Keri Watkins

Keri has extensive real estate, development and hotel related experience and advises on all aspects of the commercial real estate transaction including the initial structuring of the deal, negotiating the transaction documents and post completion aspects. During her time in the Middle East, Keri has spent time on secondment with Dubai Properties Group and Gulf Capital.

Keri is ranked by the prestigious legal directories for her work in Real Estate and Hospitality from 2022-2024, most recently as a "Next Generation Partner" by Legal 500 and "Up and Coming" by Chambers & Partners.

Keri was awarded “Middle East’s most inspiring women leaders in hospitality” in 2024.

Hotel and Leisure

• Acted for Diriyah Company, the owner of multiple developments in Diriyah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in relation to its hotel and F&B portfolio including negotiating with the operators of 41 ultra-luxury hotels and branded residences located in two different master plans in Diriyah.

• Acted Aldar Hospitality on its partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts as part of Aldar’s AED 1.5 billion hospitality portfolio transformation in the UAE, including the Yas Plaza Hotels in Abu Dhabi and the Tilal Liwa desert resort in the Al Dhafra region, which will be reimagined and operated under IHG’s ‘Vignette Collection’ brand.

• Advised Sixth of October Development and Investment Company (SODIC) on its strategic partnership with global luxury hospitality brand, Nobu, and on the expansion of the Nobu brand in Egypt.

• Advised Goldman Capital Investment, on the sale of the Radisson Blu hotel in Dubai Media City, one of Dubai's premier media and business districts to Select Group.

• Acted for the buyer on the acquisition of the Anantara Hotel Resort & Spa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, and the restructuring of its branded residences.

• Acted for the buyer on the acquisition of Nikki Beach Hotel Resort & Spa, Dubai and the restructuring of its branded residences.

• Acted for the buyer on the acquisition of the One & Only Hotel, Palm Jumeirah and One & Only Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai.

• Acted for the Seller on the sale of shares of Nurai Island Hotel and two new islands located northeast of Nurai Island, to Aldar Properties.

Real Estate Transactions and Leasing

• Acted for Aldar Hospitality on the landmark acquisition of a commercial office tower in the DIFC from H&H Development valued at AED 2.3 billion.

• Advised the Olayan Financing Company (OFC) on the acquisition of a 24.5% stake in ICD Brookfield Place, the region's premier lifestyle and business location within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), from Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) and Brookfield. This was the largest institutional third-party single asset real estate transaction in the UAE.

• Advised Aldar Properties on the joint venture with an Abu Dhabi sovereign investor to acquire Al Maryah Tower, a prime Grade A commercial office property located on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.

• Acted for a local government entity on the bid process for the acquisition of a USD 700 million hospitality portfolio of assets from Emaar Hospitality Group.

• Acted for Gulf Related (joint venture between Gulf Capital and Related Companies, New York) on the retail and food and beverage lease documentation for The Galleria, Sowwah Square. Drafting and negotiating the lease documentation with occupational tenants including a number of international high-end brands.

• Acting for Diriyah Company on their retail and commercial leasing portfolio across the giga-project.