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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.
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.
Biography
Jonathan qualified in 2007. He is a commercially minded trial lawyer who trained and then qualified into corporate law so has exposure to transactional work.
His work focuses on litigation and dispute resolution work, frequently for banking and other lender clients in high value and complex disputes in the common law courts in the UAE and across the region including the DIFC, ADGM and QFC. He has helped clients recover significant losses (multi-million), both in ADR and at trial. Jonathan also advises clients in respect of asset recovery and the use of interim injunctions to prevent dissipation.
The Legal 500 mentions that “The organised and proactive… Jonathan Brooks is singled out for his strong grasp of the law’ and ‘excellent client-care skills.”
Jonathan has particular experience in cases involving Fraud / Deceit, Injunctions and enforcement or recognition (including Worldwide Freezing Orders, Search and Seizure Orders and Norwich Pharmacal Orders), issues around Disclosure / Electronic Disclosure, ADR, Arbitration and Mediation.
Prior to joining Al Tamimi & Company, Jonathan practised in England for 10 years within a leading tier one banking litigation firm.
Recent Experience
- Advised a DIFC-based international bank in respect of allegations of breach of contract following the termination of a conventional facility agreement, obtaining judgment in favour of the bank.
- Advised an 8-member syndicate of banks in a DIFC Courts claim totalling AED1.8 billion following the breach of conventional and Islamic loan facilities. Obtained immediate judgment in favour of the syndicate and successfully resisting appeal.
- Advised a DIFC based financial services firm in respect of allegations arising out of an investment agreement. Successfully obtained immediate judgment on behalf of the client, and successfully resisted appeal.
- Advised a UAE based bank in respect of a dispute in the DIFC Courts arising out of the sale of securities and allegations of mis-selling, including advice in relation to jurisdictional matters. Successfully resisted appeal.
- Advised a UAE bank in ADGM proceedings for an order for sale of an AED500million property located in the ADGM.
- Advising and acting for the owner of a Gulfstream private jet in an ADGM Courts claim against the aircraft insurer/reinsurers.
- Advised a number of claimant banks in respect of DIFC security enforcement claims relating to both conventional and Islamic securities.
- Advising and acting on enforcement applications relating to the enforcement of onshore court, DIFC Courts, ADGM Courts and foreign judgements and arbitral awards.
Language(s)
- English
Education
2004 – Graduate Diploma in Law, College of Law
1997 – MSc, Portsmouth University
1996 – BSc, Liverpool University
Admission
2007 – Solicitor, England & Wales
Practice(s)
Insights
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