Career & Experience
Zahir is a partner in our award-winning Islamic finance sector and provides strategic counsel to financial institutions on real estate-driven transactions. He supports the leadership of the firm’s International Committee.
He joined the firm over a decade ago as one of the first members of our then newly established Bristol office and was made partner in 2021. Zahir undertook a client-side stint as General Counsel of a privately-owned real estate investment firm in Mayfair and imparts solutions-focused advice to clients, having been one himself.
Examples of Zahir’s work includes:
- Advising on all aspects of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s inaugural £140m UK club financing in collaboration with Emirates NBD, secured against a landmark PBSA asset in Paddington with a £230m GDV; and
- Leading a team of lawyers in acting for Riyad Bank (London Branch) on their single largest real estate financing transaction to date: a £64m shariah-compatible facility used to refinance the UK HQ of an international law firm in Moorgate.
An advocate for active travel, Zahir is a Board Trustee of Sustrans – the national charity making it easier for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle.
Accolades
- Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 2023, 2024 & 2025
- Equal Opportunities Ambassador for Bristol-based social enterprise, Babbasa
- Islamic Finance Qualification from the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment
Career & Experience
Zahir is a partner in our award-winning Islamic finance sector and provides strategic counsel to financial institutions on real estate-driven transactions. He supports the leadership of the firm’s International Committee.
He joined the firm over a decade ago as one of the first members of our then newly established Bristol office and was made partner in 2021. Zahir undertook a client-side stint as General Counsel of a privately-owned real estate investment firm in Mayfair and imparts solutions-focused advice to clients, having been one himself.
Examples of Zahir’s work includes:
- Advising on all aspects of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s inaugural £140m UK club financing in collaboration with Emirates NBD, secured against a landmark PBSA asset in Paddington with a £230m GDV; and
- Leading a team of lawyers in acting for Riyad Bank (London Branch) on their single largest real estate financing transaction to date: a £64m shariah-compatible facility used to refinance the UK HQ of an international law firm in Moorgate.
An advocate for active travel, Zahir is a Board Trustee of Sustrans – the national charity making it easier for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle.
Accolades
- Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 2023, 2024 & 2025
- Equal Opportunities Ambassador for Bristol-based social enterprise, Babbasa
- Islamic Finance Qualification from the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment
Expertise
- Shariah-compliant real estate investment and product development
- Structuring and financing of real estate investments
- Acquisition and disposal of property
