< Previous40 November 2025law-middleeast.com EVENTS For some corporate lawyers, the most demanding work begins after a deal closes. Salik’s chief legal offi cer Anwar El Khatib joined Greenberg Traurig shareholder Chadi Salloum, and Morgan Lewis corporate partner Joanna El Khoury to discuss how they approach the post-deal process, at the inaugural Law Middle East M&A Summit 2025. They also discussed the growing use of warranty and indemnity (W&I) insurance, career- defi ning moments, and the key traits of a successful corporate lawyer. THE POST-DEAL PROCESS Once a deal closes, a challenge that businesses face is integration. For Anwar El Khatib, chief legal offi cer of Salik, that is where the work truly begins. “It is very important to have the law fi rm helping with any acquisition or transaction,” he told the audience of over 200 delegates. “But once the deal is done, they go home, and we are left to go through the entire process and implementation.” That process, he added, depends on collaboration between three functions: fi nance, human resources (HR), and legal. “They are essential to build harmony— technically, fi nancially, and culturally.” Chadi Salloum, who heads Greenberg Traurig’s corporate practice in the Middle East, agreed. “The heavy lifting is done in-house,” he said. “We normally show up when integration is not going so well.” At that point, lawyers in private practice become problem-solvers— Legal and business used to be on opposite sides—we said no, they ignored risk. Now we must be enablers, not compliance offi cers Anwar El Khatib, Salik 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 FROM CULTURE CLASHES TO COMPLIANCE HURDLES—WHAT TO EXPECT ONCE A DEAL CLOSES By Aishah Hussain LME_Nov2025_40-43_Events_13739563.indd 40LME_Nov2025_40-43_Events_13739563.indd 4028/10/2025 13:3828/10/2025 13:38November 2025 41law-middleeast.com EVENTS larger operation,” said El Khoury. Earn-outs and other deferred consideration mechanisms bring further challenges, she added. El Khatib said the UAE’s new Family Business Law, which came into eff ect in January 2023, may help ease such transitions. “It regulates governance,” he said. “It compels owners to follow this governance, which helps for integration as well.” COMPLIANCE AND GOVERNANCE HURDLES Once a transaction is complete, regulatory alignment becomes another major hurdle. “The law fi rm fl ags the regulations, but we have to implement them,” said El Khatib. “Our role is to help internal business functions understand and comply with the regulations.” El Khoury pointed out that private practice lawyers are only tangentially involved in ongoing compliance matters. “It mostly comes up during due diligence or between signing and closing,” she said. “After closing, the compliance work continues, but that is often handled by specialised colleagues.” Morgan Lewis partner Joanna El Khoury interpreting contracts and clarifying transitional service agreements, managing expectations and opening channels of communication between parties. Joanna El Khoury, a corporate partner at Morgan Lewis, who appeared on the panel alongside El Khatib and Salloum, said outside counsel usually get involved when there is a problem with the integration process. “People do not want to pay legal fees unless there is something major to solve,” she said. “At that point, we look back at the documents— governance provisions, deadlock provisions, dispute resolution mechanics—and help the client understand what options they have going forward.” CULTURE CLASHES The panel were then asked to share an example of post-deal integration that went wrong, and the key takeaways they learnt from it. El Khatib shared the example of a cross- border acquisition in Turkey and the challenge of integrating cultures. Diff erent labour laws, employee expectations, and perceptions of new board members created friction. Salloum, who has been based in the region for over 15 years, has seen the same tension play out closer to home, where family-owned businesses dominate. “We did a deal recently where a private equity fi rm bought a majority stake in a family- owned business,” he said. “The family kept a minority interest, but they could not let go in terms of decision-making, so that created a lot of tension.” “Most of the issues that we encounter relate to family-owned businesses, retaining a minority position in a business they have sold to a buyer with a diff erent background, either a private equity buyer or a strategic buyer with a much At the end of the day, we are here to get the deal done. It is important to understand the client’s objectives and fi nd solutions—not obstacles Joanna El Khoury, Morgan Lewis LME_Nov2025_40-43_Events_13739563.indd 41LME_Nov2025_40-43_Events_13739563.indd 4128/10/2025 13:3828/10/2025 13:3842 November 2025law-middleeast.com EVENTS Salloum added that regulatory surprises can arise post-closing. Even with the best diligence, “activist” regulators can suddenly assert jurisdiction, he said. When it comes to governance, he emphasised the need for clarity from day one. “This is the value that outside counsel can give to the in- house lawyer,” he said. “We have to make sure the parties understand their rights and obligations under the deal, so that governance does not become obscure. The last thing you want is the general counsel calling to ask, ‘why did we agree to this?’” El Khoury agreed, emphasising practicality: “If governance frameworks are overly burdensome, they are a dispute waiting to happen. Companies cannot operate eff ectively if they require shareholder approval for minor, day-to-day matters. The key is to strike a balance and ensure delegations of authority.” DISPUTES AND LIABILITIES Disputes are another reality of the post-deal landscape—especially when jurisdictions are misaligned. El Khatib described a cautionary tale where a team was acquiring an entity with large exposure to claims litigation, subject to a certain jurisdiction. The sellers had agreed to indemnify the buyers if that exposure exceeded a certain threshold, but the claims were time-barred under local law, even though the acquisition agreement was under English law, so it was no longer valid to be claimed. “Alignment with the law of the land’s jurisdiction is very important,” he said. Salloum agreed: “Choosing a neutral law like A member of the audience asks the panel a question English law may provide comfort to parties, but it must match the reality of the assets being bought, the bargain itself.” El Khoury noted that when joint venture disputes arise, the tone is set by commercial intent. “Are they trying to save the relationship, or are they going in guns blazing?” she said. “It can be very tricky if there is no clear dispute resolution mechanism to resolve the joint venture and for one party to take control, because then the business is at stake.” That is when private practice plays a bigger role than in-house counsel, according to El Khatib. “We would need outside counsel to help mediate and defuse the situation,” he said. CROSS-BORDER COMPLEXITY For all three speakers, cross-border deals remain among the most challenging aspects of regional M&A, largely due to the diverse regulations across states. This complexity is exactly where the relationship between in- house and outside counsel excels, as they can collaborate to successfully manage cross-border execution hurdles, according to Salloum. His team recently closed a deal where a local client with existing operations in Africa and Asia sought to acquire a business in Brazil, where Greenberg Traurig has an offi ce. This type of cross-border deal highlights the essential role of outside counsel, he said. In-house legal teams must rely on outside counsel to bridge the understanding of diverse laws and ensure the deal is structured correctly across jurisdictions. We have to make sure the parties understand their rights and obligations under the deal, so that governance does not become obscure. The last thing you want is the general counsel calling to ask, ‘why did we agree to this?' Chadi Salloum, Greenberg Traurig Greenberg Traurig shareholder and Middle East corporate head Chadi Salloum LME_Nov2025_40-43_Events_13739563.indd 42LME_Nov2025_40-43_Events_13739563.indd 4228/10/2025 13:3828/10/2025 13:38November 2025 43law-middleeast.com EVENTS 200+ Over 200 degegates attended the Law Middle East M&A Summit 2025 A MATURING INSURANCE MARKET The panel noted the use of warranty and indemnity (W&I) insurance has become widespread in regional M&A deals, moving far beyond its role as a niche product used primarily in private equity transactions. The coverage is growing more sophisticated, notably expanding in areas involving minority interests, with structures such as synthetic policies emerging to accommodate local deal frameworks. However, adoption remains uneven. El Khatib noted the uptake still lags behind potential. “It is not increasing at the speed it should,” he said. “Many still have not captured the idea behind it.” El Khoury pointed out the cost and time to implement these policies is decreasing, which is driving greater usage, especially among parties such as institutional buyers and private equity sellers. CAREER-DEFINING MOMENTS When asked to refl ect on standout deals, El Khatib recalled his time at Tamweel, a property fi nance provider, during the 2008 global fi nancial crash. “We developed the UAE’s fi rst Sharia-compliant foreclosure process,” he said. “We had to be innovative because there was no legislation supporting it, and that became a model others followed.” For El Khoury, a defi ning transaction was the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, the UAE’s fi rst merger between an onshore and free zone entity. “There was no clarity on which regime would cover the merger,” she said. “We had to work with regulators to fi nd a path forward—an example of how sometimes the regulations do not provide an answer, and we have to create it.” Salloum highlighted a deal that epitomised the region’s ambitions: the merger of Asia-based fi ntech ShopUp, backed by Valar Ventures, with Saudi fi ntech Sary, backed by Sanabil investments, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company. “It was complex—diff erent cultures, regulatory regimes, and investor expectations,” he said. “Now they are launching products to support SMEs across the region.” WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL CORPORATE LAWYER For Anwar, success as a chief legal offi cer means meeting the business halfway. “Legal and business used to be on opposite sides—we said no, they ignored risk,” he said. “Now we must be enablers, not compliance offi cers.” Salloum emphasised client service. “We are in the service business,” he said. “Do a good job for your clients, be personable, and always be seen as ethical—both with clients and counterparties.” El Khoury agreed. “At the end of the day, we are here to get the deal done,” she said. “It is important to understand the client’s objectives and fi nd solutions—not obstacles.” LOOKING AHEAD Asked to predict the next big opportunity or challenge for deal-making in the region, the speakers pointed to technological, regulatory, and geopolitical change. “Speed is very important,” said El Khatib. “With AI and technology evolving so fast, operational excellence will drive acquisitions.” Salloum cited the region’s resilience amid global uncertainty. “The Middle East has often been both a benefi ciary and challenged by global trends,” he said. “The key is the ability of the region to navigate what is going on around the world—from US regulatory tightening to shifting private equity cycles.” El Khoury added that government-driven initiatives remain the engine of regional M&A. “Law fi rms must stay close to strategic developments—and have the industry expertise to support them,” she said. The Law Middle East M&A Summit 2025 was supported by partners BSA Law, Greenberg Traurig, Morgan Lewis, White & Case, technology partner Datasite, and education partner the University of Birmingham. Salik chief legal offi cer Anwar El Khatib LME_Nov2025_40-43_Events_13739563.indd 43LME_Nov2025_40-43_Events_13739563.indd 4328/10/2025 13:3828/10/2025 13:3844 November 2025law-middleeast.com SPOTLIGHT For the fi rst time, the UAE has entered the top fi ve seats of arbitration in the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Court of Arbitration, surpassed only by the UK, France, Switzerland, and the US. In this article, I speak to lawyers who explore what lies behind this rise, the key drivers behind its increasing popularity, and how the jurisdiction has evolved to support and enforce arbitration decisions. We also consider which sectors in the UAE tend to favour arbitration and what the future of the practice holds. A NEW MILESTONE When the ICC International Court of Arbitration fi ndings were published earlier this year, few lawyers were surprised to see the UAE enter the top fi ve most frequently chosen seats of arbitration globally. Dubai also made its debut in the top ten cities, ranking ninth, while in the Middle East as a whole, parties in the UAE were the most popular users of arbitration. For many in the industry, this recognition simply confi rms what they have witnessed over the past decade: the UAE has matured into a global hub for international arbitration, bolstered by legal reform, judicial support, and a robust ecosystem of arbitral institutions. “The ICC statistics essentially put numbers to what many of us practising here have already felt on the ground: the UAE has, for several years now, been steadily establishing itself as 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 By Aishah Hussain LME_Nov2025_44-47_Spotlight_13750277.indd 44LME_Nov2025_44-47_Spotlight_13750277.indd 4428/10/2025 13:3528/10/2025 13:35November 2025 45law-middleeast.com SPOTLIGHT LME_Nov2025_44-47_Spotlight_13750277.indd 45LME_Nov2025_44-47_Spotlight_13750277.indd 4528/10/2025 13:3528/10/2025 13:3546 November 2025law-middleeast.com SPOTLIGHT one of the world’s leading arbitration hubs,” said Antonia Birt, a dispute resolution partner at Reed Smith, based in Dubai. “The fact that it has now entered the top fi ve most frequently chosen arbitration seats is a milestone, but not a surprise.” “The fi ndings refl ect the confi dence businesses have in the UAE’s legal environment,” added Dalal Alhouti, a knowledge counsel at Charles Russell Speechlys, based in Dubai. “They also refl ect the signifi cant and increasing amount of cross-border business done in the UAE, since international business partners often prefer using international arbitration over local courts with which they are less familiar.” AN ARBITRATION-FRIENDLY JURISDICTION There has been a deliberate and sustained eff ort within the UAE to modernise its arbitration framework—most notably through the enactment of Federal Law No. (6) of 2018, a comprehensive arbitration law based on an international model. “Dubai, and the UAE more generally, has made signifi cant progress in developing its reputation as an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction,” said Kirsten O’Connell, an international arbitration partner at A&O Shearman, based in Dubai. “A major contributing factor in Dubai’s success is its modern legal framework.” In addition to legal reform, the local judiciary has become increasingly sophisticated in handling arbitration-related matters. Recent court rulings have strengthened enforcement and increased confi dence in the arbitration ecosystem, such as the decision by the Commission for the Unifi cation of Federal and Local Judicial Principles, confi rming that a single signature on the fi nal page of an arbitral award is suffi cient for enforcement— removing a procedural hurdle that once caused uncertainty. “Recent rulings show continuing movement in support of arbitration,” said Kim Rosenberg, a partner and Middle East global investigations practice head at Freshfi elds, based in Dubai. “It is a sign there is growing confi dence in the UAE’s legal framework.” The local court enforcement mechanism has also been strengthened in recent years so that arbitral awards are submitted straight to the Court of Appeal for recognition, ensuring more consistent and supportive enforcement. “These developments have given businesses operating in the region the confi dence that arbitration here is reliable, enforceable, and aligned with international standards,” added Birt. DIVERSITY OF CHOICE The UAE has a variety of seat options: onshore in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, alongside the common law free zones of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Both the DIFC and ADGM had dedicated arbitration laws from their inception. The UAE also has a robust ecosystem of arbitral institutions. In addition to the ICC, whose Abu Dhabi offi ce opened in 2021, homegrown centres such as the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD), a successor to the Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration Centre (ADCCAC), have modernised their rules and operations. “The increased prominence of the UAE in the ICC’s 2024 caseload refl ects not just this demand, but its own strategic push—opening an Abu Dhabi offi ce in 2021 and continuing to actively engage with the local market,” said Rosenberg. “But the ICC’s growth story in the UAE is not without competition,” continued Rosenberg. “Local institutions like DIAC and arbitrateAD have modernised and are gaining traction. The question now is whether the ICC can continue its momentum in the UAE as these homegrown players step up.” Graham Lovett, a commercial arbitration and litigation partner at Akin, based in Dubai, said this diversity of choice has been central to the UAE’s appeal. “Parties can choose between the onshore seats in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and the DIFC and ADGM. They are considered to be arbitration- friendly and provide quick resolution of procedural issues.” The ICC statistics essentially put numbers to what many of us practising here have already felt on the ground: the UAE has, for several years now, been steadily establishing itself as one of the world’s leading arbitration hubs Antonia Birt, Reed Smith LME_Nov2025_44-47_Spotlight_13750277.indd 46LME_Nov2025_44-47_Spotlight_13750277.indd 4628/10/2025 13:3528/10/2025 13:35November 2025 47law-middleeast.com SPOTLIGHT A GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGE AND MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE The UAE’s geographic position has made it a natural meeting point for East and West. “Dubai is naturally an attractive place for arbitration because of its geographic location and convenience for parties, arbitrators, and witnesses,” said Lovett. “But more than that, it is an extremely safe city, easy to navigate, and has the physical and technical infrastructure to support arbitration hearings.” “The UAE’s arbitration ecosystem is modern, well-resourced, and increasingly sophisticated,” added O’Connell. “With continued judicial support and investment in institutions, the UAE is well-placed to remain a preferred seat for years to come.” SECTORS IN FOCUS While traditional sectors construction and energy remain dominant given the scale of development and investment, arbitration in the UAE now spans a wide range of sectors. Arbitration has become the most common method of resolving disputes in cross- border commerce—particularly for “high- value commercial contracts—especially when foreign investors are involved”, said Rosenberg. “With foreign investment spanning nearly every sector, arbitration has become the preferred dispute resolution method across the board.” “We are now seeing a much greater focus on disputes arising from M&A transactions, joint ventures, shareholder disagreements, and fi nancial arrangements,” added Birt. “This evolution refl ects the breadth of industries that are growing in the UAE.” “Less common is banking, as conventional loan enforcement is usually done through local courts,” added Alhouti. Paul Taylor, a partner and regional arbitration head at Al Tamimi & Company based in Dubai, said the UAE’s economic diversifi cation—from infrastructure and energy to AI, fi ntech, and crypto—has expanded the scope of potential disputes. “It does not surprise me the UAE has entered the top ranks of global arbitration,” he said. “It is the natural progression for a country that has built a strong legal system to match its business environment.” A REGIONAL POWERHOUSE As the UAE cements its position, it faces growing competition from its Gulf neighbours— most notably Saudi Arabia, whose rapid arbitration reforms and the rise of the Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) are reshaping the region’s landscape. “The UAE’s challenge will be to stay ahead regionally as Saudi Arabia’s arbitration market evolves,” said Rosenberg. Saudi Arabia’s draft Arbitration Law, which recently concluded its public consultation, proposes major updates. These include the introduction of virtual hearings, the recognition of emergency arbitrators, and the expansion of the pool of qualifi ed arbitrators. Yet, lawyers remain confi dent in the UAE’s ability to lead. “The UAE economy is strong, and while disputes lawyers will tell you their practice is counter-cyclical, which means they are busier in a downturn, the sheer number and diversity of projects and investments in the UAE will invariably lead to disputes,” said Lovett. “The popularity of the UAE as a seat of arbitration is also likely to increase too, as parties from the region and further afi eld will see the advantages that are on off er here.” THE FUTURE As international investment continues to fl ow into the UAE, the country’s arbitration landscape is poised for further growth. “Arbitration in the UAE will continue to thrive, backed by modern institutions, supportive senior courts, and a dynamic legal community,” said Rosenberg. Thomas Snider, partner and international arbitration head at Charles Russell Speechlys based in Dubai, said it is likely that further frameworks will be developed to enhance enforcement between the emirates and the economic free zones in the DIFC and ADGM, as well as internationally. For now, the ICC’s data serves as both recognition and incentive—a sign the UAE’s long-term investment in building an arbitration- friendly environment is paying off , and that its ambitions to be a global centre for dispute resolution are not aspirational, but achieved. Dubai Arbitration Week 2025 takes place from November 10 until November 14 across venues, with the DIFC being a central hub for many events. The UAE’s arbitration ecosystem is modern, well- resourced, and increasingly sophisticated. With continued judicial support and investment in institutions, the UAE is well- placed to remain a preferred seat for years to come Kirsten O’Connell, A&O Shearman LME_Nov2025_44-47_Spotlight_13750277.indd 47LME_Nov2025_44-47_Spotlight_13750277.indd 4728/10/2025 13:3528/10/2025 13:3548 November 2025law-middleeast.com INTERVIEW 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 As Qatar accelerates its transformation from a hydrocarbon-based economy to a diversifi ed, innovation-driven hub, we take an in-depth look at how the legal sector is playing an increasingly important role behind the scenes, facilitating investment, supporting innovation, and ensuring confi dence for global partners. In this interview, Charbel Maakaron, managing partner of Crowell & Moring’s Middle East headquarters in Doha, Qatar, shares his insights on the ever-evolving legal environment and why legal certainty is foundational to Qatar’s journey from hydrocarbons to high-tech. How has the Qatari legal system evolved in recent years to support the country's diversifi cation goals under NDS3 and QNV 2030? Qatar’s legal reforms over the past decade have been incredibly purposeful and strategic. From the introduction of new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) law to the modernisation of arbitration rules and foreign direct investment laws and the establishment of fi nancial technology regulations, the emphasis has clearly shifted toward attracting international capital and expertise. There has also been a strong focus on regulatory clarity. For example, the Qatar Financial Centre’s digital assets framework is a strong sign of future-oriented thinking. All of this positions Qatar as a rule-of- law jurisdiction that global investors can trust. Are there specifi c sectors where this legal transformation is especially visible? Absolutely. Energy remains foundational, of course, but we are seeing legal innovation in areas like fi ntech, healthcare, logistics, and education. The technology sector is especially INSIDE QATAR’S LEGAL EVOLUTION LME_Nov2025_ 48-49_Interview_13737741.indd 48LME_Nov2025_ 48-49_Interview_13737741.indd 4827/10/2025 20:1327/10/2025 20:13November 2025 49law-middleeast.com INTERVIEW active—with data privacy, intellectual property, and cybersecurity regulation evolving quickly to match the increasing pace of innovation. Infrastructure is another key area—PPP projects are becoming more common, which require contracts that balance risk, reward, and transparency. We are also advising on a variety of legislative projects which underscore a constant drive to improve and simplify the regulatory environment. As Qatar positions itself as a global hub, how important is legal interoperability with other jurisdictions? Aligning Qatari law with major legal systems builds investor confi dence, attracts international partners, and enables smoother cross-border transactions. Compatible legal frameworks reduce barriers, foster cooperation, and support the seamless fl ow of capital and commerce. By strengthening these legal connections, Qatar can better integrate into the global economy and solidify its position as a trusted, competitive destination for international business. What role does the private sector, especially legal professionals, play in advancing Qatar’s economic strategy? We often say that lawyers are architects of certainty. In a transitioning economy, businesses need confi dence—confi dence that contracts will be honoured, that regulatory changes will not derail investments, and that their rights will be protected. That is the role we play behind the scenes. We are not just problem-solvers after the fact, we are strategic advisors at the outset, helping shape deals that are durable and compliant. The private Crowell & Moring Doha managing partner Charbel Maakaron legal sector in Qatar is increasingly being seen as a partner in innovation, governance, and sustainable growth. What advice would you give to international companies considering investment or operations in Qatar? First, understand the regulatory ecosystem— Qatar has both civil law foundations and common law-based systems, and choosing the right one can aff ect everything from tax to dispute resolution. Second, engage early with experienced local counsel. Regulations are evolving, especially in sectors like data, digital commerce, and energy transition. And third, do not underestimate cultural intelligence— legal systems operate within broader societal values, and understanding both is the key to lasting success. And for young lawyers in Qatar watching the legal profession evolve—what skills should they be developing? Beyond technical excellence, I would say adaptability and cross-cultural fl uency are becoming indispensable. The next generation of Qatari lawyers will not just be interpreting laws—they will be shaping them, advising multinational clients, and participating in high- stakes negotiations that require both local insight and international perspective. Skills like negotiation, client communication, and tech literacy are just as important as black-letter law. Lastly, what is your outlook for Qatar’s legal and economic ecosystem over the next fi ve years? Qatar is taking a long-term view, and that is what sets it apart. The legal profession is maturing, the economy is opening, and the country is attracting capital, talent, and ideas. As legal professionals, our job is to help transform ambition into action by building scaff olding that allows innovation to thrive and risks to be managed. If the last fi ve years were about building capacity, the next fi ve will be about executing with precision and purpose. The private legal sector in Qatar is increasingly being seen as a partner in innovation, governance, and sustainable growth LME_Nov2025_ 48-49_Interview_13737741.indd 49LME_Nov2025_ 48-49_Interview_13737741.indd 4927/10/2025 20:1327/10/2025 20:13Next >