How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

The in-house counsel’s role in safeguarding the organisation’s interests and ensuring compliance with evolving laws and regulations becomes increasingly critical during periods of instability or crises. My approach includes proactive risk assessment, continuous communication, agile response mechanisms, and alignment with the broader business strategy. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, my role was pivotal in navigating the unprecedented challenges it presented. I diligently monitored new regulations and circulars to ensure compliance with directives on safety, commuting, and employee rights. Collaborating closely with HR, I addressed employment matters.

I also worked extensively on contingency plans and contract amendments to mitigate disruptions. This also involved recognizing that some challenges affected the entire industry. I initiated and participated in collaborations with our competitors to present a united front. This collective effort focused on tackling common issues such as regulatory compliance and supply chain disruptions, benefiting the entire retail sector.

What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?

As part of my role as in-house legal counsel, I have been actively involved in several significant cases and transactions aimed at expanding our business from an Emirati-based enterprise to a regional player. This includes setting up new entities, advising on foreign regulations, and establishing robust data privacy programs to ensure compliance with local laws. Additionally, I have provided robust legal support for our strategic diversification into new product categories.

What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in the region over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them?

As the global economic landscape evolves, businesses operating in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region face a dynamic array of legal challenges. These challenges are particularly pronounced for luxury retailers, who must navigate a complex web of regulations, market dynamics, and consumer expectations. As an in-house counsel for a luxury retailer in the GCC, it is imperative to anticipate these challenges and develop robust strategies to address them. Regulatory compliance is a key challenge.

The GCC countries are known for their diverse regulatory environments, which can be complex and subject to frequent changes. These regulations encompass a wide range of areas, including market entry and expansion, data protection, and consumer rights.

Our team monitors regulatory developments across the GCC region and engages with local legal experts and regulatory authorities to stay informed about upcoming changes and update the business accordingly.

What are the current trends in M&A activity in the Middle East, and which sectors are seeing the most growth?

M&A activities in the Middle East have seen a notable shift towards the service sector, driven by a growing interest in hospitality, construction, consulting, and distribution. Once overlooked, these industries are now ripe for investments due to their burgeoning market potential. Private equity investments have surged, reflecting confidence in the value chain consolidation strategy. This approach not only seeks market consolidation but also aims to diversify service offerings, enhancing overall business resilience. The trend underscores a strategic pivot towards creating integrated service ecosystems, fostering sustainable growth and competitive advantage in the region’s dynamic economic landscape. An example of those are PE investments and related M&A is Cedar White Bradley (legal and consulting), Dubai Holding acquiring Nakheel and Maydan (construction, real estate and entertainment), and PE investment in Addmind (F&B and Hospitality).