The UAE is one of the most attractive property markets in the world. From the luxury skyscrapers of Dubai to the serene waterfronts of Abu Dhabi and the growing residential areas in Sharjah, investors and homebuyers need expert legal guidance to navigate property transactions safely.
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Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP stands out as the best real estate and property law firm in the UAE, offering comprehensive legal services to individuals, investors, and corporations looking to buy, sell, or invest in UAE real estate. With years of experience, deep knowledge of UAE property laws, and a client-first approach, we ensure your real estate transactions are smooth, secure, and fully compliant.
Why Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP Is the Leading Real Estate Law Firm in the UAE
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP has earned a reputation as a premier law firm for real estate and property matters across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other UAE emirates. Here’s why we are recognized as the best:
- Extensive Local Knowledge: Our lawyers are fully versed in UAE property law, freehold and leasehold regulations, RERA guidelines, and regional nuances in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
- Comprehensive Legal Services: We handle property purchase agreements, sales, leasing contracts, property due diligence, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance.
- Investor-Friendly Approach: Whether you are a foreign investor or a UAE national, we protect your interests and ensure risk-free property transactions.
- Trusted by Corporates and Individuals: From real estate developers and investment firms to individual buyers, our clients trust us for our accuracy, professionalism, and dedication.
- Buying-Focused Expertise: Our core service revolves around helping clients buy property in UAE with full legal protection, transparent contracts, and regulatory compliance.

Real Estate and Property Services Offered in the UAE
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP specializes in a wide range of real estate legal services, including but not limited to:
1. Property Purchase and Sale Agreements
Buying property in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah requires well-drafted purchase agreements that comply with UAE law. Our team ensures:
- Clear terms and conditions protecting buyers’ rights.
- Compliance with RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) regulations.
- Accurate representation of property boundaries, ownership, and charges.
2. Legal Due Diligence
Investing in property without proper due diligence can be risky. We conduct thorough due diligence to ensure that:
- The property has a clear title.
- There are no outstanding mortgages, liens, or disputes.
- All developer approvals and permits are valid.
- The property is free of legal or financial encumbrances.
3. Freehold and Leasehold Guidance
Each UAE emirate has specific property ownership rules. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP helps:
- Foreign investors understand freehold and leasehold property options in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
- Navigate ownership rights and lease agreements according to local regulations.
4. Real Estate Dispute Resolution
Disputes in property transactions can arise due to delayed handovers, developer conflicts, or breach of contracts. We provide:
- Negotiation and mediation services.
- Representation before UAE courts or the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
- Expert advice to resolve disputes quickly and minimize financial risk.
5. Property Leasing Contracts
Whether you are a landlord or tenant, our team drafts and reviews lease agreements to ensure:
- Compliance with Dubai Land Department or Abu Dhabi Municipality rules.
- Clarity of rent, maintenance obligations, and termination clauses.
- Protection against potential legal conflicts.
6. Off-Plan Property Investments
Buying off-plan properties can be lucrative but complex. Our lawyers help investors by:
- Reviewing developer agreements and escrow arrangements.
- Ensuring timely delivery and compliance with project timelines.
- Protecting your investment with clear legal recourse.
Why Investors Choose Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah
The UAE real estate market is booming, with high-profile developments like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Yas Island, and Sharjah Waterfront attracting global investors. Here’s why investors prefer Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP:
- Dubai: We handle luxury apartments, villas, and commercial property transactions with full compliance with Dubai Land Department and RERA regulations.
- Abu Dhabi: Our team advises on freehold and leasehold properties, investment contracts, and government approvals for residential and commercial real estate.
- Sharjah: We guide investors in emerging markets, helping clients identify high-potential areas while ensuring legal safety.
With deep understanding of the local market and laws in each emirate, our firm ensures that property investments are fully protected and compliant with UAE law.
Steps to Buying Property in the UAE with Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP
Step 1: Legal Consultation
We begin by understanding your investment goals, property type preferences, and emirate-specific considerations.
Step 2: Property Verification
Our team conducts complete legal due diligence to confirm ownership, approvals, and compliance.
Step 3: Drafting Purchase Agreement
We draft a clear, binding purchase agreement that safeguards your rights as a buyer and ensures compliance with local regulations.
Step 4: Payment and Escrow Guidance
We ensure payments are made safely, often via government-approved escrow accounts, protecting your investment until property handover.
Step 5: Transfer of Ownership
We handle all legal formalities at the Land Department or relevant municipality to ensure the property is officially registered in your name.
Step 6: Post-Purchase Legal Support
Even after property acquisition, our team provides advice on leasing, resale, or dispute resolution if needed.
Legal Due Diligence and Title Verification in UAE Real Estate
Buying property in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah without proper legal due diligence can expose investors to risks such as disputed ownership, unpaid fees, or fraudulent developers. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP specializes in comprehensive property due diligence, ensuring that every real estate transaction is fully secure.
Our legal team reviews:
- Title verification: Confirming the seller’s ownership and ensuring the property is free from liens or disputes.
- Developer and project checks: Ensuring off-plan or newly developed properties are legally approved by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) in Dubai or Abu Dhabi Municipality.
- Contract review: Examining purchase agreements, escrow arrangements, and special conditions to protect buyers’ rights.
- Compliance checks: Ensuring all fees, service charges, and government approvals are in place before payment or registration.
With this thorough verification, clients can confidently buy residential, commercial, or off-plan properties in any UAE emirate, knowing their investment is fully protected under UAE law.
Navigating Freehold, Leasehold, and Off-Plan Investments in the UAE
Understanding property ownership types is critical for investors in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and across the UAE. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP provides expert guidance on freehold, leasehold, and off-plan property investments, ensuring clients maximize benefits while minimizing legal risk.
- Freehold properties: Foreign investors can fully own freehold apartments, villas, and commercial units in designated areas. Our legal team ensures proper registration with the Dubai Land Department or Abu Dhabi Municipality, securing your ownership rights.
- Leasehold properties: In leasehold arrangements, investors acquire property for a fixed term, typically 99 years. We guide clients through lease agreements and legal obligations to avoid disputes and ensure smooth transfers.
- Off-plan investments: Off-plan properties offer lucrative returns but carry delivery and developer risks. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP protects buyers by reviewing contracts, escrow arrangements, and project approvals before investment.
Our firm’s experience in Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Yas Island, and Sharjah Waterfront ensures every transaction, whether residential or commercial, complies with UAE law, is registered correctly, and is fully secure for investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah?
Yes. Foreigners can purchase freehold properties in designated areas of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, subject to local regulations.
What is the role of a property lawyer in UAE real estate transactions?
A property lawyer ensures the legality of agreements, verifies property titles, protects against fraud, and provides legal recourse in case of disputes.
How long does it take to complete a property purchase in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Typically, a property transaction can take 4–8 weeks, depending on due diligence, developer approvals, and registration formalities.
Is buying off-plan property safe in the UAE?
Yes, if you conduct due diligence and use a reputable law firm like Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP. We ensure developer credibility, escrow compliance, and clear contract terms.
Do I need to hire a lawyer for a property transaction in the UAE?
While not legally mandatory, hiring a lawyer protects your investment and ensures a smooth, risk-free transaction.
Why Choose Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP for Buying Property in the UAE
Investing in UAE property is exciting but requires expert legal guidance. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP offers:
- Full-service property law expertise across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates.
- Detailed due diligence to prevent fraud or disputes.
- Clear, legally binding contracts tailored to buyers’ interests.
- Assistance with registration, escrow, leasing, and dispute resolution.
- Trusted, buying-focused legal service that prioritizes investor protection.
Whether you are purchasing a villa in Dubai, a commercial unit in Abu Dhabi, or an apartment in Sharjah, Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP ensures your property investment is safe, compliant, and professionally managed.
Contact Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP Today
Protect your UAE property investments with the leading real estate and property law firm in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and across the UAE. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP provides expert legal guidance for buying villas, apartments, commercial units, and off-plan properties safely and securely.
Our services include: due diligence, title verification, contract drafting, escrow guidance, registration, and post-purchase legal support.
Contact Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP today to secure your property investment and ensure a smooth, legally compliant buying experience in any UAE emirate.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: 26B Street, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE