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 development advisory
  • 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

    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
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