Real Estate
Dubai's ever expanding real estate market has seen remarkable growth in recent years, attracting both local and international investors. Through extensive engagement in complex disputes as well as in-house experience, our team has unparalleled insight into the distinct regulatory requirements, technical aspects and operations of the UAE real estate sector.
Horizons & Co.’s strong reputation is a result of a combination of our comprehensive local legal knowledge and practical experience acting for both national and international clients. These include international property developers, corporations, financial institutions, investment funds, landlords, tenants, contractors and management companies as well as construction and engineering companies.
Our dedicated team understands the commercial realities of working in this sector, with deep experience of supporting on issues ranging from financing and development to property management and rental issues. We work closely with our clients to develop the most effective strategies to resolve their disputes and achieve the best outcomes in line with commercial aims.
Representative Experience
- Al Reef Real Estate Investment on an AED 166 + million claim against a semi-governmental entity, the largest developer in the UAE, concerning a Sale and Purchase Agreement for a high-value plot located in one of the largest infrastructure projects in the UAE. Our client received the full claim amount, plus compensation.
- IMKAN Properties on a case against certain purchasers of its real estate units in three main master developments under construction in Abu Dhabi. We represented our client in relation to the termination of the SPAs of defaulting customers who brought off-plan, with a total value of over AED 250 million and ensured their removal from the Interim Real Estate Register.
- One of the most prominent sovereign wealth funds in the UAE on a rental dispute case against a major hospital whereby successfully obtained judicial rulings obligating the defendant, who had evaded payment for some time, to pay our client approx. AED 8 million.
- The real estate arm of major Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund on a dispute regarding a Utility Agreement as the lessor of two luxury buildings in Abu Dhabi, whereby the lessee failed to fulfil their obligations. After initiating proceedings in the Abu Dhabi Commercial Courts, our client was awarded approx. AED 50 million in compensation.
- Al Burj Real Estate on a series of disputes regarding multiple SPAs valued at over AED 700 million, whereby the opposing party is the largest real estate developer in the UAE. They claim our client failed to fulfil its obligation to develop the infrastructure of a project as per the contract, whereas our client ascertains the fault was on the claimant side.
- A major UAE sovereign wealth fund on a comprehensive legal review concerning the rules and regulations governing more than 180 entities under their control, reviewing the real estate assets each held. This extensive project involved thoroughly assessing the current regulatory compliance of each entity, providing expert legal advice, and delivering tailored templates to ensure strict adherence to UAE laws.
- Dar Al Arkan/Dar Global on a range of issues including representing them before the Dubai Land Department, advising them on relationship agreements and partnerships notably when contentious issues arise, and on payment-related matters, including crypto currency.
- A major UAE development company on their dispute with a fellow developer concerning a land deal in Dubai. We successfully argued, and the court rendered, that all sales and purchase agreements of the disputed lands should be terminated with all amounts paid by our client to be returned plus compensation by the other party’s breach of obligations.
- G&Co Real Estate Development on their successful defence against more than 70 cases filed against them by buyers seeking compensation due to delays in handing over units, as well as other allegations such as off-plan changes to the properties, valued at over AED 500 million.
- The real estate arm of one of Dubai’s most prominent conglomerates successfully on a case relating to a lease agreement concerning Dubai Hills Mall, whereby our client was seeking compensation for a delay of over two years regarding the opening of the mall.
Contact us
