Arsalan Shaikh

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.

Arsalan Shaikh

Consultant

Biography

Arsalan joined Al Tamimi & Company in 2023 as Senior Legal Consultant in the firm’s Real Estate department. His appointment bolsters our client offering significantly, providing advice and counsel to various national and international clients with operations in Oman, Qatar and UAE. He brings to Al Tamimi & Company over 15 years of real estate development experience, with international and local firms as well as in-house with Government master developers in Dubai and Qatar.

Arsalan has advised on real estate and construction matters in the GCC since 2004. His practice focuses on development & management of cities, and the full range of corporate and commercial real estate matters. His clients include regional and international developers, government authorities and financial institutions.

Recent Experience

Advised major UAE group on real estate and construction matters in relation to its listing on the London Stock Exchange and DFM
Advised major Qatar Master Developer in preparation of lease documentation for US$ 350 million iconic retail and commercial boulevard
Advised and prepared contract documentation for education, medical and entertainment concessions for a purpose-built city in Qatar
Advised large UAE developer, and drafted community management documentation for sub-division of five star hotel and luxury residential building in DIFC
Advised and prepared sale and scheme documentation for residential units forming part of mixed-use 600,000 sq. metre waterfront development in Lusail, Qatar
Acted and negotiated on behalf of major Qatari developer in global settlement agreement with multi-national construction company for claims in excess of US $ 100 million
Advised Dubai Government free zone authority in relation to plot development agreements for a mixed-use tower development featuring in excess of 80 towers
Advised major developer in relation to preparation of contracts for high-rise commercial tower development and mall in Pakistan
Advised and represented iconic Dubai master developer on sale of 13 man-made Islands for AED 1.5 billion to international sub-developer
Acted for developer in construction arbitration proceedings against contractor for delay and extension of time claims in excess of AED 150 million for a commercial tower in Business Bay, Dubai
Lead counsel for Dubai master developer for preparation of community management and scheme documentation for luxury mixed-use man-made lagoon development in Dubai