicts check and issues an engagement letter setting out the team, scope and fee basis.
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3
Legal work and advice
The relevant real estate, finance or disputes team carries out due diligence, drafting, negotiation or advisory work as required.
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4
Completion and ongoing support
The matter is completed (transaction close, filing or resolution) with continued support drawing on the firm's wider global network where needed.
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
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Dubai?
Engaging a lawyer is not legally mandatory for every Dubai purchase, but firms with a real estate practice are commonly used for higher-value, off-plan, commercial or cross-border transactions to review the sale and purchase agreement and conduct due diligence. Confirm scope and fees with the firm directly.
What does DLA Piper's real estate practice cover in the UAE?
The team advises across the real estate life cycle — acquisitions and disposals, development, leasing, real estate finance, joint ventures, fund formation, construction, REITs, restructuring and real estate litigation — with particular experience in hospitality, urban regeneration and mixed-use projects.
Is DLA Piper an international or local firm?
DLA Piper is a global law firm with a real estate practice, operating in the Middle East from offices including Downtown Dubai. It serves clients globally rather than acting as a Dubai-only or real-estate-only practice.
How long has DLA Piper been in the Middle East?
The firm has had a Middle East presence for around 20 years, marking the milestone in late 2025, and operates its UAE practice from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Can DLA Piper help with cross-border real estate investment?
Yes. With more than 750 real estate lawyers across 40+ countries, the firm regularly advises on cross-border real estate investment and can coordinate work between its UAE team and other offices.
What does the firm charge for real estate legal work?
Fees are quoted on request and depend on the matter's scope and complexity. The firm sets out the fee basis in its engagement letter before work begins.
Where is the Dubai office located?
The Dubai office is at Level 10, Standard Chartered Tower, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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