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
- 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
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
- Ahmed Omar Hashim, head of the dispute resolution, Al Majd Law Firm
- 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
4.35pm – 4.40pm 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, 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
Salma Miah, senior account manager, M&A advisory, SS&C
Donya Fredj, deputy general counsel, G42
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.
In association with...
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.
