About WhiteCrow
We are global talent research, insight, and sourcing specialists with offices in the UK, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Dubai, and India. Our international reach has helped us to understand and penetrate specialist markets at a global level. In addition to this, our service is also extended to complement our client’s in-house talent acquisition teams.
About our client
Since its inception in 2000, our client has emerged as a prominent and fast-growing retail group serving markets across the Middle East. The organization partners with world-class fashion and lifestyle brands, delivering globally inspired products and experiences to discerning consumers throughout the GCC. Guided by a vision to become a leading regional gateway for international retailers, the company has successfully built a broad portfolio across diverse consumer categories. Its collaborative approach with global brand partners, combined with extensive market expertise and a customer-first mindset, has enabled sustained growth and ongoing expansion across the region. Today, our client remains well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the dynamic Middle Eastern retail market.
As a Associate Director - Legal (Hospitality), you will be responsible for...
- Providing strategic legal guidance and counsel to senior management on a broad range of day-to-day legal matters affecting company Hospitality.
- Interpreting and applying UAE Federal and Emirate‑level laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and managing complex commercial contracts, including hotel management agreements, branded residence agreements, F&B agreements, leasing / licensing agreements, development and procurement contracts.
- Developing, maintaining, and rolling out standard contract templates and playbooks tailored to hospitality operations and asset management.
- Supporting real estate and hospitality transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, developments, refurbishments, and asset repositioning.
- Working closely with Asset Management teams on day-to-day operational legal matters impacting hotel and F&B performance.
- Monitoring legal and regulatory developments relevant to hospitality, tourism, real estate, and mixed‑use developments, and advise on implications.
- Overseeing and managing disputes, litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution matters, coordinating with the company Litigation Team and external counsel as required.
- Managing intellectual property matters relevant to company Hospitality assets, including trademarks, branding, licensing, and brand protection.
- Supporting corporate governance matters, including board and committee processes, policies, and compliance obligations.
- Identifying, assessing, and proactively managing legal and regulatory risks, implementing mitigation strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Ensuring adherence to company legal, ethical, and governance standards across all hospitality activities.
What you already have...
- 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.
