REITs and real estate investment structures

We guide clients through the legal and regulatory aspects of real estate investment structures, including REITs, joint ventures, and cross-border property funds operating in the UAE.

Practice Overview

Real estate investment in the UAE has become increasingly sophisticated, with structures such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), property funds, and joint ventures playing a central role in portfolio growth and capital deployment. At Kayrouz & Associates, we advise developers, asset managers, institutional investors, and family offices on structuring and managing real estate investments within the local legal and regulatory framework.

We assist in establishing REITs under UAE regulations, particularly those governed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). Our lawyers advise on fund formation, licensing, and compliance with listing requirements for public and private REITs.

Beyond REITs, we help clients structure real estate joint ventures, special purpose vehicles (SPVs), and investment platforms that align with ownership and control requirements. We also advise on capital structuring, tax implications, and investor rights.

Whether launching a fund or entering a joint venture, our goal is to ensure the investment vehicle is compliant, efficient, and aligned with the strategic goals of all stakeholders.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Structuring and registering REITs in DIFC and onshore UAE
  • Legal formation of property investment vehicles and SPVs
  • Drafting fund documentation and shareholder agreements
  • Advising on compliance with DFSA, SCA, and ADGM regulations
  • Supporting cross-border real estate investment strategies
  • Negotiating joint venture and co-investment arrangements
  • Meet Our Team

    Our team is equipped to handle complex legal matters with precision and care. Learn more about our lawyers below.
    Pierre Kayrouz
    Chief Legal Officer
    Maria Valeyeva
    Chief Compliance Officer
    Georges Touma
    Head Litigator
    Hanan Ahmed
    Practicing Lawyer
    Lathamani Chandrashekar
    Senior Corporate Counsel
    Arka Navle
    Corporate Counsel
    Nashita Nazneen
    Junior Corporate Counsel
    Mark Engelman
    Intellectual Property Barrister
    Rita Semaan
    Legal Consultant
    Carlos Rahme
    Senior Legal Consultant
    Souhad Al Ghorayeb
    Senior Legal Consultant
    Sandy Geagea
    Legal Consultant
    Saeed Gaber
    Legal Research Analyst
    Muhammed Ali Charif
    Junior Legal Counsel
    Jenifer Abu Nasr
    Paralegal
    Patricia Abi Mansour
    Business Development Manager
    Varalakshmi Balasubramanian
    Operations Assistant
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