The Legal 500

Al Tamimi & Company’s Lisa Dale, whose ‘reputation as a leading local market expert is undisputed’, is an ‘extremely good lawyer, as well as commercially astute and quite pragmatic’. The firm enjoys ‘strong relationships with government agencies’. The team acted for Marsa Al Nejourn Real Estate on the Nujoom Islands project, and regularly represents clients such as Dubai World and Landmark Properties. Tara Marlow rejoined the practice as head of property and hospitality after four years at Majid Al Futtaim Properties.

Clifford Chance ‘efficiently and expeditiously provides quality advice’. The firm has seen an increase in non-contentious work as market conditions improve. Past experience includes advising Limitless on the development of a $12bn mixed-use development in Riyadh, and acting for Jabal Omar Development Company on its SAR12bn development in Mecca. Peter Deegan and counsel Steven Henderson regularly feature on the largest developments in the region.

Clyde & Co LLP is ‘first choice for strata law matters’, with legal director Stephen Kelly having ‘keen awareness of developer issues related to the strata law that has been introduced in Dubai’. Clients are ‘extremely satisfied – the team’s advice is always timely and clear, and they are knowledgeable about the real estate industry in Dubai’. Scott Aitken led the team advising Hines on its acquisition of development rights to plots of land within a landmark community in Abu Dhabi. Alexis Waller advised Pearl Dubai on its $4.2bn landmark development. Waller is a ‘stellar lawyer; highly knowledgeable, responsive and professional’.

Hadef & Partners is representing an Abu Dhabi government entity regarding occupational leases for Sowwah Square and Sunland on matters regarding Dubai 1 and the Palazzo Versace resort project. It also acted for Tamouh Investments on one of Abu Dhabi’s largest private real estate investment and development projects. ‘In addition to his clarity, skilfulness, and attitude,’ Basil Siddiqi’s ‘strength lies in his long experience of real estate laws in the UAE’. Michael Lunjevich is ‘very articulate in his advice, and up to speed on the latest regulations’.

Clients ‘strongly recommend’ Norton Rose (Middle East) LLP for major real estate projects, and find Nick Clayson ‘to be a valuable addition in many projects thanks to his tremendous legal and commercial insight’. The firm, which is currently acting on some of the most significant developments in the UAE, merged with Deacons of Australia in 2010, giving the team a valuable resource for strata-related work.

Afridi & Angell’s Shahram Safai is ‘a cut above the rest with thorough knowledge, sharp analytical prowess, understanding of the industry, good relationships with government authorities, and the best of communication skills’. Recent highlights include advising on an AED30bn mixed-use mega resort in Ras Al Khaimah, and providing strata law advice and drafting documentation for an AED3.2bn landmark tower in the DIFC. The team has ‘in-depth knowledge of local issues’.

Allen & Overy LLP ‘fields likeable, uniformly excellent teams that listen carefully to what clients want, and then deliver it efficiently and without fuss’. Nick Smith is ‘capable and hardworking’, while senior associate Ian Bevan has a ‘very thorough grasp of real estate law and how it applies in the Middle East’. Consultant Robert Peel recently advised Abu Dhabi Ports Company on the development and concession of the new Khalifa Port.

DLA Piper Middle East LLP went through a rapid expansion and then reduction due to the fall of the property market, but continues to advise on a number of developments for clients such as Sunland Group and Zabeel Investments. Practice head Tom O’Grady recently worked alongside David Nancarrow and David Sanson to advise Rixima FZ on the first purpose-built, on-campus student accommodation in Dubai, valued at approximately $200m.

Reed Smith gives an ‘overall impression of efficiency, being hardworking and delivering on time; attention to detail is really first class’. The practice is advising Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council on the construction and real estate matters arising out of the Abu Dhabi Capital District development, and representing Reem Investments on its 280,000 sq m Rawdhat development. Tarek Abdalla heads the team.

Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP is ‘one of the top law firms, combining local law knowledge with international expertise’. The firm picked up instructions from new clients such as ZonesCorp. David Nunn has a ‘deep knowledge of local and regional laws’, while Duane Keighran is recommended for his ‘strong business acumen, excellent legal analytical skills and knowledge of the latest legal developments’.

Ashurst LLP’s Matthew Hooton acted for IDEA Network on the urban renewal of Jeddah Free Trade City in Saudi Arabia, and advised MCJV on the funding, acquisition and development of a hotel plot at Sowwah Island.

Habib Al Mulla & Company ‘brings professionalism on par with an international practice and combines it with an in-depth knowledge of the local judicial system’. The team acts on contentious and non-contentious real estate matters for clients such as World Development Company and Tatweer. Karim Nassif is the key contact.

Herbert Smith LLP relocated Nicholas Turner and senior associates Hazel Shakur Quinn and Nicholle Kingsley from the London office to Dubai. The group acted for SAP Middle East and North Africa on the AED23m lease for its new headquarters in Dubai, and advised Jumeriah Capital and Iskandar Investment Berhad on the first phase of the master plan development of Iskandar Malaysia.

Pinsent Masons is building an impressive practice, winning clients such as Diyar Group and Emirates NBD, as well as panel positions with Dubai Holding and Jumeirah International. Sachin Kerur advised Tanmiyat Real Estate Development on the 1.4m sq ft Living Legends development.

The ‘accurate, commercial, responsive and value for money’ practice at Taylor Wessing (Middle East) LLP represents a number of government-related entities. The team continues to advise Amlak Finance on restructuring its investment in Sky Gardens, and is acting for Aqaar Properties regarding the Ajman One development. Jerry Parks is a ‘renowned expert in real estate legal matters’.

Trowers & Hamlins’ Guy Danalis continues to act for Capitala as the master developer of the $2bn mixed-use redevelopment of the Zayed Sports City area, and is working alongside Bahrain-based Abdul-Haq Mohammed to advise Burooj Properties regarding the Sharjah Marina development.