About
Hadef & Partners is one of the UAE's oldest and most respected law firms, founded in 1980 by H.E. Dr. Hadef Al Dhaheri — who later served as UAE Minister of Justice from 2008 to 2014. With over 100 lawyers across offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the firm combines deep Emirati legal knowledge with international standards.
Real Estate & Construction Practice
The firm maintains dedicated Real Estate and Engineering & Construction practices, covering:
- Land and real estate acquisition, asset management, and disposals
- Project and corporate structuring for developments
- Commercial, residential, and mixed-use leasing arrangements
- Branded residence advisory
- Industrial and mega infrastructure projects
- Construction arbitration and litigation
- Rent Committee and Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) representation
Notable Projects
The firm has advised on projects exceeding AED 100 billion in total value, including:
- Discovery Land Company's first Middle East ultra-luxury villa development with 18-hole golf course
- Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) template leasing and Musataha documentation
- Jubail Island Master Community Project (400 hectares, AED 5 billion)
- Gulf Islamic Investments' 1.5 million sq ft warehouse portfolio sale to Brookfield Asset Management
- Major construction on Palm Jumeirah, Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Meydan, and Dubai Waterfront
Awards & Recognition
- IFLR Middle East 2024: UAE Firm of the Year
- Chambers Middle East 2024: Employment Team of the Year
- The Oath 2023: UAE Law Firm of the Year
- Middle East Legal Awards 2017: Real Estate Team of the Year
- The Oath 2016: Real Estate & Construction Team of the Year
- Consistently ranked in top tiers by Chambers, Legal 500, and IFLR1000
Heritage & Impact
Hadef & Partners has helped draft over 250 UAE laws and played a pivotal role in landmark firsts including the UAE's first IPO (1995), first Islamic bank establishment (1997), and the Saadiyat Island development framework (2004). The firm's advocates have rights of audience in all UAE courts and tribunals, with lawyers trained in both common-law and civil-law traditions.
Sources
Services Offered
Key services Hadef & Partners provides for real estate lawyers clients in Dubai:
Why Choose Hadef & Partners
- Leading independent UAE law firm — founded in 1980 by H.E. Dr. Hadef Al Dhaheri, with over four decades in the UAE legal market.
- 100+ lawyers across two UAE offices in Dubai (Emaar Square) and Abu Dhabi (World Trade Centre).
- Dedicated real estate and rental disputes practice covering transactions, development, strata and litigation.
- Bilingual capability with lawyers serving clients in Arabic, English and other languages.
- Top-ranked for real estate by Chambers and The Legal 500, with close working relationships with UAE authorities and major developers.
How Hadef & Partners Works
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1
Initial enquiry
Contact the firm with details of your property matter to be directed to the relevant real estate lawyer.
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2
Scoping and engagement
The team reviews your matter, confirms scope and provides a fee proposal before engagement.
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3
Advice and documentation
Lawyers draft, review or negotiate the relevant agreements and advise on RERA, DLD and regulatory requirements.
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4
Resolution or completion
The matter is progressed to completion, or, where disputed, through the courts, the Rental Dispute Centre or arbitration.
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 Hadef & Partners handle real estate matters in Dubai?
Yes. The firm has a dedicated real estate practice covering sale and purchase transactions, development, leasing, strata and jointly owned property, and real estate and rental disputes across the UAE.
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Dubai?
It is not legally mandatory for every purchase, but legal advice is commonly used for off-plan purchases, complex or high-value transactions, and where contract terms or developer obligations need review.
What real estate services does the firm provide?
Services include land and property acquisition, asset management and disposals, off-plan and development structuring, mixed-use and branded residence projects, strata and owners association matters, leasing, and real estate disputes and arbitration.
My off-plan handover is delayed — can the firm help?
Yes. The real estate and dispute resolution teams advise on developer obligations, SPA terms and remedies, and can pursue matters through the courts or arbitration where appropriate. Outcomes depend on the specific facts and contract.
Can the firm advise on jointly owned property (strata) and owners associations?
Yes. Hadef & Partners advises on strata ownership and jointly owned property matters, including for mixed-use developments and owners association issues.
How are rental disputes resolved in Dubai?
Landlord and tenant disputes in Dubai are generally handled through the Rental Dispute Centre. The firm advises clients and represents them in rental and real estate dispute matters.
How big is the firm and where are its offices?
Hadef & Partners is a leading independent UAE law firm founded in 1980, with 100+ lawyers across two offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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