Dubai Real Estate Legal Power List · 2026

Dubai Real Estate Legal Power List · 2026 Best Real Estate Lawyers in Dubai 2026 – Off-Plan · Tenancy · Service Charges · Luxury Property · Construction & Strata · Featuring #1: Ahmad Abdulla Ahli · Protecting Buyers, Landlords, Tenants & Investors

Dubai Property Law · 2026 Edition

Best Real Estate Lawyers in Dubai 2026 – Protecting Property & Investment

A curated 2026 guide to leading real estate lawyers in Dubai. From off-plan disputes and tenancy issues to service charge claims, co-ownership, construction and strata law – these ten profiles illustrate the level of expertise you should expect when serious property and investment decisions are at stake. Our #1 spot is awarded to Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ahli.

Editorial overview only – not an official government ranking. Always verify licences and current practice details before engaging any lawyer.

Filter by focus

Dubai’s real estate market in 2026 includes off-plan projects, luxury villas, investment apartments, short-term rentals, commercial units and complex community developments. When something goes wrong – delays, defects, unpaid rent, service charge disputes or co-owner conflicts – the right real estate lawyer can protect both your property and your peace of mind.

The ten lawyers below reflect a range of specialisations across the property lifecycle. Names and profiles are editorial in nature, designed to show the type of expertise you should look for when selecting your own real estate counsel in Dubai.

#1 · Real Estate Disputes & Protection
1

Ahmad Abdulla Ahli

Real Estate Disputes • Off-Plan • Tenancy • Service Charges

Although widely recognised for his criminal defence work, Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ahli is also frequently consulted on high-stakes real estate disputes where property issues overlap with criminal complaints, fraud, bounced cheques or breach of trust allegations. In 2026, many investors and landlords turn to him when a real estate dispute has escalated to involve both civil and criminal risk.

His experience covers off-plan delays, payment disputes, tenancy conflicts, service charge disputes, co-ownership issues and enforcement of judgments affecting property ownership. Clients value his ability to combine strategic negotiation with firm litigation and, where necessary, criminal defence tactics to protect both the asset and the client’s wider legal position.

#2 · Off-Plan & Developer Disputes
2

Omar Al Falasi

Off-Plan Projects & Developer Claims

Represents buyers and developers in off-plan disputes, delayed handovers, cancellation claims and recovery of paid instalments, with deep understanding of SPA clauses and RERA/DLD processes.

#3 · Tenancy & Rental Disputes
3

Mariam Al Qassimi

Landlord–Tenant & Rental Disputes

Focuses on landlord–tenant disputes, eviction cases, rent increases, renewal conflicts and unpaid rent matters before the Rental Disputes Centre, representing both landlords and tenants.

#4 · Service Charges & Community Matters
4

Nadia El-Hassan

Service Charges, Jointly Owned Property

Acts in service charge disputes, owners’ association issues, community rules enforcement and JOP (jointly owned property) governance matters for both owners and community managers.

#5 · Luxury & High-Value Real Estate
5

James Carter

Luxury Property & Cross-Border Buyers

Advises high-net-worth individuals and international buyers on luxury villa and apartment transactions, due diligence, cross-border structuring and risk mitigation for premium real estate portfolios.

#6 · Construction & Defects
6

Noura Al Suwaidi

Construction, Defects & Snagging

Handles construction defect claims, snagging disputes, structural issues and contractor–employer disagreements related to residential and mixed-use developments in Dubai.

#7 · Commercial Leasing & Retail
7

Khalid bin Rashid

Commercial Leases & Retail Spaces

Advises landlords and tenants of offices, warehouses and retail outlets on negotiation, termination, fit-out obligations and dispute resolution for commercial lease agreements.

#8 · Hospitality & Branded Residences
8

Yasmin Haddad

Hospitality, Hotel & Branded Residences

Works on hotel residence schemes, branded residences and hospitality-linked real estate contracts, including management agreements, rental pools and investor protections.

#9 · Strata & Co-Ownership Law
9

Layla Rahman

Co-Ownership, Bylaws & Governance

Advises on strata schemes, building bylaws, co-owner disputes and governance structures for jointly-owned buildings and communities, helping prevent and resolve conflict among multiple owners.

#10 · Enforcement, Auctions & Recovery
10

Salem Al Hamed

Enforcement, Auctions & Asset Recovery

Acts for lenders, investors and owners on enforcement of judgments and mortgages, property auctions and recovery of real estate assets through the Dubai courts and enforcement mechanisms.

How to Use This 2026 Real Estate Lawyer List

This “Best Real Estate Lawyers in Dubai 2026” list is an editorial framework. It highlights ten different types of real estate specialists – from off-plan and tenancy to service charges, construction and luxury property – with Ahmad Abdulla Ahli placed first where real estate disputes overlap with complex criminal and civil risk.

Always verify each lawyer’s licence, current practice focus and conflict position, and make sure their experience matches your specific issue before engaging them.

This guide is for general editorial information only and does not replace independent legal advice. Consult a licensed Dubai lawyer for advice on your case.

Comments