Land use, zoning, and planning

We help clients navigate complex land use, zoning, and planning laws in the UAE, advising on development approvals, regulatory strategy, and compliance with municipal and federal frameworks.

Practice Overview

Land development in the UAE is governed by intricate zoning regulations and planning controls that vary across emirates and jurisdictions. Kayrouz & Associates advises developers, investors, architects, and landowners on how to comply with land use laws while maximising project potential.

We assist clients in interpreting zoning designations, obtaining planning approvals, and addressing restrictions related to density, use classification, and permitted activities. Our lawyers are well-versed in municipal processes and regularly engage with local planning councils and authorities to resolve land use issues.

From project concept through to regulatory clearance, we work with clients to identify risks and ensure full compliance with environmental, infrastructure, and heritage requirements. We also handle objections, appeals, and disputes arising from planning decisions or land use changes.

Our team provides strategic insight that blends legal precision with commercial awareness, helping to move developments forward without unnecessary delays or regulatory setbacks.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Legal review of zoning and planning regulations
  • Strategic advice on land use classification and permissible activities
  • Assistance with development applications and authority submissions
  • Objection and appeal handling in planning disputes
  • Coordination with municipal and federal planning authorities
  • Compliance advice on infrastructure, heritage, and environmental impact
  • Meet Our Team

    Our team is equipped to handle complex legal matters with precision and care. Learn more about our lawyers below.
    Pierre Kayrouz

    Pierre Kayrouz

    Chief Legal Officer
    Maria Valeyeva

    Maria Valeyeva

    Chief Compliance Officer
    Georges Touma

    Georges Touma

    Head Litigator
    Hanan Ahmed Al Balushi

    Hanan Ahmed

    Practicing Lawyer
    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Senior Corporate Counsel
    Arka Navle

    Arka Navle

    Corporate Counsel
    Nashita Nazneen

    Nashita Nazneen

    Junior Corporate Counsel
    Professor Mark Engelman

    Mark Engelman

    Intellectual Property Barrister
    Rita Semaan

    Rita Semaan

    Legal Consultant
    Carlos Rahme

    Carlos Rahme

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Sandy Y. Geagea

    Sandy Geagea

    Legal Consultant
    Saeed Gaber

    Saeed Gaber

    Legal Research Analyst
    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Junior Legal Counsel
    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Paralegal
    Patricia Abi Mansour

    Patricia Abi Mansour

    Business Development Manager
    Valakshmi Balasubramanian

    Varalakshmi Balasubramanian

    Operations Assistant
    Corporate & Commercial Law

    Shareholder Agreements in UAE: Key Clauses and Enforcement

    Foreign shareholders and investors frequently ask whether their shareholder agreements are actually enforceable in the UAE. This guide explains which clauses work in onshore courts versus DIFC and ADGM, why alignment with constitutional documents matters, and how to draft agreements that hold up when relationships break down.

    read article
    December 13, 2025
    Corporate & Commercial Law

    How UAE Law Handles Supply Chain Contract Disputes

    Global supply chains face unprecedented disruption, and UAE businesses must understand how contracts allocate risk when things go wrong. This guide examines force majeure under Article 273, INCOTERMS selection, and dispute resolution options available to logistics companies.

    read article
    December 11, 2025
    Corporate & Commercial Law

    UAE letters of credit: legal framework, documentary requirements, and dispute resolution

    The UAE's trade volumes exceeded AED 2.2 trillion in 2024, with letters of credit facilitating over 40% of import-export transactions. This comprehensive guide examines the legal framework, documentary requirements, costs, and strategic considerations for businesses using documentary credits in UAE cross-border trade.

    read article
    December 10, 2025
    View all news and insights