Real Estate & Construction: United Arab Emirates

THE FIRM The highly recommended real estate practice at Afridi & Angell is regularly used by both high-profile clients and international firms seeking assistance with leasing transactions throughout the Emirates. The group is spread across three offices in the region, and is often a point of first contact for matters outside of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Sources say: "Always very happy with everything they produce. Of the local firms on the ground, they are one of the main protagonists."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Shahram Safai is a well-known figure in the UAE real estate sector. Sources are particularly impressed by his leasing expertise. 

THE FIRM Al Tamimi's ability to offer top-level advice within the local framework makes it a prime player for real estate matters in the UAE. The diverse team offers extensive experience in commercial transactions, particularly in the hospitality sector. Notably, the group advised on the development lease for the Tower Links Golf Club at Ras Al Khaimah. It also operates a significant construction disputes practice. It represented CSHK Dubai Contracting in a Dubai International Arbitration Centre arbitration against a concrete supplier subcontractor.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lisa Dale is a highly rated real estate specialist, and a key contact for many of the firm's major clients.

Tara Marlow is singled out by peers and clients for her hospitality expertise.

Jeremy Scott regularly assists clients with complex development and planning matters.

THE FIRM This international heavyweight is known for its experience assisting with real estate and construction matters arising out of the region's key projects. On the construction side, it advised the export credit agencies on the construction contracts relating to the USD14 billion Barzan Gas Project in Qatar. The real estate team represented Masdar in the real estate aspects of the USD22 billion Masdar City development. The group is also active in complex sales and lettings transactions, and hospitality matters.

Sources say: "They understand the market and the nuances of the local law." "A&O always has high quality - it is down to the people. I have confidence in them and the way they approach a matter. That is why I always go back to them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jaspal Gillar heads the firm's Middle East construction practice. He was a key contact on the Barzan matter.

Sachin Karia represents clients in the construction aspects of major projects. He advised Oman Refinery & Petrochemical on the USD3 billion expansion of the Sohar refinery plant. 

Nick Smith heads the real estate team and leads on many of the group's key matters. He is often a first point of contact for a number of significant clients.

Ian Bevan is a regular on high-profile real estate instructions. One source remarked: "He is very thorough, and he delivers what you want."

Clients enjoy working with Nick Jackson, noting his "wealth of in-house experience, attention to detail and technical abilities."

Louise Vun is praised for her commercial acumen. One commentator said she is "very switched-on and knowledgeable, and aware of the topical issues that affect us." 

THE FIRM This firm's growing practice demonstrates significant capability across both real estate and construction disciplines. Its improving stature is reflected by the instructions it receives. On the real estate side, it represents Dubai Aviation City in connection with issues arising out of the development of the Dubai World Central project. From a construction perspective, it regularly works with the likes of Al Rajhi Bank and Arabtec Construction on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Sources say: "Knowledgeable and commercially minded." "They have provided good, strategic advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mohammed Kamal is described as a "very strong lawyer." He is leading the Dubai Aviation City matter.

The "very efficient and organised" Richard Davies is a key contact for both contentious and non-contentious construction matters.

David Nunn is widely respected by peers. He is responsible for advising Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) on a range of real estate issues.

THE FIRM Clifford Chance's sophisticated real estate team is equally comfortable dealing with complex financings and leasing, and ownership and management issues relating to development projects. It represented Emirates NBD as lender on the AED1.1 billion financing for the purchase of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the Dubai International Financial Centre In addition, the group has worked in conjunction with the firm's outstanding construction team on a range of issues for Al Rajhi Bank arising out of the USD3 billion Jabal Omar mixed-use development.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Henderson is a key contact for real estate matters. One commentator remarked that "in my opinion he is the best real estate lawyer we have worked with."

THE FIRM Clyde & Co's long-standing experience in the UAE means it is often a first port of call for both real estate and construction matters. The broad team has the capability to advise on a range of issues. The real estate group assists high-profile developers with title and management issues relating to some of the UAE's most significant developments. Key clients include Pearl Dubai and Sorouh Real Estate. The construction team regularly works with the likes of ADNEC and TDIC on a variety of construction contracts.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Blanksby retains his position as one of the key names in the construction sector in the UAE.

Michael Grose is well regarded by clients and peers alike. Sources praise his work acting for developers and highlight his pragmatic approach.

The highly regarded Alexis Waller heads the real estate team. She is prevalent on many of the team's highest-profile instructions.

David McElveney stands out for his non-contentious construction practice.

Stephen Kelly is singled out for his strata expertise. He is a key presence on several of the firm's standout matters.

THE FIRM SNR Denton's long-standing and very well-regarded construction practice handles many of the major matters in the region. It regularly assists key clients with the drafting of bespoke documentation in connection with large-scale developments. It particularly stands out for its work in the power, water and infrastructure spheres. The contentious practice is also active on a range of high-profile disputes. The team's well-known client list includes the likes of Abu Dhabi Airport Company and Habtoor Leighton Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Shaw stands out as both a highly respected arbitrator and a counsel of choice in the UAE's construction arena. "He is a great guy and a great lawyer," observers say. 

David Risbridger is highlighted by clients as a key name in the UAE market. He impresses interview sources with his "significant in-depth expertise in construction matters."

THE FIRM DLA Piper's real estate practice is singled out for its strength in retail leasing. It regularly advises developers requiring complex structures relating to the pre-letting of high-profile retail space. The team is equally adept in the hospitality sector. It represented Paramount Hotels & Resorts in the creation of a suite of bespoke hotel management agreements. The construction team frequently assists Aldar Properties, most notably with the construction contract related to the development of Yas Island.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tom O'Grady is the firm's regional head of real estate. The highly respected practitioner was responsible for the Paramount Hotels matter.

Duncan Pickering leads on the team's retail leasing instructions.

Jim Delkousis heads the firm's regional litigation and regulatory practice group. Sources are "extremely impressed with his work" on complex construction disputes.

THE FIRM This group works closely with the firm's highly regarded disputes team to advise on high-profile contentious construction matters. It can call upon its wide international network to assist clients with arbitrations all over the world, in jurisdictions as diverse as Turkey, Albania and Qatar. The team's key clients include the likes of Emaar, The Supreme Committee for Qatar 2022 and Dubai Property Group.

Sources say: "Quick to respond and precise in their approach." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients and peers alike are quick to praise construction head Erin Miller-Rankin. "Her work ethic is second to none, as is her ability as a lawyer. I would always want her in my corner," commentators say. 

THE FIRM This team benefits from its vast local knowledge and experience to advise on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, both in the real estate and construction spheres. The real estate team represents the Saadiyat Development Investment in connection with aspects arising out of the Eco Point Development. The construction team is noted for its contentious capabilities. It assisted Terna with its arbitration against a subcontractor relating to the construction of the Park Rotana Hotel.

Sources say: "A slick local firm, very international and sophisticated in their approach."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The impressive Michael Lunjevich is a key name on the real estate side. Market sources consider him "very strong, the driving force behind the relationship. He knows what we want, and understands why we want it."

Construction expert Anthony Edwards is singled out for his vast domestic and international experience. "He demonstrated an excellent understanding of the issues at hand and integrity in dealing with us as a client, always explaining the risk involved and the pros and cons of any issues being discussed. His legal knowledge and skills are beyond question," sources say.

Richard Briggs is a noted disputes lawyer in the UAE. He regularly lends his experienced hand to some of the team's most complex construction disputes work.

Clients can call on the deep knowledge of Basil Siddiqi when it comes to resolving disputes. He assists with both construction and real estate matters. 

Strata expert Brent Baldwin assists with much of the firm's front line real estate work. Clients describe him as "bright, and interested in us as a business and as individuals, and he reacts very quickly and positively."

THE FIRM Herbert Smith Freehills enjoys good relationships with some of the region's key government entities, resulting in a range of high-profile instructions, particularly in the real estate sector. It advised the Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) on the real estate aspects of the development of the ADPC industrial zone at Al Taweelah. The group can also employ significant disputes expertise to represent clients in construction arbitrations in the region.

Sources say: "They come up with practical, commercial solutions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Craig Shepherd is singled out for his contentious construction expertise, and regularly advises on high-profile disputes. Sources praise his international experience and understanding of various jurisdictions.

Nicholle Kingsley is singled out by clients for her "solid commercial real estate background." She assists with the team's highest-profile instructions.

Hazel Shakur Quinn is praised for her knowledge of the real estate market and efficient and effective approach to transactions.

Nick Turner returned to the firm's London base in 2012. He plays a considerable role in the team in the UAE, leading on the ADPC matter. One source said: "It is a blessing having him on your side. He gets the commercial realities. He is at a different level."

THE FIRM The growing real estate team at Jones Day enjoys a broad range of experience in commercial, residential and hospitality matters. The team can call on the wider firm's construction capabilities to advise on a variety of transactions. Notably, it advised Sinogulf Investments on the construction and leasing of International Tower and Capital House. The group can also count the likes of TDIC and Sorouh Real Estate among its regular clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Duane Keighran is a very well-regarded real estate practitioner. He regularly works with the firm's highest-profile clients on their most significant matters. 

THE FIRM King & Spalding's strong projects experience earns the team a prime position across a broad range of construction matters. The practice assists clients with some of their highest-profile instructions across the Middle East. The team is prevalent advising on PPP, particularly district energy projects. It notably advised TDIC on the Saadiyat Island District Energy Scheme. Other clients include the Abu Dhabi Airports Company and Jabal Omar Development. The real estate team is known for its ability to assist clients with complex real estate-backed funds structures.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients enjoy working with Tim Burbury, a key contact for district energy matters. "He is absolutely fantastic - a first-class lawyer with great client care and first-rate service," according to market commentators. 

THE FIRM Lawrence Graham's compact contentious construction practice continues to win plaudits for its arbitration expertise and industry experience. It regularly assists high-profile contractors from all around the world with disputes arising out of significant projects across the Middle East. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Foster heads the construction team at the firm. He is considered one of the foremost construction practitioners in the UAE. One source commented: "He has a real attention to detail and his knowledge is exception. I have recommended him to friends - I know he will always do the best for the client."

THE FIRM This outstanding firm's real estate team is known for its work on some of the region's most significant development projects for key government and quasi-government entities. It can represent clients in a range of matters, including financing, hospitality, retail and commercial leasing. The group advised The First Group on a range of hotel projects across the Middle East, including the land acquisition, financing and leaseback of two towers in TECOM. The construction team is held in similarly high regard, and highlights include the continued representation of a consortium including Saudi Oger, TAV Holdings and Al Rajhi Holding in its successful bid to develop Madinah airport.

Sources say: "Very strong commercially - they understand what we are trying to achieve."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Clayson is highly respected by peers and clients alike. One commentator remarked: "He is my go-to person there - he reacts very quickly and positively to our needs."

Martin Preston's broad construction practice extends beyond the Middle East to Africa. He is a key contact on the team's most significant mandates, including the Madinah airport PPP project.

THE FIRM Pinsent Masons' UAE construction practice reflects the firm's broader sector expertise. A strong year has seen the respected team win a number of high-profile mandates on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Recent highlights for the group include continuing to advise China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering on the construction of the 360 km Habshan to Fujairah pipeline. The team also represents Chun Wo Development Holdings in a range of real estate matters relating to its mixed-use developments in Reem Island and Murjan Island.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The very well-regarded Michelle Nelson is applauded for her extensive knowledge of construction law. She leads on many of the firm's contentious construction matters.

Clients value Mark Raymont's advice on a range of construction matters. He is notably strong on the contentious side.

Associate Philip Corfield-Smith is a key component in the growth of the team's real estate practice. Clients single him out for his transactional ability, as well as the accuracy and clarity of his advice.  

Sachin Kerur is a key contact for non-contentious work, leading the Habshan to Fujairah pipeline project. He also has strong experience handling matters relating to India, and is currently involved in the reform of construction laws in that jurisdiction.

THE FIRM The Reed Smith construction practice is well respected, and equally comfortable dealing with contentious and non-contentious matters. The team has strong ties with key industry names across the region, resulting in a range of high-profile instructions. Key clients include Reem Investments and the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The well-respected Chau Ee Lee regularly assists some of the team's highest-profile clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Paul Taylor joined the team in 2012, and is a notable presence on the construction disputes scene.

THE FIRM Shearman & Sterling draws on the wider firm's project expertise to advise on key construction matters throughout the region. The team is comfortable acting for developers, sponsors and lenders on a range of construction contracts. Of particular note is its ongoing advice on various construction issues to Dow Chemical as sponsor in the USD20 billion Sadara Integrated Refining and Petrochemical Project. The team has also worked with Citadel Capital on the sponsor side.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Iain Elder is the key contact in Abu Dhabi.

THE FIRM Taylor Wessing's active real estate practice has particular strengths advising developers and financial institutions on non-contentious and contentious matters. On the finance side, the team assisted Amlak Finance with its review of Islamic finance documentation relating to real estate. It also advises a range of high net worth individuals on both portfolio management and high-value residential property transactions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients enjoy working with practice head Jerry Parks, highlighting his client service skills and clarity of advice.  

THE FIRM This construction practice assists the wider firm's projects team to advise on a range of matters across the Middle East. On the contentious side, it represented Turner & Townsend International in its dispute arising out of the construction of a railway station in South Africa. Its non-contentious practice places particular focus on power and water projects, counting the likes of Shuaibah Water & Electricity among its key clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael O'Reilly is the key contact at the practice.