Ahmed Al Barwani

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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Ahmed Al Barwani

Partner, Head of Office - Oman

Biography

Ahmed Al Barwani is the Partner and Head of the Oman Office. Ahmed is also a member of the Projects, Banking, Litigation, Rail and Hotel & Leisure sector groups.

Ahmed is admitted before Oman courts and has right of audience before Court of Appeal. Ahmed worked mainly in two jurisdictions, the United Kingdom and Oman, and was involved in substantial local and cross border transactions that have both civil and common law elements.

Ahmed’s particular expertise is in inward investment, corporate restructuring, corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions. Ahmed’s experience extends to other practice areas including arbitration in construction disputes, litigation, competition, tax and customs matters, banking, real estate and hospitality, banking and employment. Ahmed represented Oman government negotiating Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements, Free Trade Agreement with USA and other Construction and Development Agreements of Infrastructure Projects in Oman.

In addition, Ahmed has developed solid regulatory experience on regulatory aspects that include formalities for registration of the transactions and type of permits and licenses required for different projects.

Ahmed’s language capabilities and in depth understanding of local administrative culture enabled him to gain wide experience on regulatory aspects and participate in drafting number of Oman laws, e.g. Issuance of Sukuk Regulation, Consumer Protection Law, Anti-Trust Law, amendments to Implementing Regulation of Telecommunication Act, Dispute Resolution Regulation and Public Consultation Regulation.

Recent Experience

Halliburton Corporation: Advised on divestiture of Halliburton’s assets held in Oman as a consequence of the merger between Halliburton and Baker Hughes.
BRF: Advised on the acquisition of remaining 40% in the share capital of Al Khan Food Stuffs.
Majid Al Futtaim Ventures: Advised on the acquisition of an 80% stake in the City Cinema from Sultan Group.
Salam Air S.A.O.C: Advised on all corporate aspects in relation to the joint venture for the funding of Salam Air’s establishment and new fleet of airplanes.
Global Buyout Fund L.P: Advising on the transfer of 51% shareholding in Al Jazeera Steel Products Co, SAOG by way of a special order.
An Asian multinational banking and financial services company: Advised on funding of assets and taking securities over the assets through commercial mortgages.