Event Overview

The Next Investment Destination: legal and regulatory developments in the MENA Region

The MENA Region is emerging as an attractive investment destination. States in the region are accelerating the modernisation of their legal frameworks and regulatory infrastructure to meet the needs of investors. This is an exciting time for young legal professionals in the region.

Join us for the AIJA second Middle-East and North-Africa (MENA) Regional meeting taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 28 November.

This day event will feature three captivating panel sessions, where we will discuss the most appealing topics for the MENA region, such as dispute resolution in the area, M&A and investment and legal technlogy. It promises a day brimming with cutting-edge insights and expert perspectives.

Session 1: Dispute Resolution in the MENA

Arbitration in the MENA is expanding rapidly, with more countries fostering an arbitration-friendly environment. The rise of regional arbitration centers is notable, and fewer awards are being overturned by domestic courts.

Complex litigation is increasing in the region's courts, especially in common law financial center courts. Civil law courts are also evolving, with new dedicated commercial courts and improved service delivery.

Mediation is gaining traction with formal mechanisms and guidelines, supported by the region's culture.

Session 2: M&A and Investment

Foreign direct investment in the MENA is consistently growing. The GCC States are opening their economies to foreign investment, with 100% foreign ownership and incentives for non-oil sectors. Accelerators and incubators support both local and foreign tech startups through golden visa programs.

Intellectual property regimes are becoming more sophisticated, focusing on trademark protection and increasingly on patent rights.

Restructuring and insolvency regulations are developing, attracting major restructuring firms, though issues like the duties of insolvency professionals as directors remain debated.

Session 3: Legal Technology

Legal technology adoption in the MENA has been slow but is now accelerating. Courts are adopting remote access technology, and bilingual case management software is on the rise. Legal translation and AI-powered tools are being developed within the region, despite historical obstacles like language and traditional mindsets.

Fees & General Info

There are currently no registration fees available.

General terms and conditions

By registering you have to accept the general terms and conditions and accept that your registration is considered binding immediately, but participation to the event is possible only after full payment of the registration fee.

Please note that any arrangements related to the participation of the participant in an AIJA event, including but not limited to booking or cancellation of accommodation or flights, as well as respecting the cancellation deadlines indicated in the general terms and conditions, are the sole responsibility of the participant. AIJA shall not be held liable for any expenses the participant may suffer as the result of participant’s failure to comply with his/her obligations.

It is recommended for each participant to purchase a cancellation and travel insurance.

Please note that in-house counsel registrations are subject to review and confirmation by AIJA. AIJA considers in-house counsel professionals who hold a university degree in law allowing access to a bar association and practicing law as an in-house counsel in private, public, or non-profit companies, institutions or organisations. Please note that in-house counsel who are at the same time active as fee-earning lawyers or consultants are not eligible to the discounted in-house counsel fee.

Please read the general terms and conditions applicable for AIJA events.

Scholarships

If you are a lawyer under 35 years old and meet the requirements, apply to our Scholarship Programme for this event. You can check more details here.

Sponsors

Become a sponsor

Partnership with AIJA as a sponsor provides the best networking opportunities in a relaxed business environment.
If you have any questions, contact us on ‘Become a sponsor’ and check for more opportunities.

Become a sponsor More about sponsorship

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