In a testament to the UAE’s growing position as a regional investment hub, Habib Al Mulla & Partners is pleased to announce its role in advising a leading GCC-based financial institution on the successful sale of a strategic real estate asset in Dubai; a transaction valued at AED 270 million.
The deal, finalized on 27 February 2025, reflects a rising trend among regional institutions to capitalize on prime freehold real estate in Dubai, particularly properties earmarked for integrated hospitality, commercial, and residential development.
A Complex Transaction, Seamlessly Delivered
The transaction involved the divestment of a landmark land plot within a key Dubai master development. The purchaser, a prominent regional investment entity, required structured payment timelines, multiple regulatory approvals, and coordination with both the Dubai Land Department and the relevant Master Developer.
Crucially, the transaction also entailed navigating a pre-existing legal dispute among some of the co-owners, an obstacle that demanded not only strategic drafting and risk mitigation, but also sensitivity to enforcement timelines, developer requirements, and escrow safeguards. The deal closed with all parties’ rights preserved and title successfully transferred.
Harnessing Cross-Departmental Strength
What set this transaction apart was the firm’s ability to leverage its internal synergies across practice areas. Led by our Real Estate Practice, the transaction drew support from our Banking & Finance Practice to ensure seamless coordination of the financial structuring and regulatory compliance required by a regional Islamic bank.
“This matter reflects the kind of interlinked, multi-disciplinary collaboration that defines our approach at Habib Al Mulla & Partners,” noted Dr. Ezzat Gharep on the transaction.
“By bringing together our real estate, banking, and transactional teams, we provided a solution that was legally sound, commercially viable, and fully executable within a tight regulatory framework.” – Eman Asad
The real estate aspects were spearheaded by Eman Asad, Head of Real Estate, with support from Dr. Ezzat Ghareb, Counsel. The financing side was handled in close collaboration with Ali Dakhlallah, Head of Banking and Finance, who provided critical input on deal structuring and compliance under UAE law, whilst Omar Kawis, Paralegal, provided cross-departmental support throughout the transaction.
Reflecting Dubai’s Legal and Commercial Maturity
This transaction underlines Dubai’s appeal as a destination for cross-border capital, where large-scale acquisitions are increasingly being facilitated through sophisticated legal structures and experienced advisory teams. It also showcases how law firms must evolve, both structurally and operationally, to meet the increasingly integrated needs of institutional clients.
At Habib Al Mulla and Partners, our strength lies not only in legal expertise, but in our ability to deliver it as one unified team: regardless of department or discipline. Whether advising on real estate, finance, corporate structuring, or dispute management, we bring deep sector knowledge and a solutions-driven mindset.
For further information or transaction-related inquiries, please reach out to our Head of Real Estate, Eman Asad, at eman.asad@habibalmulla.com
