Two Days Designed for Cross-Border Legal Excellence
Expert-led sessions, structured networking, and the EU Arab Legal Awards—all in one transformative experience.
Welcome Evening
18:30 - 21:30
Conference
08:00 - 18:15
Evening
18:30 - 21:30
A Single-Track Experience
Unlike fragmented multi-track conferences, every attendee shares the same experience. No choosing between sessions, no FOMO, and maximum opportunity to connect with everyone in the room.
Welcome Evening
Begin your summit experience with meaningful first connections. The welcome dinner sets the tone for two days of collaboration.
Welcome Remarks
Setting the Stage for EU-Arab Legal Dialogue
Opening address introducing the summit's vision, themes, and what attendees can expect over the next two days.
Networking Dinner
Structured Conversations, Lasting Connections
A seated dinner designed for meaningful interaction. Strategic table assignments ensure you meet peers from diverse backgrounds and practice areas.
- Curated seating for cross-regional connections
- Facilitated table introductions
- Relaxed atmosphere to build rapport
Conference Day
Morning Sessions | 08:00 - 12:45
Opening Ceremony & Welcome Address
Official opening of the inaugural EU Arab Legal Summit with remarks from organizers and distinguished guests.
The EU-Arab Legal Corridor
Trends, Opportunities & Challenges
A high-level exploration of the legal landscape connecting Europe and the Arab world. Examining trade flows, investment trends, regulatory developments, and what they mean for legal practitioners on both sides.
- Cross-Border Trends
- Investment Corridors
- Regulatory Landscape
Doing Business in Saudi Arabia
Vision 2030 and the Transformation of the Saudi Legal Landscape
Saudi Arabia's ambitious transformation is creating unprecedented opportunities for legal practitioners. This panel examines the practical realities of operating in the Kingdom.
- Vision 2030
- Investment Corridors
- Regulatory Landscape
Discussion Points
- New foreign investment regulations and opportunities
- Company formation and corporate structures
- Employment law and Saudization requirements
- Dispute resolution: Saudi courts vs. arbitration
- Practical tips for European firms entering the market
Coffee Break & Networking
Refreshments and open networking. Continue conversations from the morning sessions.
Doing Business in the UAE
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Evolving Legal Framework
The UAE continues to lead in legal innovation across the Gulf. This session covers the latest developments across emirates and free zones.
- Free Zones
- DIFC/ADGM
- Foreign Ownership
- Fintech
Discussion Points:
- Free zones vs. mainland: choosing the right structure
- Recent legal reforms: 100% foreign ownership, bankruptcy law
- DIFC and ADGM: common law jurisdictions in the Gulf
- Real estate and construction projects
- Fintech and digital economy regulations
Doing Business in Qatar, Kuwait, Oman & Bahrain
Opportunities Across the Wider GCC
Beyond Saudi and UAE, the GCC offers diverse opportunities. This comparative panel helps practitioners choose the right jurisdiction for their clients.
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Bahrain
- Jurisdiction Selection
Discussion Points:
- Qatar: Post-World Cup development, QFC, and new investment laws
- Kuwait: Foreign investment framework and PPP opportunities
- Oman: Diversification initiatives and business-friendly reforms
- Bahrain: Fintech hub and financial services regulations
- Comparative analysis: choosing the right GCC jurisdiction
Networking Lunch & Roundtable Discussions
More than just a meal—join themed tables for focused discussions with peers in your practice area.
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M&A
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Arbitration
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Compliance
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In-House
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Legal Tech
Afternoon Sessions | 14:00 - 18:15
Doing Business in Iraq, Iran, Jordan & the Levant
Opportunities and Challenges in the Wider MENA Region
The Levant and wider MENA region present unique opportunities alongside distinct challenges. This panel provides practical guidance for practitioners advising on these markets.
- Iraq
- Iran
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Egypt
- Risk Assessment
Discussion Points:
- Iraq: Reconstruction opportunities, oil & gas, and investment laws
- Jordan: Business-friendly environment and trade agreements
- Lebanon: Current landscape and future prospects
- Egypt: Africa's gateway and new investment incentives
- Navigating Sanctions & Market Access — The Iran Question: A forward-looking examination of the sanctions regime, compliance frameworks for European and Gulf businesses, and practical strategies for companies positioning for potential future market opening. What do practitioners need to know now?
Arab Investment into Europe
Legal Considerations for Inbound Investment
What Arab investors and their advisors need to know when deploying capital into European markets. From screening regulations to structuring options.
- Investment Screening
- Structuring
- Real Estate
- Tax
- Immigration
Discussion Points:
- EU foreign investment screening regulations
- Structuring investments: Netherlands, Luxembourg, UK
- Structuring investments: Netherlands, Luxembourg, UK
- Tax considerations and treaty planning
- Immigration and golden visa programs
Afternoon Break & Networking
Refreshments and networking. Last chance to connect before the final sessions.
International Arbitration
Resolving EU-Arab Disputes
Best practices for cross-border dispute resolution between European and Arab parties. Seat selection, institutional choice, and enforcement considerations.
- Seat Selection
- Institutions
- Enforcement
- Investment Treaty
- Culture
Discussion Points:
- Choosing the right seat: London, Paris, Geneva, Dubai, Riyadh
- Institutional arbitration: ICC, LCIA, DIAC, SCCA, CRCICA
- Enforcement of awards in Arab and European jurisdictions
- Investment treaty arbitration and bilateral treaties
- Cultural considerations in cross-regional disputes
Compliance, Sanctions & AML
Navigating Regulatory Complexity
Critical compliance considerations for practitioners handling EU-Arab transactions. From sanctions to data protection to ESG requirements.
- Sanctions
- AML
- Data Protection
- ESG
- Compliance Programs
Discussion Points:
- EU sanctions regimes and their application to Arab transactions
- Anti-money laundering requirements across jurisdictions
- Data protection: GDPR meets Middle East data laws
- ESG and sustainable business requirements
- Building effective compliance programs for cross-border operations
Legal Tech & AI
Transforming EU-Arab Legal Practice
A conversation on technology adoption, innovation, and the future of legal service delivery across European and Arab markets.
- AI Adoption
- Legal Tech
- Service Delivery
- Innovation
EU Arab Legal Awards & Gala Dinner
Celebrate excellence in EU-Arab cross-border legal practice and cap off an extraordinary day of learning and connection.
Pre-Dinner Reception
Champagne reception and final networking before the gala
Gala Dinner
Gala dinner
After-Party & Networking
Continue the celebration in a relaxed atmosphere
Practical Information
Business attire is appropriate for the conference day. For the EU Arab Legal Awards Gala, black tie or formal national dress is encouraged.
All dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, allergies) can be specified during registration. We ensure all meals accommodate diverse needs.
All panel sessions and keynotes will be recorded and made available to Full Access Pass holders within two weeks of the event.
All materials, presentations, and speaker slides will be provided digitally via our attendee portal. Printed materials will be minimal in line with our sustainability commitment.
All sessions will be conducted in English. Select sessions may have simultaneous translation available—details will be confirmed closer to the event.