Real Estate M&A Specialist

About the Role:

We are seeking a seasoned Real Estate M&A expert to lead and manage the end-to-end deal process for a prominent client in Abu Dhabi. This role involves strategic oversight and hands-on involvement across each transaction phase, from governance framework set-up to deal negotiation and closing. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in real estate mergers and acquisitions, deal structuring, financial analysis, and a strong network within the UAE market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance framework development: Establish a robust governance structure for deal management to ensure effective oversight, decision-making, and compliance throughout the transaction lifecycle.
• Asset prioritization: Evaluate and prioritize assets based on strategic fit, financial feasibility, and market potential. Conduct initial screenings to shortlist high-value opportunities.
• Feasibility studies: Lead comprehensive feasibility analyses on target assets, including financial modelling, risk assessment, market analysis and return projections to support informed investment decisions.
• Deal structuring: Develop customized deal structures that maximize value for all stakeholders, balancing short- and long-term financial outcomes with client objectives.
• Investment pitch preparation: Craft compelling investment pitches for internal and external stakeholders, including the client’s executive team, potential partners, and financing entities.
• Deal negotiation & execution: Drive negotiations with target asset owners, stakeholders, and financiers, ensuring that all aspects of the deal meet financial, strategic and regulatory requirements.
• Stakeholder management: Act as the primary point of contact for all deal-related matters, ensuring transparent communication and alignment with client objectives at every stage.
• Market & regulatory analysis: Stay informed on UAE’s real estate market trends, regulatory requirements and competitive landscape to adapt strategies and ensure compliance.

Requirements:

• Experience: 10+ years of proven experience in real estate M&A, investment management, or asset management, ideally with a focus on high-value deals in the UAE or GCC market.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or a related field. A master’s degree or CFA/CPA certification is preferred.
• Financial Acumen: Expert in financial modelling, valuation techniques, and feasibility analysis, with an ability to interpret complex financial data to drive decision-making.
• Negotiation & deal Structuring: Strong track record of structuring and negotiating successful real estate deals, with a thorough understanding of legal and regulatory factors in the UAE.
• Analytical skills: Proficient in conducting thorough market research, risk assessment and competitive analysis to identify high-potential investment opportunities.
• Communication skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to create impactful investment pitches and reports.
• Stakeholder management: Strong interpersonal skills, able to work effectively with senior management, investors, and diverse stakeholders across the UAE.
• Cultural Fit: Knowledge of and experience with the business landscape and cultural dynamics of the UAE and wider GCC region.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Prior experience working in a real estate investment fund, PE firm, or investment banking environment focused on real estate M&A.
• Professional proficiency in Arabic (advantageous but not required).