The Law Middle East roundtable was held on April 23, 2026 at ITP Media Group in Dubai, with support from partners BSA Law, Dentons, and Hadef & Partners. The conversation, held at ITP Media Group with support from BSA Law, Dentons, and Hadef & Partners, offered insights into how lawyers are responding to market uncertainties while maintaining optimism about the region’s economic resilience.
The panel opened with an overview of the macro environment, noting that while initial expectations pointed to disruption, transactional activity has remained largely resilient. Major cross-border deals continued as planned, driven by long-term strategic investments rather than short-term opportunism. Rima Mrad of BSA Law emphasized that transactions in the pipeline proceeded without significant impact, highlighting the strategic nature of most deals in the current climate.
In contrast, the disputes environment presents a more complex picture. Mohamed Eissa of Hadef & Partners observed that the impact is indirect, with clients focusing on risk allocation, renegotiation, and dispute avoidance. He noted a growing willingness to pursue legacy claims, particularly as uncertainty prompts reflection on past obligations. Dean Ryburn of Dentons added that construction disputes, often countercyclical, are becoming more active as parties reassess cash flow and revisit unresolved matters.
The discussion then shifted to general counsel priorities. Rima Mrad explained that early efforts centered on triage—identifying urgent issues, protecting legal positions, and understanding immediate steps. Force majeure provisions and contractual protections were key concerns, alongside reassessing risk in ongoing transactions. Over time, the focus has expanded to include insurance exposure, project evaluations, and broader risk mapping. However, many businesses are also beginning to explore opportunities amid the challenges.
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AH: What are general counsel most focused on right now? Dean Ryburn highlighted the operational uncertainty general counsel faced, managing teams while addressing urgent legal questions. As the situation stabilized, the emphasis has shifted to longer-term impacts and strategic adaptation. ME: From what we are seeing, general counsel are focused on preserving records and preparing for potential future disputes, even while trying to avoid escalation now.
The panel also addressed the key role of local expertise. Rima Mrad emphasized that being present on the ground, not just in the UAE but across the region, is essential for understanding market reactions and regulatory implementations. She noted that international counsel often miss subtle differences between jurisdictions and free zones. Mohamed Eissa reinforced this, stating that local counsel is indispensable in disputes due to constant developments in policies and court practices. Dean Ryburn added that combining local experience with a global network allows for integrated, practical advice that reflects commercial realities, including costs, enforceability, timeframes, and potential outcomes.
Looking forward, the lawyers agreed that the UAE’s adaptability, creativity, and strategic planning provide confidence. Rima Mrad predicted a return to normal activity faster than many anticipated, driven by businesses’ resilience. Dean Ryburn echoed this, noting that major transactions and large-scale projects remain active despite ongoing uncertainty.