The Middle East is experiencing a resurgence in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, marked by strong deal volume and value, particularly in the region’s key economic centres.

As geopolitical tensions, market forces, and technological change continue to have a profound impact on dealmaking in a region undergoing economic diversification, questions abound on what key factors will shape its trajectory moving forward.

Join us on the afternoon of Tuesday 23 September at The St. Regis Downtown Dubai for an event with the market leaders and M&A lawyers behind the region’s biggest deals. During panel discussions, hosted by Law Middle East editor Aishah Hussain, the speakers will delve into the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges driving corporate activity across the region. The UAE, as the region’s busiest market, will feature prominently in our discussions.

Date: Tuesday September 23, 2025
Time: 2:30pm until 6:30pm, followed by a networking drinks & canapé reception until 8pm
Venue: The St. Regis Downtown Dubai

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This event will explore:

• M&A trends: What are the primary drivers of deal flow and which sectors are experiencing the most significant M&A activity? Are we seeing more inbound or outbound deals?

• Opportunities and challenges: What are the unique complexities of executing M&A in this region, and where do the biggest opportunities lie for strategic growth and consolidation?

• Regulation: How are recent changes to regulation impacting deal structuring, due diligence, and risk mitigation in the region?

• Financing: How are deals being financed in the current economic climate, and what are the key considerations for valuation in a rapidly developing market? As sovereign wealth funds wield increasing influence in the GCC, what impact is this having on the nature of financing transactions?

The speakers, who will be announced in due course, will also explore how M&A and corporate activity will fare in the years ahead.

Agenda

2:30pm | Doors open for registration & networking

2:50pm | Welcome & opening remarks
• Law Middle East editor Aishah Hussain

3:00-4:00pm | Panel discussion: M&A trends & market dynamics

This session will provide an overview of the region’s M&A market, exploring the latest trends and opportunities driving corporate activity and the key factors shaping its future. The speakers will consider the primary drivers of deal flow, including the key role of sovereign wealth funds. They will also explore which sectors are seeing the most significant M&A activity and the motivating factors behind mergers and acquisitions in both inbound and outbound deals.

Speakers
• Mazen Baddar, counsel, Akin, Abu Dhabi
• Hussein Baxter, counsel, Sidley Austin, Dubai
• Michael Kortbawi, senior partner and co-founder, BSA Law, Dubai
• Osama Lone, partner, Kirkland & Ellis, Riyadh
• Mohammed Majid, general counsel, Dubizzle, Dubai
Moderator: Law Middle East editor Aishah Hussain

4:00-4:30pm | Networking coffee break

4:30-4:45pm | Fireside chat: The power of escrow: protecting deals & legal teams

This intimate discussion will explore the growing importance of escrow services during the deal process and the benefits they offer legal teams.

Speaker
• Ibrahim Kamalmaz, founder and CEO, Titanium Escrow, Abu Dhabi
Moderator: Law Middle East editor Aishah Hussain

4:45-5:00pm | Fireside chat: A conversation on private equity

This session will explore the growing influence of private equity funds in regional dealmaking, weighing up the benefits and risks involved.

• Speaker to be announced soon
Moderator: Law Middle East editor Aishah Hussain

5:00-5:30pm | Networking coffee break

5:30-6:30pm | Panel discussion: Beyond the deal: managing risk & navigating hurdles

This session will explore key considerations for legal counsel after a transaction has taken place. Topics will include the challenges of integrating businesses and how legal teams can effectively manage post-M&A disputes and liabilities.

Speakers
• Anwar El Khatib, chief legal counsel, Salik, Dubai
• Joanna Maria El Khoury, partner, Morgan Lewis & Bockius, Dubai
• Chadi Salloum, shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, UAE/KSA
Moderator: Law Middle East editor Aishah Hussain

6:30pm onwards | Networking drinks & canapés

8:00pm | Event concludes

This event will offer plentiful discussion and opportunities for networking. It is aimed at lawyers both in private practice and in-house, as well as finance professionals.

Register to attend; please note that places are limited and subject to confirmation. During registration, you will be asked to submit a question for the panel.

Sponsors

M&A partner

Titanium Escrow is an independent, licensed escrow agent headquartered in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). We serve as a neutral third party, enabling clients across sectors and geographies to execute complex, high-value transactions with trust, transparency, and efficiency. Our core offering centres on secure fundholding and bespoke escrow solutions that reduce transactional risk, enhance counterparty confidence, and support compliance in jurisdictions with evolving regulatory requirements. Since our launch in 2020, we have facilitated nearly 500 transactions valued at over US$5 billion, spanning M&A, real estate, private capital, litigation, and structured asset deals.

M&A technology partner

Datasite is where deals are made. We provide a complete M&A platform, driving transactions in 180 countries for investment banks, corporates, private equity, and law firms. Projects become seamless through our unique combination of technology and always-on assistance, built around the world’s most trusted data room.

M&A education partner

The University of Birmingham is a globally respected institution and the first UK Russell Group university ranked in the global top 100 to establish a campus in Dubai. Recognised for academic excellence, Birmingham is ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 93rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, placing it firmly among the top 100 universities worldwide. Its reputation is built on a legacy of civic responsibility, pioneering research, and cultural leadership, values that continue to shape its global impact and commitment to advancing knowledge across disciplines.

For sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to david.bentley@itp.com