Simmons & Simmons
Info CheckedReal Estate Lawyers
DIFC, Dubai
About
Simmons & Simmons is a leading international law firm founded in London in 1896, with over 1,500 lawyers across 22 offices globally. The firm has maintained a significant presence in the Middle East since 2006, with its Dubai office located in the DIFC. Known for its sector-focused approach, Simmons & Simmons brings deep expertise in real estate, financial services, and technology — sectors that increasingly converge in Dubai's PropTech-forward property market.
Real Estate Practice
The Dubai real estate practice at Simmons & Simmons advises on property acquisitions and disposals, real estate fund structuring, development agreements, and property finance. The team is recognised for its work advising institutional investors, private equity real estate funds, and regional family offices on UAE property investments. They handle both mainland Dubai and DIFC transactions and are experienced in navigating the regulatory distinctions between freehold, leasehold, and free zone properties.
Notable Transactions
Simmons & Simmons has advised on major UAE real estate transactions including acting for international real estate funds on the acquisition of commercial portfolios in Dubai, advising on the structuring of Sharia-compliant property investment vehicles, and supporting developers on large-scale residential community projects. The firm has also advised on landmark PropTech and real estate tokenisation matters in DIFC.
Awards & Rankings
Recognised by Chambers and Partners for Real Estate and Financial Services in the Middle East. Ranked by Legal 500 EMEA for Real Estate and regularly recommended for real estate fund formation work. The firm has won multiple awards for innovation in financial services and technology — capabilities that benefit clients in emerging areas like fractional property ownership and tokenised real estate.
Services Offered
Key services Simmons & Simmons provides for real estate lawyers clients in Dubai:
Why Choose Simmons & Simmons
- International (UK-origin) law firm founded in London in 1896, with a long-established Middle East presence (operating in the region since 1994, consolidated in Dubai's DIFC).
- Property-relevant strength is in construction, engineering and infrastructure disputes — its UAE construction practice is ranked by The Legal 500 — plus real estate and project finance, rather than routine conveyancing.
- Recognised expertise in funds, financial services regulation, FinTech and Islamic finance through the DIFC.
- Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA, UK); the Dubai DIFC entity is registered with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
- Middle East team includes Arabic-speaking associates able to advise in Arabic.
- Recognised in the UAE by both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.
How Simmons & Simmons Works
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1
Initial enquiry
Contact the Dubai (DIFC) office to outline your real estate, construction or finance 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
Advice & documentation
Legal due diligence, drafting and negotiation of transaction, finance or dispute documents.
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4
Resolution / completion
Completion of the financing, arbitration 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
Does Simmons & Simmons handle real estate matters in Dubai?
Yes, though as a finance- and disputes-led international firm. Its property-relevant work centres on construction, engineering and infrastructure disputes (its UAE construction practice is ranked by The Legal 500), real estate and property dispute resolution, and real estate and project finance, rather than routine residential conveyancing.
Is Simmons & Simmons a UAE firm or an international firm?
It is an international, UK-origin law firm founded in London in 1896. It has had a Middle East presence since 1994 and operates in the UAE through its Dubai office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Where is the Dubai office located?
The Dubai office is in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), at ICD Brookfield Place, Level 17.
Is the firm regulated?
Simmons & Simmons LLP is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), register number 533587. Its Dubai DIFC entity, Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP, is registered with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
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 and for any construction or financing dispute — the type of higher-end real estate and construction work an international firm like Simmons & Simmons handles.
In what languages can the team work?
The Middle East team includes Arabic-speaking associates who can advise clients in Arabic, alongside English.
How are fees structured?
Fees are quoted on request following an initial scoping of the matter. As a top-tier international firm, its rates sit at the premium end of the market.
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