Expertise
- Shariah-compliant real estate investment and product development
- Structuring and financing of real estate investments
- Acquisition and disposal of property
Related Sectors
Related Services
Career & Experience
Zahir is an experienced real estate finance partner who advises institutional players on complex, real estate-driven transactions across the UK and internationally.
His practice spans both conventional and alternative finance – including a deep specialism in Islamic finance – and routinely involves cross-border mandates. He plays a key role in the firm’s International Committee and our Early Careers programme.
Zahir brings a valuable client-side perspective to transactions, having served as General Counsel to a privately-owned real estate investment firm in Mayfair. This experience informs his pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to advising clients.
Recent highlights of Zahir’s work include:
- Advising ADIB on a number of high-profile mandates including two club financings undertaken in collaboration with Emirates NBD and secured against a landmark purpose-built student accommodation asset in Paddington (GDV £230 million) and the Pullman St. Pancras.
- Advising alternative investment firm Rasmala on its acquisition and subsequent refinance of a nationwide portfolio of strategically located real estate assets comprising, amongst others, a 60,000 sq. ft. retail park principally leased to Aldi Stores and B&M Retail.
- Leading the team acting for Riyad Bank (London Branch) on its largest real estate financing transaction to date — a £64 million facility used to refinance the UK headquarters of an international law firm in Moorgate.
Beyond his legal practice, Zahir serves as a Board Trustee of the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans), the national charity making walking, wheeling and cycling possible for everyone since 1977.
Accolades
- Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 2023 to date
- Board Trustee of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
- Equal Opportunities Ambassador for Bristol-based social enterprise, Babbasa
Career & Experience
Zahir is an experienced real estate finance partner who advises institutional players on complex, real estate-driven transactions across the UK and internationally.
His practice spans both conventional and alternative finance – including a deep specialism in Islamic finance – and routinely involves cross-border mandates. He plays a key role in the firm’s International Committee and our Early Careers programme.
Zahir brings a valuable client-side perspective to transactions, having served as General Counsel to a privately-owned real estate investment firm in Mayfair. This experience informs his pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to advising clients.
Recent highlights of Zahir’s work include:
- Advising ADIB on a number of high-profile mandates including two club financings undertaken in collaboration with Emirates NBD and secured against a landmark purpose-built student accommodation asset in Paddington (GDV £230 million) and the Pullman St. Pancras.
- Advising alternative investment firm Rasmala on its acquisition and subsequent refinance of a nationwide portfolio of strategically located real estate assets comprising, amongst others, a 60,000 sq. ft. retail park principally leased to Aldi Stores and B&M Retail.
- Leading the team acting for Riyad Bank (London Branch) on its largest real estate financing transaction to date — a £64 million facility used to refinance the UK headquarters of an international law firm in Moorgate.
Beyond his legal practice, Zahir serves as a Board Trustee of the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans), the national charity making walking, wheeling and cycling possible for everyone since 1977.
Accolades
- Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 2023 to date
- Board Trustee of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
- Equal Opportunities Ambassador for Bristol-based social enterprise, Babbasa
