Legal Counsel, Development, Middle East & Africa

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Marriott International seeks a Legal Counsel for Development covering the Middle East & Africa, based in Dubai, focused on strategic transactional support for hotel, residential and mixed use projects across owned, leased, franchised and managed formats. The role requires expert drafting and negotiation of franchise and management agreements, residential licensing and related development documents, with responsibility for due diligence, supervising outside counsel, and managing budgets for cross border deals from structuring to post closing. Success hinges on collaborative cross functional partnership with Development, Asset Management, Operations and Legal, a track record of 5+ years in a top law firm with cross-border experience, and excellent English drafting and deal management. To apply, tailor your resume to hospitality development, quantify outcomes, highlight regional experience, travel readiness, regulatory and language strengths if applicable.

Position Summary

The Legal Counsel – Development, Middle East & Africa provides strategic and transactional legal support to Marriott International’s development activities across the MEA region. Based in Dubai and reporting to the Vice President & Senior Legal Counsel – Development, Middle East & Africa, this role supports owned, leased, franchised and managed hotel, residential, and mixed‑use projects, delivering commercially focused legal advice and transactions aligned with Marriott’s business objectives.

Scope

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Language Requirements: English (Arabic and/or French advantageous)

Travel: Regional travel required

Role Type: Individual Contributor

Key Responsibilities

• Structure, draft, negotiate and execute franchise and management agreements, residential licensing and management agreements, guaranties, lender agreements (including comfort letters and SNDAs), and related development documentation.
• Advise on existing franchise and management agreement matters, including pre‑opening issues, restructurings, hotel sales, financings, amendments, conversions, and terminations.
• Lead legal due diligence, instruct and supervise outside counsel, and manage legal budgets for development projects.
• Partner closely with Development, Development Asset Management, Operations, Owner & Partner Relations, and Asset Management teams to support transactions from initial structuring through closing and post‑closing matters through project opening.
• Provide advice on proposed transactions and guidance on confidentiality agreements, letters of intent, transaction structuring, tortious interference, trade area restrictions, and related risk considerations.
• Oversee transaction closings, coordinate execution requirements, and manage post-closing deliverables and follow-up matters.
• Ensure compliance with franchise regulatory requirements, including franchise disclosure obligations, relationship laws, antitrust, agency, and other applicable regulations.
• Navigate complex cross‑border legal environments, coordinating employment, tax, privacy, compliance, insurance, and intellectual property considerations across jurisdictions.
• Develop or support development of forms and best practices.     
• Support Law Department initiatives, as appropriate.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Strong academic background and qualification as a lawyer from a common law jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in a top‑tier law firm either exclusively or in combination with relevant in-house experience.
• Active bar membership (US or Canada) or valid practicing certificate (UK or other comparable jurisdiction), as applicable.
• Strong transactional and drafting experience, preferably on complex real estate matters, including hospitality or development transactions, or mergers and acquisitions. 
• Experience managing cross-border transactions and coordinating local counsel across multiple jurisdictions is highly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent transactional contract drafting and negotiation skills in English, as well as deal management skills.
• Strong commercial judgment with the ability to deliver practical, business‑aligned legal advice.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters concurrently and independently in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Ability to think analytically, strategically and creatively both from a business and legal perspective. 
• Strong attention to detail, proactivity and demonstrated ability to take ownership and accountability.
• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder‑management skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures, functions and seniority levels. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, as appropriate. 
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards and integrity.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel as required.
• Fluency in one or more languages relevant to the market is preferred but not required.

Why Join Marriott International?

At Marriott International, you’ll help shape landmark development projects across one of the world’s most dynamic regions. You’ll work alongside a globally respected legal team, partner closely with senior business leaders, and contribute to iconic brands that define hospitality worldwide.

Bring your legal expertise to the world stage. Apply today and make your mark with Marriott International.

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At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates.  We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.