Nick O’Connell

Law Update: Real Estate, Construction & Hotels

The regional real estate, construction and hospitality sectors have been turned upside down over the last two years, with Covid-19 bringing these sectors to a halt. The impact of the pandemic remains, however, the resurrection of these vital sectors across the region is a welcome relief because they support the development of modern cities, which in turn have attracted commerce and tourism to the Middle East and North Africa.

This latest edition of Law Update, provides vital insights, updates and commentary on the latest trends taking shape across the real estate, construction, hotels and leisure sectors. The articles within this edition cover a broad range of topics, from what’s next for real estate in Dubai, to commentary on Saudi real estate, a market that is set to become the main bedrock of the region for years ahead. You will find articles on reforming real estate laws in Qatar, foreign investment and ownership in Oman, and mitigating risks on hotel construction projects and the lessons learnt from Covid.

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The leading law firm in the Middle East & North Africa region.

Nick O’Connell

Partner, Head of Digital & Data - Saudi Arabia

Biography

Nick has been with Al Tamimi & Company for about ten years, initially specialising in intellectual property, but for most of his time with the firm as a key member of the Technology, Media and Telecommunications team. Nick’s practice area includes technology transactions (including procurement, software licensing, consultancy services and outsourcing), technology and intellectual property aspects of corporate and commercial transactions, privacy and data protection, e-commerce, media and advertising, and telecommunications. Nick is the author for the UAE chapter of Data Protection & Privacy, 3rd Edition (the Sweet & Maxwell International Series).

Recent Experience

An international telecommunications company in respect of local law considerations relating to the proposed launch of a mobile app for third party remittance and mobile top-up services;
A major financial services provider in respect of regional data protection compliance;
Various international healthcare and education sector technology providers in respect of local government procurement requirements, and associated contractual negotiations;
Global internet data centre providers in respect of the regional regulatory environment for the establishment and operation of data centres and cloud computing operations;
A global social media platform operator in respect of regional content regulation and risks associated with the proposed roll-out of a curated content offering;
An oil & gas sector technology provider in respect of a dispute involving rights in software code developed in the course of a project;
A number of local banks with regard to a variety of operational technology agreements, including data hosting, software licences, annual maintenance agreements, mobile device applications, prepaid card systems, security and communications.