Event information
Agenda
10.30am – 11.00am Arrival and registration
11.00am – 11.10am Opening remarks
- Francisco Castro, research editor, Legal 500
11.10am – 12.00pm Legal Tech & AI in M&A: Transforming the Middle East Market
The integration of Legal Tech and AI into the M&A landscape in the Middle East is transforming the way legal professionals approach complex transactions, enhancing efficiency, and reducing risks. As the region embraces digital transformation, AI-powered tools are being leveraged to streamline due diligence, automate contract review, and provide advanced data analytics, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making. However, the adoption of these technologies faces challenges, including regulatory hurdles, data privacy concerns, and resistance to change within traditional legal practices. CMS will explore these opportunities and challenges, emphasising the importance of legal innovation in M&A transactions. The firm will focus on the benefits of AI-driven solutions in improving accuracy, managing risks, and delivering value.
- Patrik Daintry, partner, CMS
12.00pm – 12.50pm Panel 2 in association with Stephenson Hardwood
12.50pm – 1.50pm Lunch
1.50pm – 2.40pm Investing in Qatar: Pathways to Opportunities and Growth
This session will shed light on Qatar’s investment landscape and the legal framework supporting the establishment of businesses in the country. It will cover key opportunities available to investors, the procedures required to start commercial ventures, and the legislation that safeguards investors’ rights while fostering an attractive investment climate. The session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of investing in Qatar and strategies for achieving success in this promising market.
2.40pm – 3.30pm Navigating Iran’s Healthcare and FMCG Sectors: Legal Trends and Challenges for International Businesses
Iran’s healthcare and FMCG sectors offer significant opportunities, bolstered by sanctions exemptions. However, these industries also face mounting challenges, including supply chain management complexities, the need for compliant payment mechanisms, and navigating the intricacies of the foreign exchange regime, such as currency allocation and profit repatriation. To succeed, businesses must develop a deep understanding of the associated risks, adhere to regulatory requirements and practices, and adapt effectively to this dynamic and ever-evolving environment.
In this panel, legal experts from Nami Associates (the leading law firm in Iran) explores the latest trends and share practical, up-to-date insights to help businesses navigate these challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
- Behnam Khatami, managing partner, Nami Associates
- Sanaz Hosseini-Kolahi, partner, Nami Associates
- Mansour Vesali, senior associate, Nami Associates
3.30pm – 3.45pm Coffee break
3.45pm – 4.35pm Panel 5
4.35pm – 5.25pm Panel 6
5.25pm – 5.40pm Closing remarks
Speakers
Patrik Daintry, partner, CMS
Patrik Daintry is a Partner in the Corporate Team at CMS Dubai. Patrik has been based in the Middle East since 2006 and has a robust knowledge and affinity to the region. During this time Patrik has lived and worked in Bahrain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Patrik’s core practice area is corporate finance with a particular emphasis on cross-border international mergers and acquisitions, private equity and international joint ventures (both MENA inbound and MENA outbound). However, Patrik also advises his clients on day to day corporate and commercial affairs including matters relating to regulatory (in the sectors of heath care, defence, financial services), employment, sale and distribution, disputes and data privacy.
Patrik has a deep familiarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council markets, specifically the considerations and nuances of local laws, and Patrik is often sought after for his commercial perspective and approach in taking the best practices of a Western-style transaction and adapting it to the local market.
Francisco Castro, research editor, Legal 500
Francisco joined The Legal in August 2022, where he is part of the GC Powerlist series editorial team. His work focuses on researching, editing, and interviewing some of the most prominent and exceptional in-house counsel from the world’s largest companies. Francisco’s role also includes hosting a variety of in-person events, such as conferences, publication launches, roundtables, and one-on-one interviews, across multiple regions, all tailored specifically for the in-house legal community. He has also contributed to the Legal 500 webinar series, which delivers market-leading expertise through an engaging digital platform.
Beyond his work with The Legal 500, Francisco has extensive research experience in Public Policy, Higher Education, and International Law. His additional academic interests include International Relations, Geopolitics, and International Humanitarian Law. Francisco is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
