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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.
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.
A complete spectrum of legal services across jurisdictions in the Middle East & North Africa.
Francis Patalong
Senior Counsel
Biography
Francis Patalong is a Senior Associate in the Corporate Commercial practice in our Riyadh office.
Frank has broad experience of acting for government departments, authorities, sponsors, developers and contractors on complex projects in the power, defence, transport and social infrastructure sectors as well as general corporate and commercial matters in a variety of jurisdictions including UK, South Africa and KSA.
Recent Experience
- Advising several major international principals in the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors on the renegotiation/deregistration of distribution agreements in KSA.
- Advising project management companies on the Riyadh Metro Project and the North South Railway line.
- Advised major international port developer on its joint venture with state investment fund in KSA.
- Advising on several franchise agreements in the food/beverage and real estate sectors.
- Advised several international companies on advertising regulations and product placement in KSA.
Language(s)
- English
- French
Education
1990 – BA English Literature, Oxford University
Admission
1997 – Solicitor of Supreme Court
Practice(s)
Insights
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