With a presence across the logistics, office, and residential sectors, Clifford Chance is a strong choice for real estate clients in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The team is led by Tariq Imam, who is noted for his capabilities in real estate financing, investments, and development projects. Nicholas Chan is well-versed in property transactions, while Sher Khan, Maya Al Qazaz, and Johnson Cortelek handle landlord and tenant matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Tariq Imam is a rare blend of world-class legal services expected from a Magic Circle firm and rigorous local expertise in real estate law and customs, enabling practical solutions backed by solid legal protection.
- The real estate practice at Clifford Chance has successfully distinguished itself through a strong pool of talent, innovative use of legal tech, sharp negotiation skills, and superior client service, underpinned by a strong reputation and credibility in the legal market.
- The real estate team in this law firm has thorough knowledge of the real estate sector as well as the prevailing market practices, and it has enhanced our knowledge as well. We are also learning from them and staying updated on the latest trends.
- Every time we engaged this law firm, we were invited by its partner Tariq Imam for a kickoff meeting to understand our requirements. Once he understood our requirements, Tariq and his team suggested an effective and practical approach which was proven beneficial to our organization. Compared to other law firms and competitors, Tariq and/or his team always find time to make themselves available in case we need them on short notice.
- 'The real estate practice in Clifford Chance has successfully distinguished itself through a strong pool of talent, innovative use of legal tech, sharp negotiation skills, and superior client service, underpinned by a strong reputation and credibility in the legal market.'
- 'Tariq Imam is a rare blend of world-class legal services expected from a Magic Circle firm and rigorous local expertise in real estate law and customs, enabling practical solutions backed by solid legal protection.'
- ''The real estate team in this law firm has thorough knowledge of the real estate sector as well as prevailing market practices, and it has enhanced our knowledge as well. We are also learning from them and staying updated on the latest trends. Compared to other law firms, they are more flexible.'
- 'Every time we engaged this law firm, we were invited by its partner Tariq Imam for a kickoff meeting to understand our requirements. Once he understood our needs, Tariq and his team suggested effective and practical approaches that proved beneficial to our organisation.'
Key clients
- Aldar Properties PJSC
- DP World
- Nakheel PJSC
- Expo City Dubai Authority
- Wynn Resorts, Limited
- Wynn Al Marjan Islan
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC
- King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company
- Qiddiya Investment Company
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company PJSC
- Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC
- Investment Corporation of Dubai
- Diriyah Company
- Al Mal Capital REIT
- Jeddah Central Development Company
- Royal Commission for Al-Ula
- RAKEZ Authority
- Omniyat
- Bright Start
- Dubai Holding
Work highlights
Advising Disney on its strategic partnership with Miral for the development and operation of a new Disney theme park resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Advised Wynn Resorts and the joint venture owner in connection with the development of Wynn Al Marjan Island, a multi-billion-dollar integrated resort on Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island – Island 3.
Advised Aldar on its proposed entry into a retail joint venture with Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Tariq Imam
Other key lawyers
Nicholas Chan; Sher Khan; Maya Al Qazaz; Johnson Cortelek