Legal support for developers, landowners and investors on project structuring, development agreements, regulatory compliance, escrow accounts and project execution.
Confidential Consultation · EN, AR & RU
A real estate development lawyer advises developers, landowners and investors on the legal structure, agreements and regulatory requirements needed to move a development project from planning to completion.
In Dubai, this can include DLD and RERA requirements, project registration, escrow arrangements, off-plan documentation and development contracts.
Our lawyers advise master developers, sub-developers, landowners and investors throughout the real estate development lifecycle.
We assist with development structures, joint venture agreements, project registration, escrow requirements, off-plan sales, contractor agreements and project restructuring or cancellation.
Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007 regulates developers selling units off-plan and defines developers to include both master developers and sub-developers. Law No. 13 of 2008 regulates the Interim Property Register, with Law No. 19 of 2017 amending key off-plan purchaser-default procedures.
A development project should align its commercial structure, regulatory approvals and contracts from the outset.
Define the land position, developer roles, investment structure and responsibilities between the parties.
Address project registration, approved plans and applicable DLD and RERA requirements.
Establish the required escrow structure and prepare development, sale and construction documentation.
Address legal issues as the project progresses, including amendments, restructuring or cancellation where required.
Legal advice is particularly important where development rights, investment, regulatory obligations or responsibilities between project parties need to be clearly structured.
Founder & Managing Partner
Our multidisciplinary legal team advises developers, landowners and investors on the corporate, regulatory and contractual issues affecting Dubai real estate development projects.
More Than 25 Years of UAE Legal Experience
Experience advising businesses and investors across real estate, corporate and construction matters.
Development-Focused Legal Structuring
We consider land rights, developer relationships, investment structures and regulatory requirements together.
Regulatory and Documentation Support
Advice on project registration, escrow requirements, development agreements and off-plan documentation.
Project and Dispute Support
Legal support as projects progress through execution, restructuring, purchaser issues or other development disputes.
In UAE Law Practices
Across All Emirates
Firm records
Certificate on request
We first understand the commercial structure and development stage before identifying the legal work required.
Share the land position, project parties, commercial structure and current development stage.
We assess the registrations, approvals, agreements and compliance issues requiring attention.
We prioritise the documentation and regulatory steps needed to move the project forward.
We advise through contracting, registration, execution, restructuring or related disputes.
Some contract matters require focused legal support at a particular stage, from preparing an agreement to reviewing existing terms or resolving a dispute.
Tell us about the project, parties and current development stage. Our lawyers can identify the legal structure, documentation and regulatory steps required.
Confidential Consultation · EN, AR & RU
We advise developers and investors on projects designed for different commercial, residential and operational uses.
Legal support for residential, commercial and mixed-use development projects.
Advice on development structures, contractor relationships and project delivery arrangements.
Support for companies and investment groups participating in development projects or property ventures.
Legal advice for technology campuses, data-related facilities and specialised commercial developments.
Support for medical centres, healthcare facilities and property developments serving the healthcare sector.
Advice on retail centres, commercial units and developments supporting trading businesses.
Legal support for facilities, infrastructure and real estate developments connected with energy projects.
Advice on warehouses, logistics facilities, transport hubs and related developments.
A real estate development lawyer advises on project structure, development agreements, regulatory registration, escrow requirements, off-plan documentation, construction arrangements and legal issues arising during project execution.
Where Law No. 8 of 2007 applies, developers selling off-plan units and receiving purchaser or financing payments must use a project escrow account. The account is opened in the project’s name and dedicated exclusively to that development
DLD’s current process includes submitting the project through its developer system, uploading project and technical documentation, completing surveying requirements, arranging the escrow account, paying the registration fee and receiving the electronic project certificate.
DLD’s published project-registration conditions currently require a 30% project guarantee, which may be satisfied through the accepted construction-completion, bank-guarantee or cash-deposit routes.
Developers should not market or promote qualifying off-plan projects before completing the required registration and escrow procedures and obtaining the relevant RERA permit. RERA expressly reiterated this requirement in Circular 02-2025.
Law No. 19 of 2017 sets out the process beginning with the developer notifying DLD of the purchaser’s contractual breach. Available remedies then depend on the statutory procedure and project circumstances.
Yes, subject to DLD requirements. Its current cancellation service requires an official application, completion of investor settlements and the prescribed deregistration procedure before the escrow account can be closed following approval.
Law No. 8 of 2007 expressly includes both master developers and sub-developers within its definition of a developer. Their specific rights and obligations depend on the project structure and relevant agreements.
Tell us the matter type and your enquiry goes straight to the right lawyer.
+971 50 441 8952
+971 50 441 8952
Office 1305, Fairmont Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road, World Trade Center, Dubai
Confidential Consultation · EN, AR & RU · Reply within one business day.
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