Partner

Geoff Smith

Head of Real Estate

Languages

English

Social media

Geoff is a Partner and head of the real estate team in Dubai. He advises on all forms of real estate in the UAE, with particular focus on large scale development and investment transactions, and leasing in the office and retail sectors. He has over 10 years’ Middle East experience since relocating to the UAE in 2012 and has been involved in some of Dubai’s largest real estate transactions. He is responsible for managing the firm’s real estate clients in the UAE and acts for a number of UAE stock exchange listed companies, private companies and high net worth individuals.

Geoff is Co-author of Commercial Real Estate in the United Arab Emirates 2015/2016 Practical Law Global Guide and is often sought out for market commentary in Arabian Business and Gulf News.

Geoff has presented to a wide range of property personnel including co-presenter of Dubai Real Estate Legal Landscape – ‘Knowing Your Rights and Avoiding Potential Pitfalls’ organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, co-presenter ‘Real Estate in the UAE - The Amazing Decade’ organised by The American Business Council of Dubai & Northern Emirates and presenter ‘Real Estate Agreements - Do's and Don'ts’ organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

Geoff is ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers.

Awards & Recognitions

01 –

Quote

"Geoff Smith has extensive market knowledge and is well liked by his peers, as well as being easy to deal with and a fair negotiator."

Chambers, 2023
Quote

"Geoff Smith a smooth operator and knows the local market very well. He is practical and very easy to deal with."

Chambers, 2023

Relevant experience

Aldar Properties PJSC in the sale of The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa.
Aldar Properties PJSC in the acquisition of Nurai Island Hotel and Resort, Abu Dhabi, together with Development Islands.
Aldar Properties PJSC in the acquisition of Abu Dhabi Business Hub for AED 550m.
Tesla in its first lease of showroom premises in the UAE.
Ernst & Young in the lease of their new Middle East Headquarters in Dubai International Financial Centre.
Global Student Accommodation in the sale and lease back of the first dedicated student accommodation facility in Dubai.
Sweid & Sweid in the development, construction, agreement for lease, lease, option agreement, acquisition and subsequent sale of VISA Middle East headquarters building in Dubai.
Union Properties PJSC in the sale of iconic serviced apartment building in Dubai for AED 230m.
Union Properties PJSC in the portfolio sale of real estate with value of AED 2.2bn.
Union Properties PJSC in the sale of a retail mall in MotorCity Dubai for over AED 500m.
A joint venture property company in the purchase of a bespoke mixed use hotel, retail and residential development in Dubai with end value of AED 500m.
A DIFC registered company with advising, negotiating and completing head office lease of 45,000 square feet in Burj Daman, Dubai International Financial Centre to Allen & Overy LLP.
A Singapore and Hong Kong Fund in negotiating and completing office lease agreements of 90,000 square feet in Burj Daman, Dubai International Financial Centre to Schlumberger Holdings Limited.

Education

2001 – LLB, Aberdeen University

Practice Areas

Real Estate

sectors

Funds Hospitality, Travel & Leisure

Insights

Global Reach