Grahame Nelson

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.

Grahame Nelson

Partner, Head of Office - Al Khobar

Biography

Grahame Nelson is a Partner in the Corporate Commercial practice in Saudi Arabia. Grahame is also a member of the Healthcare, Rail and Projects groups.

Grahame has over 30 years’ experience gained in the UK, Australia and the Middle East focusing on the energy and resources sector, electricity, banking, major corporatisation and privatisation projects, competition law and regulatory issues.

Grahame is also experienced in significant debt financing and equity arrangements for major projects, and is experienced in joint ventures and complex loan and security documentation. He also advises on Saudi law regulatory issues, including those related to M&A and Competition Law.

Recent Experience

The General Authority of Civil Aviation in relation to the corporatisation of King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
A leading Saudi-US company in relation to a joint venture relating to the expansion of its refinery operations in Saudi Arabia
A leading Korean motor vehicle group in relation to the establishment of manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia
A Saudi government and Singapore government owned company in relation to the construction of a container facility at the Port of Dammam.
A Saudi government owned company in connection with contract issues arising out of the construction of a major power and water production facility in KSA.