TITANIUM FINANCIAL LTD Al Khatim Tower, ADGM Square | Abu Dhabi, UAE info@titaniumescrow.ae | titaniumescrow.ae | +971 4 880 9456 Regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSP No. 200010) Escrow | Custody | Settlement | ADGM Category 3C Licence CONNECTING LOCAL AND GLOBAL TRANSACTIONS THROUGH THE UAE REGULATED. INDEPENDENT. BUILT FOR M&A, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, PRIVATE CLIENT, AND REAL ESTATE SETTLEMENTS ACROSS JURISDICTIONS REGULATED. AGILE. BESPOKE FOR COUNSEL Operating under ADGM’s English common law framework, Titanium Escrow provides neutral custody, disciplined release mechanics, and full transparency through segregated client accounts (with bank acknowledgement) held at leading UAE banks. FSRA regulation and client-money protections ensure client assets remain safeguarded in any insolvency scenario. FAST. COMPLIANT. PAPERLESS ONBOARDING A high-touch, counsel-driven KYC process built for transactional timelines. Leveraging cutting-edge compliance tools, we combine global best practices with practical judgement—clearing PEP and sanctions screenings on most counterparties within 24 hours. Escrow accounts are typically operational within two business days. INSTITUTIONAL-GRADE ESCROW FOR SIMPLE OR COMPLEX MATTERS Having safeguarded over $5 billion across M&A, fundraising, real estate, and litigation escrows, Titanium Escrow supports objective release structures across single and multi-party arrangements, M&A auctions, and other long-duration settlements requiring transparent fund control. TRUSTED BY LEADING COUNSEL ACROSS MENA Frequently re-appointed by law firms and in-house teams who have experienced our counsel-driven execution first-hand, Titanium Escrow is the consistent choice for complex settlements across jurisdictions. Counsel value our precision, transparency, and speed—the standards that have built Titanium Escrow’s reputation across global markets. T I T A N I U M E S C R O WNovember 2025 | 3 law-middleeast.com EDITOR’S LETTER Hello readers, In every issue of Law Middle East, we aim to tell stories that reveal the people behind the practice. This month, our cover story does exactly that. Soliman, Hashish & Partners founding partner Mohamed Hashish’s story is one of extraordinary strength. Just three years after founding one of Cairo’s most respected independent fi rms, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Doctors gave him only weeks to live. He refused to accept that fate. Between surgeries, he continued to work, answering emails and leading conference calls, all whilst researching experimental treatment. “I would sleep for 20 hours a day from exhaustion,” he told me. “The few hours I was awake—I worked. Work gave me purpose. It kept me sane.” That purpose became his anchor. Today, the tumour that once measured nearly ten centimetres has shrunk to a fraction of its size. His story is a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to keep moving forward, even when life seems to fall apart. For Hashish, the near-death he experienced was not physical, it was being forced to stop doing what he loved. “The law gave me something to live for,” he said. The quiet resolve with which he faced one of life’s greatest tests—and found meaning in what he loves—reminds us that resilience is not just about survival. It is about choosing to keep going, to fi nd purpose, and to hold on to what gives life meaning. Above all, it is about resilience in the face of adversity. Until next month, Aishah Hussain Editor, Law Middle East @lawmiddleeast linkedin.com/company/law-middle-east Here are a few things which have been on our radar: Arbitration in the spotlight The UAE has matured into a global hub for international arbitration, bolstered by legal reform, judicial support, and a robust ecosystem of arbitral institutions. Ahead of Dubai Arbitration Week 2025, I spoke with lawyers who explain how the UAE became a global arbitration powerhouse. Read the article on page 44. Bridging the gap One thing I noted quite early on is how little career and networking opportunities there are for students and graduates at local universities in Dubai. I want to change that. I am going to host a graduate recruitment event later this year for them to connect with partners at top law fi rms. If you want to be involved or know someone who should, please reach out. Law Middle East Awards 2025 Get ready to celebrate the region’s legal elite as the inaugural Law Middle East Awards 2025 launches on November 4 at Palazzo Versace Dubai. This year’s shortlist was selected from over 350 nominations submitted by 120 fi rms. Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition, networking, and celebration. Meet the judges on page 37. LME_Nov2025_3_Editor Letter_13730719.indd 3LME_Nov2025_3_Editor Letter_13730719.indd 328/10/2025 13:3328/10/2025 13:33law-middleeast.com 4 | November 2025 26 22 34 37 RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY A few years after founding one of Cairo’s top law fi rms, Mohamed Hashish was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain cancer. His story is one of courage, conviction, and devotion to the practice of law THE POWER OF ESCROW: PROTECTING DEALS & LEGAL TEAMS Titanium Escrow founder Ibrahim Kamalmaz explores the growing importance of escrow services during the deal process and the benefi ts they off er legal teams, at the inaugural Law Middle East M&A Summit 2025 MEET THE MANAGING PARTNER: KAMRAN BAJWA FROM KIRKLAND & ELLIS In this transcript of a recent video interview, he shares what three qualities make a Kirkland lawyer, the value of humility, and his core leadership principles MEET THE JUDGES Top legal minds from Microsoft, Dubizzle, Dar Global, and more have joined the judging panel for the inaugural Law Middle East Awards 2025 37 22 3426 LME_Nov2025_4-5_Contents_13730720.indd 4LME_Nov2025_4-5_Contents_13730720.indd 428/10/2025 13:4028/10/2025 13:40November 2025 | 5 law-middleeast.com 44 40 48 50 HOW THE UAE BECAME A GLOBAL ARBITRATION POWERHOUSE Lawyers explore the rise of arbitration and the forces behind its increasing popularity, ahead of Dubai Arbitration Week 2025 WHAT TO EXPECT ONCE A DEAL CLOSES Salik’s legal chief joined partners from Greenberg Traurig and Morgan Lewis to discuss how they approach the post-deal process, at the inaugural Law Middle East M&A Summit 2025 INSIDE QATAR’S LEGAL EVOLUTION Crowell & Moring’s Doha managing partner Charbel Maakaron explores how legal reform is driving the country’s diversifi cation, supporting innovation, and strengthening investor confi dence THE ‘SOCIAL LICENCE’ In an era of heightened transparency, this is a company’s most crucial asset and lawyers must recognise the evolving reality and remain vigilant 40 4850 44 LME_Nov2025_4-5_Contents_13730720.indd 5LME_Nov2025_4-5_Contents_13730720.indd 528/10/2025 13:4028/10/2025 13:40law-middleeast.com 6 | November 2025 PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi Managing Director: Martin Chambers Head of Business and Technology: Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Editor: Aishah Hussain Tel: +971 4 444 3132 email: aishah.hussain@itp.com Commercial Editor: Angitha Pradeep Tel: +971 4 444 3278 email: angitha.pradeep@itp.com Project Editor: Heather Cichowski Tel: +971 4 444 3271 email: heather.cichowski@itp.com ART Art Director: Amjad Ayche Art Editor: Tofi q Memon ADVERTISING Group Publishing Director: Natasha Pendleton Tel: +971 4 444 3248 email: natasha.pendleton@itp.com Senior Commercial Manager: David Bentley Tel: +971 4 444 3552 email: david.bentley@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Video Editor: Liju Cheruvathur MARKETING Head of Events: Eleanor Ashton email: eleanor.ashton@itp.com Senior Events Manager: Kate Galaktionova Events Manager: Gavin Moeketsi Associate Events Manager: Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager: Maria Trishina Events Sales Executive: Jan Mokoala Events Sales Assistant: Joyce Salonga Events Administrative Assistant: Bobbie Rosario PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION Senior Production & Distribution Manager: Balasubramanian P Production Manager: Anand Sundaram Distribution Coordinator: Avinash Pereira Circulation Executive: Rajesh Pillai ITP GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi CFO: Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. PUBLISHED BY AND © 2025 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. 6 | November 2025 To read previous editions of Law Middle East, visit law-middleeast.com/magazine 6 | November 2025 LME_Nov2025_6_Flannel_13730721.indd 6LME_Nov2025_6_Flannel_13730721.indd 627/10/2025 20:1727/10/2025 20:178 November 2025law-middleeast.com ONLINE From Cairo’s seminaries to Chicago’s boardrooms, Kamran Bajwa has built a career on bold moves. Now, he is driving Kirkland & Ellis’ biggest yet in Saudi Arabia. “We move slowly, but when we move, we move big. And once we commit to a region, it is for the long run,” he says. Sarosh Mewawalla co-leads HSF Kramer's Middle East practice from Riyadh and shares insights into its strategic focus on Saudi Arabia, recent merger, and why junior lawyers should seize opportunities the region off ers. “The management realignment was to emphasise our commitment to the market,” he says. M&A in the Middle East continues to gain momentum, with sovereign wealth funds and private equity fi rms driving deal fl ow across the region. At the inaugural Law Middle East M&A Summit 2025, fi ve corporate lawyers shared insights on the multiple forces shaping the region’s M&A market. Amid global headwinds, regional deal-making has shown resilience and acceleration, according to Baker McKenzie UAE managing partner Mohammad Al Rasheed. “From where I sit, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are not just weathering the storm; they are charting a bold course forward," he says. WHAT IS TRENDING ONLINE la w - middle eas t .com Kirkland’s bold Saudi expansion with purpose HSF Kramer’s regional leadership reshuffle From sovereign funds to sector hotspots Charting a bold course forward WHAT OUR READERS THINK... A&O Shearman and Freshfi elds lead on Dubizzle IPOUAE private equity: ‘an untapped well of potential’ "Exciting milestone for Dubizzle Group! Great to see leading legal teams collaborating on another landmark IPO for the region." "It is exciting to see private equity driving growth in the Middle East, and I am happy to see hospitality stands to be one of the biggest winners." LME_Nov2025_8-9_Online_13744547.indd 8LME_Nov2025_8-9_Online_13744547.indd 828/10/2025 13:3928/10/2025 13:39November 2025 9law-middleeast.com ONLINE Today’s general counsel (GCs) are more than just legal advisors; they are strategic partners who blend deep legal expertise with business insight, enabling companies to navigate complex legal environments, while achieving growth. This inaugural list shines a spotlight on 14 GCs shaping legal strategy at the UAE’s most prominent companies. Representing a diverse range of sectors from energy and fi nance to hospitality and technology, this list is the fi rst in a series recognising top in-house talent across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). GCs in the GCC Power List 2025: UAE Edition has been independently selected by the Law Middle East editorial team, based on in-depth market analysis. It considers each lawyer’s career progression, leadership, innovation, and individual contributions to their companies and the broader legal community. GCS IN THE GCC POWER LIST 2025: UAE EDITION ONLINE November 2025 9law-middleeast.com This inaugural list features 14 GCs from the UAE's most prominent companies; it is the first in a series recognising top in-house talent across the GCC LME_Nov2025_8-9_Online_13744547.indd 9LME_Nov2025_8-9_Online_13744547.indd 928/10/2025 13:4028/10/2025 13:40Next >