Steven Henderson

A selection of Steven’s experience includes advising:

• one of the world’s largest oil companies based in the UAE on its landmark and market leading US$5.5bn monetization of its real estate assets - the transaction involved modified sale and leaseback of the assets, adapted to work within the regulatory and foreign ownership restrictions in Abu Dhabi
• one of the UAE’s leading real estate development companies on a joint venture with a large multinational ports owning and operating company headquartered in the UAE to undertake a AED26bn re-gentrification project of the Mina Rashid area within Dubai
• one of the UAE’s leading real estate development companies in relation to the acquisition of a number of development plots within the newly reclaimed Dubai Harbour
• a leading regional PE equity on the US$170m acquisition (and leaseback) of three leading schools in Dubai
• a leading online delivery company on the lease and development of its cloud kitchens in Dubai as well as the roll out of leases for its delivery hubs in the UAE
• a US Private Equity Firm on one of the largest asset portfolio acquisition deals in the UAE (US$1.4bn), undertaken as a hybrid acquisition and debt instrument that has a very novel investment and security structure created by Steven with the client and relevant regulators
• a UAE Free Zone on a significant refinancing deal that included both conventional and Islamic debt which relies on innovative Islamic financing structure based on the underlying Real Assets of the Free Zone
• a leading regional family-owned business on its joint venture with Emaar Properties to construct affordable housing in the Middle East - as part of the mandate, Steven sat on the Joint Task Force representing the client in relation to the feasibility and structure of the joint venture
• a large UAE property development and management company on the first sale of a portfolio of mature real estate assets in Dubai, with an aggregate value of approx US$1bn
• a boutique apartment-hotel hospitality company on its new 350+ room property in Downtown Dubai, operating under a unique model
• assisting a leading international hotels group on its joint venture with one of the leading Dubai-based property developers in relation to a new five-star 550+ key development in Dubai
• a UAE Government Related Entity with its management agreements appointing MGM as operator of two new hotels in Dubai, an MGM and a Bellagio - the development also includes MGM branded residences, a museum, theatre, retail facilities and a large entertainment/adventure zone, bringing the 'Las Vegas' style resort to Dubai
• one of the UAE’s leading real estate developers on its first nine hotel deals, including an Anantara and several brands operated by Marriott and Hilton

Over his career, Steven has regular presented at various public and client conferences and events across the Middle East, UK and Europe.

He has also lectured on Real Estate law at a course for Middlesex University.

• ranked as a Leading Individual in the United Arab Emirates Real Estate legal rankings, in Legal 500
• ranked in Band 1 of the Real Estate – United Arab Emirates legal rankings, in Chambers & Partners 2021
• highly recommended by PLC Which Lawyer

“He is articulate, understands the needs of customers and is very good at managing stakeholders. He also has a great ability to show both sides of a decision - the pros and cons.” – Chambers & Partners 2021

“Steven is easily approachable and knowledgeable, and provides concise, commercially relevant legal advice.” – Chambers & Partners 2021

"[He] is the most accessible, thoughtful and pragmatic lawyer I have dealt with in private practice. He is also a very strategic and insightful thought partner in tough scenarios and a very good negotiator." - Legal 500 2020

• England & Wales (2007)
• New Zealand (2000)
• Dubai (Current)

• BCom/LLB (joint degrees) Law and Management Accounting, University of Auckland, New Zealand, 1999