Afaf Salim Al Riyami

English Law: Keep calm and mind the precedent

In May Law Update’s edition, we examined the continued relevance of English law across MENA jurisdictions and why it remains a cornerstone of commercial transactions, dispute resolution, and cross-border deal structuring.

From the Dubai Court’s recognition of Without Prejudice communications to anti-sandbagging clauses, ESG, joint ventures, and the classification of warranties, our contributors explore how English legal concepts are being applied, interpreted, and adapted in a regional context.

With expert insight across sectors, including capital markets, corporate acquisitions, and estate planning, this issue underscores that familiarity with English law is no longer optional for businesses in MENA. It is essential.

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Eyes
On 2025

Legal Updates in
Middle East & North Africa

2025 is set to be a game-changer for the MENA region, with legal and regulatory shifts from 2024 continuing to reshape its economic landscape. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain are all implementing groundbreaking reforms in sustainable financing, investment laws, labor regulations, and dispute resolution. As the region positions itself for deeper global integration, businesses must adapt to a rapidly evolving legal environment.

Our Eyes on 2025 publication provides essential insights and practical guidance on the key legal updates shaping the year ahead—equipping you with the knowledge to stay ahead in this dynamic market.

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Afaf Salim Al Riyami

Trainee Lawyer

Biography

Afaf Al-Riyami is a trainee lawyer, managing and representing clients in different cases including labour, corporate and commercial matters. She is well-versed in the procedures of Omani Courts from initiating a claim to enforcement.

She was also seconded to well established companies in the fields of oil & gas and electricity distribution. These experiences enabled her to develop a focus on dispute resolution from an early stage, including labour matters, tendering and awarding, and arbitration.

Afaf was also an intern at different law firms and companies, including Oman Air and the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

Recent Experience

Represented corporate clients in class action labour disputes, within the oil and gas and construction industries, including advocacy, drafting court submissions, and ensuring procedural compliance.
Advised on an arbitration under Omani law, regarding a construction dispute valued at OMR 4M.
Advised on the nullification of arbitral awards.
Successfully represented clients in debt collection disputes, from litigation up to enforcement.
Acted as legal counsel to in-house tendering committees and advised on tendering processes and policy compliance.
Advised on the development and drafting of human resource manuals and disciplinary policies in well established entities within the oil and gas industry.
Advised on, drafted and reviewed contracts within the construction and electrical utilities sector.
Drafted employment contracts and assisted in registering them and procuring regulatory approvals.
Assisted the board secretary to well established companies in the electrical utilities sector, including ensuring procedural compliance within general meetings, drafting notices, agenda, minutes and ancillary documentation, and procuring required regulatory approvals.
Advised on compliance and regulatory approvals and procedures as related to litigation and corporate governance matters.