Career Biography

Fiona White is a dynamic Director of Legal with close to two decades of legal expertise, specialising in real estate, property development, and particularly strata titling, where she is recognised as a respected industry authority. She has advised on the full spectrum of real estate transactions, from large-scale master developments and hospitality projects to complex joint ventures, structuring, and regulatory matters.

An Australian qualified solicitor, White relocated to the UAE in 2013 to take up the role of Assistant General Counsel at Enshaa PSC in Dubai, where she was instrumental in supporting the development and operations of the landmark Palazzo Versace Hotel and D1 Tower. Her role encompassed overseeing legal frameworks for mixed-use communities, hospitality management agreements, and strata structuring, giving her deep insight into both the legal and commercial dimensions of high-value real estate projects.

In 2016, White joined Aldar Properties, one of the region’s most prominent developers, and in 2021 was appointed Head of Legal for Aldar Development, reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on both management and investment committees, reflecting the trust placed in her judgment at the highest levels of the organisation. She works hand-in-hand with the C-Suite and senior executives, shaping strategy, guiding governance, and ensuring legal considerations are embedded in critical business decisions.

Known for her collaborative leadership style, White combines technical legal expertise with commercial pragmatism. She is recognised not only for her ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes, but also for her capacity to influence and partner with executive leadership to deliver business objectives. Her career reflects a consistent focus on enabling growth and innovation in the real estate sector while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and governance.

What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

During 2025, Fiona White participated in an extensive consultation program with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre to advise on reforms to the Real Estate Law in Abu Dhabi. White is seen as one of the leading senior legal professionals in the field and provided detailed feedback on the proposed law, participating in various sessions with other real estate lawyers in the Emirate.

In addition, White advised on a number of joint ventures including a landmark transaction with Mubadala for the development of strategically located islands adjacent to Saadiyat Island. White advised on all aspects of the transaction including the joint venture agreement, the development agreement and the sales management agreements.

More generally, White’s team is responsible for all of the legal aspects of Aldar’s project launches, which in 2024 totalled over AED 33bn and in 2025 has already exceeded AED 18bn.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

The most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel extend beyond just technical legal expertise, which can always be supplemented with external counsel if necessary. At the core, it’s about possessing strategic judgment, truly understanding the business, and adapting legal advice to fit the context. In a rapidly growing company like Aldar, in-house counsel must balance risk management with empowering business growth. As the Head of Legal in such a high-turnover environment, it’s crucial to have complete trust and confidence in the team. This trust is built by leading with clear vision and direction, ensuring that the team is aligned with Aldar’s goals and can provide tailored legal advice accordingly.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on, of which you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful?

Based on our observations over the past year, several trends in the legal and business world are worth noting for in-house lawyers. In Abu Dhabi, the expansion of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is particularly significant. It aims to become more flexible and appealing to a diverse clientele. From a legal standpoint, the recognition and enforcement of awards and decisions between the ADGM Courts and the onshore courts are of great interest, especially as the ADGM’s geographical footprint continues to grow.

Additionally, the regulatory environment in the UAE is becoming clearer, particularly in areas such as antitrust law. This development is welcome but necessitates careful planning regarding timelines for deal transactions.

Moreover, the UAE is placing increased emphasis on corporate governance, regulatory, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements. Companies are under pressure to disclose ESG metrics, implement Board-level sustainability oversight, and adopt formal ESG frameworks. These trends highlight the need for in-house counsel to stay vigilant and proactive in adapting to the evolving legal landscape.