Associate Director - Legal

Responsibilities: Provide strategic legal guidance and counsel to senior management on a broad range of day-to-day legal matters affecting company Hospitality. Interpret and apply UAE Federal and Emirate level laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance to ensure ongoing compliance. Review, draft, negotiate, and manage complex commercial contracts, including hotel management agreements, branded residence agreements, F&B agreements, leasing / licensing agreements, development and procurement contracts. Develop, maintain, and roll out standard contract templates and playbooks tailored to hospitality operations and asset management. Support real estate and hospitality transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, developments, refurbishments, and asset repositioning. Work closely with Asset Management teams on day-to-day operational legal matters impacting hotel and F&B performance. Monitor legal and regulatory developments relevant to hospitality, tourism, real estate, and mixed use developments, and advise on implications. Oversee and manage disputes, litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution matters, coordinating with the company Litigation Team and external counsel as required. Manage intellectual property matters relevant to company Hospitality assets, including trademarks, branding, licensing, and brand protection. Support corporate governance matters, including board and committee processes, policies, and compliance obligations. Identify, assess, and proactively manage legal and regulatory risks, implementing mitigation strategies aligned with business objectives. Ensure adherence to company legal, ethical, and governance standards across all hospitality activities. Requirements: 5-7 years (min) of post-qualification legal experience with leadership responsibilities Experience advising business stakeholders on commercial and operational legal matters Exposure to multi-jurisdictional work, with good familiarity with the UAE legal and regulatory environment Experience drafting, negotiating, and managing commercial agreements Cultural sensitivity in managing legal matters Education/ Professional Certification 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.