Event information
The Legal 500 is delighted to formally announce its inaugural GC Summit Middle East event, taking place in Dubai in January 2025.
The Legal 500’s GC Summit Middle East 2025 invites the most esteemed in-house counsel from the region’s most prolific companies, and leading practitioners to discuss their changing roles as in-house leaders and the challenges, issues and opportunities they are set to face in 2025 and beyond.
This includes understanding and overcoming data privacy challenges, managing international disputes, navigating internal investigations, adapting to a changing M&A landscape, the rise of legal tech, the growing importance of ESG, and overcoming labour and employment issues.
Between comprehensive panel discussions, presentations and the opportunity to meet and engage with fellow in-house counsel, GC Summit Middle East promises to be a practical, forward-looking event bringing together the region’s top legal minds.
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 panel will focus on the benefits of AI-driven solutions in improving accuracy, managing risks, and delivering value.
- Patrik Daintry, partner, CMS
- Joel Vertes, partner and head of IP, CMS
- Karl Rogers, head of international markets, legal, Standard Chartered Bank
- Salma Miah, senior account manager, M&A advisory, SS&C Intralinks
- Donya Fredj, deputy general counsel, G42
12.00pm – 12.50pm Navigating M&A deals in times of economic uncertainty and political instability
In an era marked by soaring global debt, rising costs in major economies like the USA, UK, UAE, and KSA and shifting political landscapes, dealmakers are facing unprecedented challenges when it comes to M&A. As we enter 2025, with global debt reaching critical levels and the political environment in flux—such as the radical reforms promised by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump — the M&A landscape is poised for significant transformation.
This panel will explore how companies can successfully navigate these turbulent waters and structure deals to mitigate risks in M&A transactions while seizing the opportunities that this environment presents.
- Melissa Forbes-Miranda, partner, M&A, corporate and commercial, Stephenson Harwood LLP
- Ed Reilly, senior legal counsel, Standard Chartered Bank
- Sanjay Bhatia, CEO, Pinnacle IBP Management Consultancy
- Ahmed Zaki, senior vice president for legal affairs, Al Hamra Group
- Dolly Ramaiya, founder and SEO, Truleum Studio
- Lydie Traore, senior legal counsel, Petromin Corporation
- Ali Tariq, head of corporate assets, CapitalH
12.50pm – 1.50pm Lunch
Sponsored by Tribonian Law
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.
- Bashar Hanna El Nashef, legal director, corporate/commercial, Al Majd Law Firm
- Mira Adra, associate, Al Majd Law Firm
- Taki Eddine Sahbi, legal manager, Ariane Holding
- Dr. Zain Al-Abedin Sharar, senior legal counsel, Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Center
- Hamad Al Nasr, director of trade development and investment promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
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
- Shahram Safai, partner, Afridi & Angell
- Mohammad Mostofinejad, senior legal counsel, Nestlé
3.30pm – 3.45pm Coffee break
3.45pm – 4.35pm The Role of Generative AI in Driving Productivity for In-House Legal Teams
In-house legal teams play a crucial role in the strategic operations of any business, yet lawyers are often balancing heavy workloads and tight deadlines. With increasingly growing demands, lawyers need to cut through the noise and get to the answers they need quickly. Generative AI tools tailored specifically for legal professionals can make a tangible difference, enhancing productivity by 2.2x.
If you discovered a tool you could trust, you would reduce time spent on repetitive tasks or searching for information, freeing you to focus on business-critical cases and high-value work. Join our expert legal panel for an interaction discussion on how Generative AI can streamline your workstreams and boost your productivity. The future of law lies in supporting the talent of today.
- Ziyaad Ahmed, co-founder, Qanooni AI
- Diwakar Agarwal, partner, Stephenson Harwood LLP
- Yosr Hamza, general counsel, Gartner
- Sophie Best, CEO, Knowledge Nexus
4.35pm – 4.40pm Closing remarks
- Tarek Nakkach, director and general counsel, MEA, Kyndryl
4.40pm – 5.40pm Networking Reception
- Sponsored by Greenberg Traurig
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, the UAE including Dubai and Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia.
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.
Bashar Hanna El Nashef, legal director, corporate/commercial, Al Majd Law Firm
Bashar El Nashef is a legal professional, currently serving as the Legal Director Corporate/Commercial at Al Majd Law Firm in Qatar. With a rich and diverse background in the legal field, Bashar’s career began in Lebanon, where he worked at a prestigious law firm, honing his skills and expertise.
In his role at Al Majd Law Firm, Bashar specialises in a wide array of areas within the legal landscape. His practice is marked by a focus on Legal Advisory, Commercial Arbitration, Company Formation, Corporate Restructuring, Corporate Governance, AML/CFT Compliance, and the crafting of intricate Commercial Agreements. He also advises his clients on day-to-day corporate and commercial affairs, including matters relating to Fintech, Hospitality, Construction, Employment, Sale and Distribution, Disputes, and Data Privacy.
Ahmed Omar Hashim, head of the dispute resolution, Al Majd Law Firm
Ahmed Omar Hashim is a distinguished lawyer and a member of the Sudanese Bar Association, renowned for his expertise in dispute resolution. Since mid-2022, he has served as the Head of the Dispute Resolution Department at Al Majd Law Firm, where he leads a skilled team handling a diverse range of cases before national courts and arbitration bodies.
Prior to joining Al Majd Law Firm, Mr. Ahmed gained valuable international experience at one of the leading law firms in the United Arab Emirates. He also served in the Legal Department of the Qatari Internal Security Forces, where he developed a deep understanding of Qatari laws and legal procedures. His extensive background and multifaceted expertise make him a key asset in resolving complex legal disputes.
Dr. Zain Al-Abedin Sharar, senior legal counsel, Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Center
Dr. Zain Al-Abedin Sharar is the Senior Legal Counsel in the Chief Executive Office of the Qatar International Court and has over 27 years of experience in the legal sector. He previously served as the Director of Legal Affairs and Enforcement at the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, and previously worked as an Assistant Professor of Commercial Law at the College of Law at Qatar University, in addition to teaching at a number of Australian universities. Dr. Sharar continues to teach courses in Principles of Law, Commercial Law, Maritime and Air Law and Arbitration Law at Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military College, in addition to teaching courses in Commercial Law and Corporate Law at Lusail University. He is currently a member of the Accounting Committee of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority. Dr. Sharar is an accredited mediator from the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) in London, a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), and a Certified Practitioner Arbitrator from the GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre. He has distinguished research contributions in specialised legal journals. He holds a Juris Doctorate (SJD) from Bond University, Australia.
Shahram Safai, partner, Afridi & Angell
Shahram’s practice focuses on representing leading multinational and domestic corporate clients, investment funds and high net worth individuals. He counsels clients on private equity and venture capital transactions, as well as advising clients on assessing and managing transactional risks.
Shahram heads the firm’s real estate, tax, and venture capital teams. He has been highly sought after by boards and shareholders for strategic legal advice. He is active in lobbying for and providing constructive feedback to government organizations regarding regional laws and regulations pertaining to private equity / venture capital investment, corporate governance, tax and real estate.
His practice involve advising clients on sanctions and compliance including with respect to investments, joint ventures, as well as introduction to sector specific private and public entities. Such advice generally involves franchise and agency matters, build-operate-transfer transactions, regulatory and legal compliance and strategies, foreign investment protection regimes, sanctions and anti-money laundering implications.
Shahram also advises clients with respect to joint ventures, acquisitions and doing business in the region. Such advice involves investment fund formation, compliance advice, sanctions advice, anti-money laundering implications, and agency matters.
Hamad Al Nasr, director of trade development and investment promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
As the Director of Trade and Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Hamad Al Nasr is responsible for leading efforts to implement policies that foster foreign investment in Qatar’s economic activities. His key responsibilities include facilitating investment in various sectors and proposing development policies to enhance promotional methods for investment opportunities.
Hamad oversees initiatives to encourage and simplify procedures for investors by collaborating with relevant entities. His role involves coordinating participation in forums, exhibitions, conferences, and seminars to showcase Qatar’s investment policies and opportunities. Additionally, Hamad manages the creation of comprehensive databases and informational guides for international investors, addressing their inquiries, and collaborating with government entities to remove obstacles faced by investors.
Further duties include proposing policies to support joint ventures between Qatari and non-Qatari investors, conducting feasibility studies to identify investment opportunities, and promoting sustainable economic development in coordination with relevant authorities.
Under Hamad Al Nasr’s leadership, the Trade and Investment Promotion Department plays a crucial role in enhancing Qatar’s investment landscape and supporting the country’s economic growth.
Melissa Forbes-Miranda, partner, M&A, corporate and commercial, Stephenson Harwood LLP
Melissa Forbes-Miranda is a Dubai-based partner in the firm’s M&A, corporate and commercial practice. Having been based in the UAE for 15 years, Melissa is a trusted advisor and key point of contact to many multinational and regional clients for their legal needs across the Middle East region and beyond.
Her practice focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, private equity / venture capital, joint ventures, restructuring and insolvency, foreign direct investment, corporate and shareholder disputes.
Melissa specialises in supporting clients through local and cross-border transactions, as well as advising on a wide spectrum of corporate and commercial legal issues spanning across several different sectors, including, technology, financial services, insurance, life sciences, healthcare, industrials and manufacturing, consumer, real estate and construction, professional services (particularly education), and hotels and leisure.
Melissa has a reputation for providing legal advice that is commercially relevant, on-point, adds value and is strategic to the needs of the client, and is recognised by many of the leading independent legal and industry publications as one of the leading lawyers based in the Middle East region, which include her being: ranked as a “Next Generation Partner” for Commercial, Corporate and M&A by The Legal 500 EMEA 2024 Guide; listed within The Legal 500’s Private Practice M&A Powerlist Series: Middle East Region 2024; currently shortlisted for “‘Next Generation Partner of the Year” by The Legal 500 Middle East and Africa Awards 2025.
Joel Vertes, partner and head of IP, CMS
Joel Vertes is Co-Head of Intellectual Property at international law firm CMS, which houses one of the largest specialist IP teams of any law firm. Joel has spent over 20 years managing the full life-cycle of clients’ IP rights. He is equally comfortable filing and protecting IP rights, enforcing those rights in litigation, and advising on IP led transactions. Joel was named ���2024 Practitioner of the Year for Soft IP” by Managing IP.
Joel is a highly experienced litigator, with particular expertise in trade mark, AI, copyright, database right, and anti-piracy disputes. He has led many profile litigation matters at every level of the English and European courts. Joel’s non-contentious and advisory IP practice includes extensive experience of complex technology, copyright, and brand licensing across multiple jurisdictions, as well as advising on the IP aspects of high-profile and high-value M&A transactions. Joel also manages the trade mark and design portfolios of some of the world’s largest brands. Finally, as part of his advocacy of legal innovation, Joel leads CMS Umbra – CMS’s transformative AI-driven patent monetisation product.
Mohammad Mostofinejad, senior legal counsel, Nestlé
Mohammad Mostofinejad is a Senior Legal Counsel at Nestlé, specialising in commercial, corporate law, and compliance. Based in the UAE, he serves within the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region, and plays a crucial role in ensuring that the company’s operations in the region are in compliance with legal standards and international regulations, with a strong commitment to upholding Nestlé’s values and corporate governance. Out of the many focus areas of compliance, Mohammad serves as the lead Sanctions Compliance Counsel of Nestlé in the MENA region, and is member to the Nestlé Group’s Sanctions Compliance Center. Mohammad has been serving with the Nestlé Group for the past 8 years, starting with Head of Legal and Compliance of Nestlé Iran in 2017. He holds an LLM degree in International Trade and Business Law from the University of Arizona, and a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Isfahan.
Ziyaad Ahmed, co-founder, Qanooni AI
Ziyaad Ahmed is a co-founder of Qanooni AI, the UAE’s first locally developed Artificial Intelligence platform, designed by lawyers for lawyers. Ziyaad has a decade of AI/ML experience. Prior to launching Qanooni AI, Ziyaad was a co-founder of Spotii-in-a-Box, a leading provider of white label AI-first embedded finance technology, which he successfully exited to NymCard in June 2023. He was also previously co-founder of Spotii, a leading Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) platform which he successfully exited to Zip Co in October 2021. Finally, he was Finance Director for Afterpay US, a leading BNPL platform, sold to Block in January 2021. www.qanooni.ai
Diwakar Agarwal, partner, Stephenson Harwood LLP
Diwakar regularly handles complex and cross-border M&A transactions, private equity and venture capital deals, strategic joint ventures, entry strategy into the Middle East, corporate structuring and general corporate and commercial advisory matters.
He also specialises in overseas equity capital market transactions which have a Middle East component and has advised both local and international clients, particularly in India, on numerous public offerings involving the Middle East and other jurisdictions outside the listing jurisdiction.
His client base is broad, spanning a diverse range of industries including technology, healthcare, decarbonisation, education, energy, mining and construction and across multiple jurisdictions.
Diwakar is recognised as a ”Recommended Lawyer” for UAE Commercial, Corporate & M&A, TMT, and Infrastructure and Projects (Including Project Finance) within the Legal 500 EMEA Guide 2024, where he is praised by clients for providing “prompt and practical advice” and for “always being available with short notice whenever we have urgent requirements.” He is highly regarded by his clients for his ability to demonstrate “a strong understanding of our structure and history” and for being “very impressive, committed, efficient, well networked in the Middle East, and extremely trustworthy.”
He is also recognised as a “Recommended Lawyer” in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2024 under India: Top Foreign Firms where he is highly regarded for leading on complex M&A, private equity and general corporate matters for clients with operations and interests in India.
Diwakar is dually qualified in India and in England and Wales, and registered to practice in the UAE. He is an alumni of the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, India and also a British Chevening scholar, whereunder he studied at the College of Law, York.
Behnam Khatami, managing partner, Nami Associates
Behnam Khatami is the Managing Partner of Nami Associates, with over 18 years of distinguished legal expertise. Renowned for his extensive experience and strategic acumen, he is widely recognized as a leader in the legal profession. Behnam regularly advises foreign companies, particularly those in the pharmaceutical, medical equipment and devices, food and beverage, and tobacco industries, on navigating the complexities of doing business in Iran. His practice encompasses a broad range of areas, including corporate matters (joint ventures, M&A, corporate formation, and structuring), commercial contracts (such as sales and distribution, franchising, licensing, and toll manufacturing), regulatory compliance (covering export-import, business, manufacturing, and foreign investment licenses), intellectual property, and dispute resolution. Acknowledged as a top-tier lawyer and thought leader by esteemed directories such as Chambers & Partners, Legal500, IFLR1000 and Lexology Index, Behnam’s reputation is firmly established within the legal community
Sanaz Hosseini-Kolahi, partner, Nami Associates
Sanaz Hosseini-Kolahi is a partner at Nami Associates, bringing over a decade of extensive legal experience. She specialises in corporate law, with a strong focus on venture capital and private equity investments. Her expertise spans a wide range of industries, including fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, oil and gas, and more. Sanaz has successfully led numerous high-value investment transactions, particularly within Iran’s dynamic startup ecosystem. She has provided expert advice on corporate, commercial, and technology transfer agreements, while drafting and negotiating contracts such as SHAs, SPAs and JVAs. Recognised as a Next Generation Partner by the Legal 500 Global Guide for several consecutive years, Sanaz is well-regarded for her strategic approach, in-depth knowledge, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Mansour Vesali, senior associate, Nami Associates
Mansour Vesali is a senior associate at Nami Associates. With over a decade of legal experience in Iran, Mansour has worked with reputable domestic and international law firms, as well as corporate entities in Tehran, handling a wide range of corporate and commercial matters. Prior to joining Nami Associates, Mansour served as General Counsel at Novo Nordisk Iran for over two years where he specialised in legal matters within the pharmaceutical industry, with a particular focus on drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, including sales and distribution agreements, as well as addressing regulatory compliance issues. This experience equipped him with deep expertise in this highly specialised area. In addition to his legal practice, Mansour is an adjunct lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Shahid Beheshti University, where he teaches energy law with a particular focus on the renewable energy industry and the electricity market in Iran.
Karl Rogers, head of international markets, legal, Standard Chartered Bank
“Karl joined the bank in August, 2010 to build out and lead the Africa, Middle East and Pakistan Wholesale Bank Legal team. From 2017, Karl led the AME Regional Legal team of Standard Chartered Bank across 25 Countries.
In 2024, with his new position as Head of International Markets, Legal, Karl will now be leading a team across 35 countries within AME, Europe, Americas, and Asian countries outside GCNA cluster.
Karl joined the bank from Norton Rose, where he was a Banking, Capital Markets and Structured Products/Derivatives partner in their Dubai office. Karl started his legal career with Freshfields, where he qualified. He practiced in their City of London and New York offices.
Karl spent more than two decades building and leading in-house legal teams at several international investment banks in London, Europe and the United States.
Karl is the Chairman of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Middle East Committee, who are instrumental in promoting the interest and concerns of the derivatives industry across the region.
Karl is also a member of Dubai International Financial Centre Authority Legislative Committee which reviews and approves legislation in the DIFC jurisdiction. Karl is a member of the Global Legal Management Team at Standard Chartered. “
Salma Miah, senior account manager, M&A advisory, SS&C
Salma has been at Intralinks for almost 7 years working in the M&A side of the business, looking after the Middle East Advisory clients and Private Equity firms
Salma is focused on empowering deal making professionals to leverage technology with complete control and confidence.
During her career, she has supported companies through the adoption of cloud computing services and solutions to help organisations to improve workflow and productivity
Donya Fredj, deputy general counsel, G42
Donya Fredj is currently Deputy General Counsel at G42, a renowned global technology group focused on artificial intelligence and cloud computing headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Since Microsoft’s investment in G42 in April 2024, Donya has been tasked with growing the group legal team and leading the function under General Counsel, Martin Edelman.
Previously, she was a corporate associate in the Dubai office of Latham & Watkins LLP, and prior to that trained at a top US law firm in London. She has also had experience at a legal tech startup acting as the Head of Corporate at Clara Partners Limited where she specialised in providing legal advice to founders of emerging companies across the MENA region and internationally and assisted with the automation of start-up legal expertise via Clara’s SaaS platform.
Donya has extensive experience advising on a broad range of corporate transactions in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, private equity, joint ventures, and venture capital, as well as general corporate advisory and commercial matters.
She regularly speaks on legal and tech-related topics, including media appearances where she has spoken on topics ranging from the need to maintain inclusion in fast-paced tech companies to regulation of AI and related ethical issues.
Mira Adra, associate, Al Majd Law Firm
Mira Adra is a Lebanese lawyer with experience in commercial and corporate law. She completed her legal education at the Lebanese University, graduated with a master’s degree in law.
Driven by her passion for alternative dispute resolution, in 2021, she enrolled in the prestigious Mediation Program at Saint Joseph University. This intensive program, facilitated by top mediators in the region, equipped her with specialized training and expertise in mediation techniques and conflict resolution strategies.
In 2024, she joined a prominent Law Firm in Qatar where she acts as an associate – Corporate/ Commercial and as a business development.
Taki Eddine Sahbi, legal manager, Ariane Holding
Tarek Nakkach, director and general counsel, MEA, Kyndryl
Tarek is an award-winning General Counsel, thought leader and regular speaker on topics of AI, law and the future of the legal profession.
He is the winner of the Association of Corporate Counsel Top 10 30-Somethings award and was chosen as one of the most influential General Counsels in the Middle East by the Legal 500 GC Powerlist for promoting AI, technology and law.
He heads the Middle East and Africa legal team at Kyndryl based in Dubai. He is also a Fellow at the Centre for Assuring Autonomy at the University of York in the UK and a member of The Digital Economy Court Working Group at the Dubai International Financial Center.
Yosr Hamza, general counsel, Gartner
Yosr is a bilingual, multi-award-winning tech legal director overseeing the Middle East region for Gartner. She serves on the Board of Trustees for the LAW, the Advisory Board for the Juris Centre of Excellence for Legal Education and Training at MDX-UAE Campus Law School, the leadership teams of the Women in the House Network, New to In-House Network, and International Legal Affairs Network, and formerly on the Board of the ACC MENA Chapter. Yosr is a well-known champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to thrive in their careers through mentorship, sponsorship, and authentic storytelling.
In addition to her professional achievements, Yosr is a Founding Member of Yusr, a non-profit app striving to unify, and simplify the experience of people with disabilities, their caregivers and allies in the region. She is also a devoted parent and caregiver, advocating passionately for her child who battles Lissencephaly and cerebral palsy. Yosr believes that a disability is not an inability, and a diagnosis does not define a person. Her child’s unique strengths continue to inspire and amaze those around him.
Sophie Best, CEO, Knowledge Nexus
Sophie is the CEO of Knowledge Nexus a newly launched company aimed at revolutionizing knowledge sharing, collaboration and training to the entire legal industry. With a wealth of knowledge spanning nearly 20 years within the worldwide legal industry she acts as a source of knowledge to many legal teams on all things legal tech & AI. Sophie has acted as an advisor helping clients solve complex challenges within the legal industry brokering connections with various innovative technologies & managed services. Her expertise has covered the wider ecosystem of legal including M&A, IP, contracting, litigation, ediscovery, compliance and more. Focused on the people and processes she simplifies technology to make it more adoptable for legal teams and now via Knowledge Nexus is building entire legal communities to foster collaboration, learning and upskilling via facilitating events, training and more.
Ed Reilly, senior legal counsel, Standard Chartered Bank
Ed Reilly is an English law qualified, senior legal counsel currently working in Dubai with Standard Chartered Bank. His career began at A&O in London working in its Moscow, Dubai and Qatar offices as a corporate and banking lawyer. In 2012 he moved to Kirkland & Ellis specialising in complex Leveraged/Acquisition Finance and Distressed Debt transactions for leading US Private Credit/Hedge Funds.
Ed moved to Standard Chartered in 2014, initially to cover their Leveraged and Acquisition Finance team. Over time he developed experience in the full range of products, including Trade, Syndicated Lending and Sustainable Finance. In 2023, Ed was recognised by the IFLR as Middle East ‘Market Maker’ – testament to his strong skills as a commercially focused transactional lawyer and finding solutions to complex problems – as recognised by senior leaders and peers.
Ed has a keen interest in AI and Blockchain, completing a course with Oxford Said Business School in Crypto Currency and Blockchain. Outside of work he likes running, football and listening to podcasts on history, current geopolitics, and economics. He is also an advocate of increasing access to the legal profession and the banking/financial services industry through mentoring.
Sanjay Bhatia, CEO, Pinnacle IBP Management Consultancy
Sanjay Bhatia is the Chief Executive Officer at Pinnacle IBP Management Consultancy LLC, a firm which provides a comprehensive suite of consulting services tailored to the unique needs of corporations, financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals with expertise spanning a wide spectrum of disciplines, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic planning.
Sanjay has over 25 years of experience in Investment Banking across the Middle East & India. He has been actively involved in various corporate finance transactions including cross border M&As, debt advisory, joint ventures and private equity placements.
Sanjay is a Bachelor of Commerce [‘B.com’], Chartered Accountant [‘ACA’], Certified Management Accountant [‘CMA’], Certified Public Accountant and has attended various international programs focused on M&A, valuation & negotiations at Wharton, IMD, London Business School, and Kellogg School of Management.
Ahmed Zaki, senior vice president for legal affairs, Al Hamra Group
Ahmed Zaki is the Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs at Al Hamra Group (UAE). Ahmed is an accomplished legal executive with over 30 years of experience navigating complex and multifaceted legal landscapes. In his role, he provides strategic legal counsel and innovative solutions across a spectrum of industries, including real estate, leisure, hospitality, retail, and construction.
Ahmed’s distinguished career spans both public service and the private sector. He has served as a Judge and Prosecutor in Egypt and the UAE, where he developed a profound expertise in judicial processes and legal governance. In the corporate sphere, he has successfully led high-stakes legal initiatives, focusing on strategic planning, risk mitigation, and the resolution of intricate disputes.
A trusted advisor in cross-border transactions, Ahmed is adept at managing the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance in dynamic and evolving markets. His nuanced understanding of legal frameworks, stakeholder management, and contractual negotiations equips him to deliver pragmatic yet forward-thinking solutions that address the needs of diverse businesses.
With a reputation for excellence and thought leadership, Ahmed is a recognized figure in the legal profession, contributing to critical discussions on navigating today’s complex global landscape.
Dolly Ramaiya, founder and managing director, Truleum Studio
Dolly Ramaiya is the Founding Partner & SEO of Truleum Venture Partners, a technology-focused early-stage venture capital firm, and the Founder and Managing Director of Truleum Studio, a venture builder; both based in Dubai, UAE.
With over 17 years of experience in the GCC region, predominantly in the fintech sector, Dolly has been a driving force behind the growth of several transformative companies. As a founding team member of YAP, the UAE’s first independent digital banking platform, she played a critical role in establishing strategic partnerships, spearheading regional expansion, and structuring regulatory frameworks. Her expertise extends to organizational restructuring, regulatory compliance, and leading major M&A projects with entities like C3 Card Edenred.
Dolly’s career reflects a front-row seat to the “Fintech Revolution,” witnessing the evolution of traditional banking, payment systems, and cards into a thriving ecosystem of digital innovation. Her tenure at American Express further honed her expertise in managing consumer premium products, credit operations, and corporate business strategies.
In addition to her fintech accomplishments, Dolly has provided strategic consulting to startups in Oman and the UAE, leveraging her deep industry & market knowledge to support their growth and success. She is passionate about bridging the gap between venture building and investment, aligning operational and intellectual capital to empower early-stage companies.
Through Truleum Venture Partners and Truleum Studio, Dolly champions a holistic, hands-on approach to startup development and investment, fostering innovation and sustainable growth across the Middle East.
Lydie Traore, senior legal counsel, Petromin Corporation
Lydie Traore is a UK qualified legal professional with over a decade of experience in providing strategic legal guidance and expertise in complex commercial agreements. Currently serving as a Senior Legal Counsel at Petromin Corporation in Jeddah, KSA, Lydie is known for her analytical and detail-oriented approach. Her proficiency in corporate governance, international law, and documentation review ensures alignment with legal and regulatory requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
Lydie has a robust background in advising on mergers and acquisitions, risk management, and contract negotiations, further amplified by her excellent communication skills and ability to forge strategic relationships with clients, stakeholders, and staff members.
Her previous roles include Corporate and Commercial Counsel at a Private Family Office in Dubai, where she played a pivotal role in contract negotiations, addressing legal considerations, and compliance initiatives to ensure project success. Additionally, she has worked with the large multinational AECOM in Abu Dhabi, where she contributed to the successful completion of mega projects, including transportation and infrastructure projects. In her role at AECOM, she developed company-wide policies and procedures to enhance workflow and ensure legal compliance, as well as prepared and negotiated various legal agreements.
Lydie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Middle Eastern History from the University of Manchester, along with a Legal Practice Course and Graduate Diploma of Law from London institutions.
Ali Tariq, head of corporate assets, CapitalH
Ali Tariq is the Head of Corporate Assets at CapitalH, a leading UAE investment company and the investment management arm of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) that strategically invests in a diverse portfolio that spans multiple sectors to maximize returns. Ali leads principal investment mandates for CapitalH.
He has over twenty years of private equity, investment banking and board level experience, having completed a broad range of principal investment, M&A, syndicated debt and alternative capital transactions across the Middle East.
Francisco Castro, research editor, Legal 500
Francisco joined Legal 500 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 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.
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Al Majd Law Firm is a full-service law firm founded in 2018. our practical knowledge and rich experience allow us to provide comprehensive legal services to our clients in Qatar and the region.
Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to providing high-quality legal services to our clients, and we have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes for our clients. We understand that legal issues can be complex and overwhelming, and we strive to provide personalized attention and support to our clients every step of the way.
Stephenson Harwood LLP is a globally recognised full-service law firm, employing over 1,300 professionals worldwide, including more than 200 partners. With eight offices across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia we hold a diverse mix of expertise and culture, which results in a combination of deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international service.
