Herbert Smith Freehills
Info CheckedReal Estate Lawyers
DIFC, Dubai
About
Herbert Smith Freehills is a leading international law firm with over 2,800 lawyers across 24 offices globally. The firm has operated in Dubai since 2006 and is headquartered in the DIFC. Born from the 2012 merger of Herbert Smith and Freehills, the practice is consistently ranked among the top global firms for real estate, construction, and dispute resolution — three areas that intersect heavily in Dubai's dynamic property market.
Real Estate Practice
Herbert Smith Freehills' Dubai real estate team handles complex transactional and advisory work for developers, institutional investors, hotel groups, and sovereign wealth funds. Their expertise covers property acquisitions and disposals, real estate joint ventures, development management agreements, strata title matters, and hospitality law. The team works closely with the firm's construction and projects lawyers to provide seamless advice across the property development lifecycle.
Notable Transactions
The firm has advised on some of the UAE's most significant real estate projects including acting for Aldar Properties on multiple landmark developments in Abu Dhabi, advising international hotel chains on management and franchise agreements for flagship Dubai properties, and supporting sovereign investors on the acquisition and development of premium commercial towers in DIFC. They have also acted on major real estate disputes before the DIFC Courts.
Awards & Rankings
Ranked Band 1 by Chambers Global for Construction and Band 2 for Real Estate in the Middle East. Consistently recognised by Legal 500 EMEA as a leading firm for Real Estate and Construction. Named "Disputes Team of the Year" at the Chambers Middle East Awards, reflecting their strength in property litigation.
Services Offered
Key services Herbert Smith Freehills provides for real estate lawyers clients in Dubai:
Why Choose Herbert Smith Freehills
- Global law firm with a dedicated real estate and projects practice; the Dubai office is the hub of its Middle East operations.
- Has advised on Middle East transactions for over 40 years, acting for international and regional clients across MENA.
- Located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Gate Village 7.
- Multidisciplinary team spanning corporate, finance, projects, real estate and disputes.
- Recognised real estate developers, energy and utilities clients; noted for construction arbitration and cross-border work.
- Backed by an extensive international network following its 2025 combination with Kramer Levin (Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer).
How Herbert Smith Freehills Works
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1
Initial enquiry
Contact the Dubai (DIFC) office to outline your real estate or projects matter and instruct the firm.
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2
Scoping & engagement
The relevant partner scopes the work and confirms terms of engagement and fees.
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3
Due diligence & advice
Legal due diligence, drafting and negotiation of transaction, finance or dispute documents.
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4
Execution
Completion of the transaction, financing or dispute strategy with ongoing legal support.
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?
A lawyer is not legally mandatory for a standard ready-property purchase registered with the Dubai Land Department, but legal review is advisable for off-plan, high-value, corporate or cross-border deals — the type of real estate and projects work a global firm like Herbert Smith Freehills handles.
What real estate services does the Dubai office offer?
The Dubai office provides corporate, finance, projects and real estate advice — including real estate transactions, development and investment, real estate and project finance, construction and engineering, and related disputes — and helps resolve disputes across these sectors.
Where is Herbert Smith Freehills located in Dubai?
The Dubai office is in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Gate Village 7, Level 4. It serves as the hub of the firm's Middle East operations.
Is Herbert Smith Freehills a UAE firm or an international firm?
It is a global law firm. The current firm was formed by the 2012 merger of UK firm Herbert Smith (founded 1882) and Australian firm Freehills (founded 1852); in 2025 it combined with US firm Kramer Levin to become Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.
Is the Dubai office regulated?
The Dubai entity is registered with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) under professional licence number CL0330. International firms in the DIFC operate as registered legal consultancies.
Does the firm handle construction and real estate disputes?
Yes. The Dubai team is noted for construction arbitration expertise and cross-border activity, acting for real estate developers, energy companies and utilities providers, and helps resolve disputes across the projects and real estate sectors.
How long has the firm worked in the Middle East?
Herbert Smith Freehills has advised on Middle East transactions for over 40 years, with a multidisciplinary team acting for international and regional clients throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
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