Jonathan Blaney

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.

Jonathan Blaney

Senior Counsel

Biography

Jonathan is a senior member of the firm’s construction and real estate teams.

Jonathan’s practice focusses on transactional construction, infrastructure and energy agreements in respect of high value, complex projects. His clients include government entities, quasi-state entities, international contractors, subcontractors and energy providers, as well as oil & gas and clean energy groups.

Prior to joining Al Tamimi & Company, Jonathan worked at prominent UK and US international law firms advising on matters in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom and Asia Pacific.

Recent Experience

Advised Middle Eastern government entity on aspects of a USD multi-million social housing development scheme.
Advised quasi-state entity in respect of its EPC contract for the development of residential blocks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Assisted with advising the main contractor under the EPC contract for the original USD multibillion ‘kilometre high’ tower development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Advised the development arm of the Saudi Arabian government, in respect of a multi-billion dollar infrastructure project planned to be implemented in Mecca, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Advised Chinese main contractor under Design & Build and EPC contracts in respect of the development of various residential towers in the United Arab Emirates.
Advised Japanese main contractor under its construction contract in respect of the development of commercial and residential buildings in the United Arab Emirates.
Advised specialist glazing and façade subcontractor in respect of its contracts and their implementation on commercial and residential buildings around the Middle East.
Advised a quasi-Middle Eastern government entity in relation to AED multi-billion-dirham dispute under EPC contract concerning the construction of a large commercial mixed-use development.
Advised international joint venture participant and operator under an EPC contract in connection with the design, construction, testing and commissioning of the onshore element of the USD 38 billion LNG, LPG and condensate project in Asia Pacific.
Advised master developer in respect of dealings under its EPC contract with the main contractor in respect of a residential housing scheme.