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 Reception
16:30 - 19:30
Conference
08:30 - 16:30
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 Reception
Begin your summit experience with meaningful first connections. The welcome reception 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.
Welcome Drinks Reception
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
Compliance, Sanctions, and Trade Controls Across the Corridor
Export controls, anti-bribery, and cross-border compliance for international and MENA companies
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 Across MENA
Short country presentations on Iraq, Egypt, and the wider region — growth, risk, and the legal architecture
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 Europe
The Netherlands as Gateway and Business Centre — EU frameworks, setup, taxation, and compliance
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
International Arbitration in the EU-Arab Corridor
Cross-border disputes, practice trends, and enforcement
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?
The GC Roundtable
The in-house agenda for the EU-MENA corridor
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
The In-House Agenda for the EU-MENA Corridor
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
Closing Reflections
Looking ahead to the 2027 edition
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
Closing Reflections
Looking ahead to 2027
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 & Closing Reflections
Celebrate excellence in EU-Arab cross-border legal practice and cap off an extraordinary day of learning and connection.
Pre-Dinner Reception
Final networking before the day closes
Closing Reflections
Gala dinner
After-Party & Networking
Closing the inaugural EU-Arab Legal Summit
Practical Information
Business attire is appropriate for the conference day. For the EU Arab Legal Closing Reflections, smart casual 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.