With in-depth expertise in hotel, leisure, and resort projects, Baker McKenzie LLP is praised for its ‘extensive market knowledge.’ The practice is overseen by Keri Watkins, who is noted for her capabilities in an array of real estate transactions. Amir Ali handles financing matters and Anna George is proficient in landlord and tenant matters. Jana Al-Afoo is well-regarded in the hotel sector, while Owen Etwaroo is another key team member.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Keri Watkins supports our real estate needs tremendously.'
- 'The team has great expertise on the corporate side as well as the real estate side. The team facilitated experts from their London office to support us when required.'
- 'The team was great in helping us draft agreements and aided us in writing creative clauses to mitigate risks. The team was supportive throughout the transaction and were flexible.'
- 'Keri Watkins is very responsive. She acts as the team leader and pushes everyone to adhere to the highest professional standards.'
- 'I have worked with Keri Watkins, she is very professional and attentive to all details.'
- 'Extensive market knowledge and practical interactions with clients on subject matters.'
Key clients
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
- Aldar Properties PJSC
- Al Wathba Investments
- Arzan Investments
- AWR Rostamani
- Bank of Muscat
- Diriyah Company Limited
- Dubai Real Estate Corporation
- Dubai World
- Emaar Properties PJSC
- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
- Hilton
Work highlights
Assisted Aldar, leading Abu Dhabi based real estate developer, investor, and manager, on the acquisition of a AED 2.3 billion (USD 626 million) premier commercial office and retail tower from H&H Development.
Advised Goldman Capital Investments LLC on the sale of the Radisson Blu hotel in Dubai Media City, one of Dubai's premier media and business districts to Select Group, a Dubai-based, award-winning real estate development and investment firm.
Acted as legal counsel to Aldar Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Aldar, the leading real estate developer, manager and investor in the UAE, on its partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts (“IHG”) in respect of the Yas Plaza Hotels in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, as part of Aldar’s AED 1.5 billion hospitality portfolio transformation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Amir Ali
Anna George
Practice head
Keri Watkins
Other key lawyers
Amir Ali; Anna George; Jana Al-Afoo; Owen Etwaroo