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Find out moreIn May Law Update’s edition, we examined the continued relevance of English law across MENA jurisdictions and why it remains a cornerstone of commercial transactions, dispute resolution, and cross-border deal structuring.
From the Dubai Court’s recognition of Without Prejudice communications to anti-sandbagging clauses, ESG, joint ventures, and the classification of warranties, our contributors explore how English legal concepts are being applied, interpreted, and adapted in a regional context.
With expert insight across sectors, including capital markets, corporate acquisitions, and estate planning, this issue underscores that familiarity with English law is no longer optional for businesses in MENA. It is essential.
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.
In August 2023, the Saudi Cabinet announced the approval of the Saudi National Institute for Health Research (“SNIH”). The institute will focus on supervising and promoting the value of translational research – turning basic research into practical results – and clinical trials. This announcement is in line with the objectives of Saudi’s national development and diversifications plan, Vision 2030, and national health priorities concerning the research, development, and innovation (RDI) sector.
Currently, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (“SFDA”), through its clinical trials administration and Saudi Clinical Trials Registry (“SCTR”) – a database of all clinical trials in KSA -, is responsible for approving and overseeing clinical trials in KSA. The SFDA evaluates protocols of clinical trials and amendments, and enforces Good Clinical Practice. Currently, sponsors and researchers must register their clinical trials using SCTR’s electronic portal. Historically, the SFDA focuses predominantly on phase 3 and phase 4 clinical studies.
Compared to the almost 36 million population, there are not enough clinical trials conducted in KSA particularly as relates to the specific genome of the Saudi population. As KSA reorganizes its various healthcare and life sciences regulatory and operational entities, we are staying abreast of the latest developments to see how the new SNIH and the SFDA will collaborate together – or transfer authority from SFDA to SNIH – in relation to the regulation and oversight of clinical trials in KSA.
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