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The Technology Issue
Decoding the future of law
This Technology Issue explores how digital transformation is reshaping legal frameworks across the region. From AI and data governance to IP, cybersecurity, and sector-specific innovation, our lawyers examine the fast-evolving regulatory landscape and its impact on businesses today.
Introduced by David Yates, Partner and Head of Technology, this edition offers concise insights to help you navigate an increasingly digital era.
As 2026 progresses, the Middle East continues to see meaningful legal and regulatory evolution. Across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, and beyond, governments and regulators are refining frameworks that influence how businesses operate, invest and plan for the future, with increasing focus on consistency, application and regional alignment.
Eyes on 2026 brings together analysis of the developments that matter most, offering practical insight into emerging trends and regulatory priorities. The publication is designed to support organisations as they navigate a changing legal landscape and make informed decisions with clarity and confidence throughout the year ahead.
A complete spectrum of legal services across jurisdictions in the Middle East & North Africa.
Ian Arnott
Head of Hospitality Development
Biography
Ian specialises in hotel-related transactions. He has worked in the Middle East region since 2008 and joined Al Tamimi & Company in Dubai in early 2017.
Ian has led on well over 100 hotel transactions across the region and specialises in hotel management agreements, hotel franchise agreements, branded residences projects and condo hotels. He consistently works on some of the most prestigious hospitality developments in the region.
Recent Experience
Branded residences projects / Condo hotels
- Advising developers in relation to the following projects:
- Co-located
- St Regis Hotel and Residences, Jeddah, KSA
- So/ Uptown Dubai
- Luxury Collection resort, Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
- Swissôtel Doha Corniche Park Towers Hotel & Residences, Doha, Qatar
- Standalone
- Résidences Du Port, Autograph Collection Residences in Dubai Marina
- St Regis Residences, Downtown Dubai
- Sofitel Residences, Downtown Dubai
- W Residences Dubai – Jumeirah Lake Towers
- W Residences Abu Dhabi – Al Maryah Island
- Arthouse Residences, Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
- Condo Hotels
- Advising The Indian Hotels Company Limited in relation to Taj Wellington Mews, Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
Hotel Management Agreements
- Advising owners/developers on HMAs relating to the following hotels:
- Autograph Collection, Riyadh
- 25hours hotel, Heart of Khobar, KSA
- Canopy by Hilton Porta Jeddah, KSA
- Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, UAE
- The Okura Resort Muscat, Oman
Franchise Agreements
- Advising owners regarding:
- “Jewel of the Creek” development in Duba and franchising arrangements with Marriott
- Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai
- Radisson Hotel Madinah
- Ian also advises on all aspects of real estate law throughout the region, with highlights including advising Emaar Malls in negotiation of a long term management agreement between Emaar and Time Out Market relating to the Time Out Market Dubai and advising Azumi Limited on its lease of Zuma Beach House in La Mer, Dubai. He has also advised many multi-national clients, particularly in the financial services sector, on their office leasing requirements, particularly in the DIFC and ADGM geographical areas, including Goldman Sachs, Millennium Capital, Brevan Howard, Oaktree Capital, Ares Management, Squarepoint, Verition and Bluecrest Capital Management. Ian also leads on advising HSBC on a range of real estate issues throughout the region.
Language(s)
- English
Education
- 2001 – Postgraduate Legal Practice Course, College of Law
- 2000 – Postgraduate Diploma in Law, College of Law
- 1999 – Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English Literature, Newcastle University
Admission
- 2006 – Solicitor in England & Wales
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