David Bowman

Level Up: Unlocking Financial Potential In The Middle East

Welcome to this edition of Law Update, where we focus on the ever-evolving landscape of financial services regulation across the region. As the financial markets in the region continue to grow and diversify, this issue provides timely insights into the key regulatory developments shaping banking, investment, insolvency, and emerging technologies.

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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.

David Bowman

Senior Counsel

Biography

David is a senior lawyer in the Real Estate team with over 15 years’ experience gained in the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. His experience includes property development, property financing, restructuring of projects, real estate investments, property management, project finance, acquisitions and disposals of commercial premises, property investment funds and commercial leasing.

Recent Experience

Advising Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities & Transport (DMT) on the implementation of Abu Dhabi property laws (Law No. 3 of 2015 and accompanying regulations).
Advising Aldar Properties on numerous residential, educational, retail and mixed-use development projects and leasing throughout Abu Dhabi.
Advising Apollo Global Management Inc. on their USD2.7bn acquisition of a 49% stake in Abu Dhabi Property Leasing Holding Company RSC Ltd from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
Advising Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) on its developments on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
Advising Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in the restructuring of its real estate portfolio during the readiness phase of its USD2bn initial public offering on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange (ADX).
Advising Tamkeen on leasing and real estate matters at New York University Abu Dhabi.
Advising Ashurst, Barclays Bank, BNP Paribas, Burberry, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, Etihad Rail, Facebook, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft and SAP on their leases in the UAE.