Meet the Founder

Lara Merhabi

I am an accomplished legal consultant with a unique blend of expertise in real estate, corporate, and commercial law, coupled with a deep understanding of emerging technologies. I advise high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and leading real estate and hospitality groups in the UAE.

At Meraas Group, I served as Legal Manager, where I led corporate structuring initiatives for over 300 affiliated entities. My work spans high-value transactions including joint ventures and group reorganizations. I am highly skilled in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts across sectors.

I began my legal career while still pursuing my LLB., working as a paralegal at Al Tamimi & Company, where I specialized in healthcare and compliance law. In that role, I supported the Head of Department in advising governmental authorities and healthcare organizations on regulatory and corporate matters across the GCC.

Key Transactions & Skills

Real Estate & Hospitality

  • Drafted legal documents for an eight-figure joint venture between two regional developers for the acquisition of facilities management companies.
  • Drafted and negotiated eight-figure SPAs for luxury residential properties in Dubai.
  • Provided legal and corporate support for the structuring of the AED 5 billion Merex joint venture between Meraas and Brookfield.
  • Oversaw the legal and management structuring of multiple private groups.
  • Drafts and negotiates commercial and real estate contracts across various sectors.
  • Advises leading real estate and hospitality developers in Dubai on project structuring and negotiation.

Healthcare & Regulatory

  • Supported advisory work for a medical group planning to launch air ambulance services in Dubai.
  • Assisted with the sale of a major healthcare facility in Dubai.
  • Conducted research and contributed to regulatory advice for a premium healthcare provider on telemedicine compliance in the UAE.

Education

  • LL.B. (Summa Cum Laude), American University in the Emirates
  • MSc in AI & Computer Science, University of Birmingham (in progress)

Languages

  • Arabic
  • English