Director - Legal

Dubai Holding; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Career development

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Dubai Holding is seeking an experienced in-house Counsel to advise senior leadership on legal matters across a luxury hospitality portfolio including hotels, resorts, and real estate projects. The role focuses on contract drafting, negotiation, and regulatory compliance to support strategic initiatives across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

You will collaborate with internal teams and external counsel, monitor regulatory changes, and oversee disputes and IP matters to protect the group’s

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of post-qualification legal experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Senior role in an in-house legal function with international luxury hospitality experience preferred.
• Experience liaising with senior management on complex matters across multiple jurisdictions (Middle East & Asia).
• Strong knowledge of UAE Federal and Emirate laws, regulations, and standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance to senior management on a wide range of issues affecting the hospitality group.
• Interpret laws and regulations to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate vendor, partnership, and client contracts; develop standard templates.
• Support real estate transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, and development projects.
• Manage IP, governance, and board-related matters; oversee disputes and ADR processes.

Skills

Leadership

In-house legal experience

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Cross-border advisory

Dispute resolution

Intellectual property

Education

LL.B or J.D.

Job description

Job Description:

About Dubai Holding Hospitality: Dubai Holding Hospitality encompasses a diverse range of assets, including luxury hotels, resorts, and a full-service F&B portfolio. The company operates and manages several hotels, resorts, and residences across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, maintaining a reputation for unmatched luxury and service quality.

About the Job:

• Provide legal guidance and counsel to senior management on a wide range of legal issues affecting Jumeirah group.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and agreements, including vendor contracts, partnerships, and client agreements.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates.
• Provide legal support for real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, and development projects.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external counsel on real estate matters.
• Monitor changes in local and regional laws and regulations relevant to the hospitality industry.
• Ensure the Jumeirah group's compliance with legal requirements and regulatory standards.
• Oversee and manage legal disputes, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Collaborate with external counsel when necessary.
• Manage intellectual property matters, including trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements.
• Protect and enforce the hotel group's intellectual property rights.
• Oversee corporate governance matters, including board meetings, governance policies, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards in all corporate activities.
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with business activities.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.

About You:

• 8-10 years (min) of post-qualification legal experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Senior role(s) in an in-house legal function with an international luxury hospitality company or a recognized multinational blue-chip organization
• A demonstrable track record of liaising with and advising senior management on complex matters.
• Experience of working in an international capacity and a solid understanding of legal and jurisdiction differences across the markets (especially those of the Middle East and Asia).
• Strong knowledge of the legal aspects of contract and asset management (especially for those in the UAE).
• Strong knowledge of the legal aspects of core hotel operations management globally.
• Extensive experience in major contracts negotiation, formulation, and management.
• Cultural sensitivity in managing legal matters.
• Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D) or equivalent from an internationally recognized law school or university and admission (to the relevant bar or equivalent) to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction)
• Extensive knowledge of the UAE's Federal and Emirate laws, regulations, and standards.

About the Benefits:

At Dubai Holding, we're committed to nurturing the success and well-being of our colleagues. Join our dynamic and diverse team, and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive compensation, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment. We strongly believe in creating an empowered workforce that will help us build a connected city for tomorrow. We are committed to attracting the brightest minds and nurturing the most pioneering candidates who desire to make a great impact on the future of Dubai.

Requirements: