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?

As a seasoned General Counsel with over 24 years international experience in the private sector and state-owned enterprises, I have come to know by experience, that managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises involves a proactive, multi-faceted approach that is closely aligned with the business’s broader strategy. Speaking for the perspective of managing the legal departments of state owned companies, in times of uncertainty, ensuring the organisation’s resilience requires balancing risk management with the need to maintain agility in pursuing investment opportunities.

It is imperative to conduct thorough legal risk assessments in anticipation of potential crises, whether they are economic, geopolitical, or regulatory in nature. This includes identifying legal vulnerabilities in contracts, investments, and regulatory compliance. Early preparation helps us mitigate risks and respond swiftly to evolving circumstances. It is also important to ensure that one’s investments and operations are fully compliant with both local regulations and international legal frameworks.

The role of the legal department is key in activating crisis response mechanisms. This includes maintaining close collaboration with stakeholders, advising on legal implications of decisions and ensuring that contractual obligations, are effectively invoked when necessary. As always, a strong governance structure is key to resilience. In times of instability, we emphasise legal transparency and adherence to governance protocols, ensuring that decision-making processes remain clear and aligned with fiduciary duties.

Furthermore, there is great emphasis that is placed on alignment with business strategy and collaboration with strategic partners. By collaborating with our investment colleagues, we together ensure that contracts are constructed to be resilient under fluctuating market conditions, embedding protective legal provisions that allow flexibility, such as exit strategies, hedging mechanisms, and robust dispute resolution frameworks. Whereas collaboration with strategic partners helps the business to pivot quickly and capitalise on opportunities that may arise from market dislocations.What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?

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 General Counsel of a sovereign wealth fund in the Middle East, I foresee several legal challenges for businesses in the region over the next five years, primarily driven by evolving regulations, global economic shifts, technological advancements, and growing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements. These challenges include adapting to complex regulatory frameworks, both regionally and internationally, particularly in sectors like finance, energy, and technology. We have spent much time preparing for global tax reforms and data privacy laws, such as the UAE’s Personal Data Protection Law, which demand updated compliance strategies.

Cybersecurity risks are rising due to accelerated digital transformation, requiring enhanced legal protections against data breaches and cyberattacks. ESG regulations are also intensifying, pushing businesses to integrate sustainability and governance principles into their operations, especially in sustainable finance and green investments. Geopolitical volatility presents further complications, with sanctions and trade restrictions affecting cross-border transactions. Lastly, emerging technologies like AI and fintech are posing legal challenges in areas like intellectual property and compliance.

It is imperative for us to address these challenges by working with stakeholders to strengthen our legal frameworks, engage with regulators, and focus on ESG integration, cybersecurity, and technological innovation to ensure our agility and long-term growth of our businesses.