Arif Mawany

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.

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

Arif Mawany

Head of Corporate Commercial - Oman

Biography

Arif Mawany heads the Corporate Commercial department in Oman. Arif is also a member of the antitrust / competition, healthcare and turnaround, restructuring and insolvency groups.

He regularly advises corporations involved in joint ventures, corporate and M&A transactions across a range of sectors including utilities, healthcare, education, retail, telecoms, leisure, mining and energy. Arif previously worked in senior roles at New York and London head quartered law firms.

Arif has extensive experience advising on IPOs, M&A, private equity, corporate finance and project matters and has worked with a wide variety of financial institutions, private equity investors and companies from the USA, UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Far East, undertaking deals in the Middle East.

Arif is recognised as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ by the Legal 500 EMEA for Commercial, Corporate and M&A and as a ‘Rising Star’ in Oman by IFLR 2020.

Recent Experience

Advising Alpek S.A.B. de C.V. on the Omani law aspects of its USD 620m acquisition of Octal Holding.
Advising a FTSE 250 listed telecommunications company on the Omani law aspects of the USD 575m acquisition of a tower portfolio from Omantel.
Advising Al Mouj Muscat SAOC on the sale of its district cooling plant and related long term concession arrangements to National Central Cooling Company PJSC
Advising bidders in relation to the Omani law aspects of the USD 1bn state privatisation of Muscat Electricity and Distribution Company.
Advising Templar Investments on the USD 1bn acquisition of Jindal Steel and Power Oman.
Advising Linde GmbH on the acquisition of an air separation plant in Oman.
Advising Kerry Group plc on the acquisition of AATCO Food Industries in Oman, KSA, India and UAE.
Advising Aster DM Healthcare on its maiden acquisition of a private hospital in Oman.
Advising various E&P companies on the acquisition of interests in the Khazzan and Mukhaizna natural gas and oil fields in Oman.
Advising Coca Cola Export on the corporate restructuring of its Omani business.
Advising Vertex Pharmaceuticals on its operations in Oman including advice in connection with Oman – USA free trade agreement.