Andrew Thomson

Real Estate & Construction and Hotels & Leisure

Real estate, construction, and hospitality are at the forefront of transformation across the Middle East – reshaping cities, driving investment, and demanding increasingly sophisticated legal frameworks.

In the June edition of Law Update, we take a closer look at the legal shifts influencing the sector – from Dubai’s new Real Estate Investment Funds Law and major reforms in Qatar, to Bahrain’s push toward digitalisation in property and timeshare regulation. We also explore practical issues around strata, zoning, joint ventures, and hotel management agreements that are critical to navigating today’s market.

As the landscape becomes more complex, understanding the legal dynamics behind these developments is key to making informed, strategic decisions.

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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.

The leading law firm in the Middle East & North Africa region.

Biography

Andrew is a partner and head of the real estate practice at Al Tamimi & Company. He is based in our Dubai office. Andrew has more than 17 years of experience in the real estate sector, the majority of that time being spent living and working in the Middle East acting for both local and international real estate clients.

As one of the region’s most prominent real estate lawyers, Andrew represents clients across all major jurisdictions in the Middle East. He advises investors, funds, financial institutions and developers in sectors including retail, data, education, logistics and residential. Andrew’s clients include some of the most prominent real estate funds, family offices and international real estate corporates operating in the Middle East. Andrew has a particular interest in working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition, Andrew advises on Shari’a compliant finance relating to real estate.

Andrew is ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers legal directories.