Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: TMT

Addleshaw Goddard has significantly bolstered its TMT offering in the UAE through the addition of former Baker McKenzie LLP practice head Kellie Blyth in April 2023, enhancing a team that advise across the spectrum of TMT mandates, including M&A, regulatory, commercial, data protection, litigation and disputes, and sector-specific employment law issues.
Reed Smith is an expanding presence in the UAE TMT legal market, with the additions of DLA Piper former Middle East IP and technology head Jamie Ryder and senior associate Alex MacKay.
Greenberg Traurig Limited continues to expand its TMT presence in the UAE, offering a practice which heavily specialises in the sports and entertainment sectors. The team is led from Dubai by Steve Bainbridge and includes new arrival David Bintliff, who joined from Bird & Bird in late 2023.

TMT in United Arab Emirates

Al Tamimi & Company

Al Tamimi & Company has established a preeminent TMT practice in the UAE, and is highly sought after across the gamut of areas by major local and international organisations, as well as public sector entities. The team has an experienced network across the broader Middle East and North Africa, having regularly been instructed by regional governments and regulators on key digital information, fintech, media and e-commerce mandates. Practice head David Yates specialises in advising on data commercialisation and transactions, data protection, privacy and enforcement. Regulatory specialist Andrew Fawcett has led on a number of high-profile digital transformation legislative projects, while senior associate Krishna Jhala has over a decade of transactional and advisory experience.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Yates


Autres avocats clés:

Andrew Fawcett; Krishna Jhala


Principaux clients

Priora and Beyond ONE


Salik


Dubai Academic Health Corporation


ADS Securities


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Priora and Beyond ONE on all telecommunications regulatory and technology aspects of the acquisition of Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa, the region’s largest mobile virtual network operator with operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait.
  • Advising Salik, Dubai’s exclusive toll gate operator, on the technology transfer and data protection legal aspects of its initial public offering and listing on the Dubai Financial Market.
  • Advising on the transfer of all technology relating to the establishment of the new public health corporation, the Dubai Academic Health Corporation and the transfer of the entire public health system from the responsible health authority, Dubai Health Authority, to the new corporation.

Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co LLP’s TMT practice in the UAE ‘takes a 360 degree approach on data privacy and security-related matters’, with the ‘expert’ team regularly handling complex mandates concerning cyber breach response and insurance, fintech, technology disputes and corporate TMT. Leading the team from Abu Dhabi, practice head Dino Wilkinson and senior associate Masha Ooijevaarare real business partners’ who ‘understand the industries they operate in.’ Currently managing the team’s large-scale technology and outsourcing transactions is legal director Ken Wong, who is an ‘exceptional lawyer for complex IT contracts’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dino Wilkinson


Autres avocats clés:

Masha Ooijevaar; Ken Wong


Les références

‘Dino and Masha are great at taking a targeted and tailored approach to our business. Understanding the ins and outs to provide best in class legal advice.’

‘The TMT practice takes a 360 degree approach on data privacy and security related matters which provides a capsule service that facilitates project completion. ’

‘Dino and Masha are real business partners because they take the time and invest the efffort to understand the industry companies operate in. They stray away from a cookie cutter approach and are targeted. Masha provides continuous support along the journey which is an added value so clients are constantly in the know.’

Principaux clients

Accenture


Dell


Huawei


Dubai International Financial Centre Authority


OSN


Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA)


Pepsi


Cisco Systems


noon


Nissan


Chalhoub Group


Red Bull


Aon (DIFC) Gulf Limited


Mashreqbank PSC


New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)


Muscat Insurance Company


Marsh


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Dubai International Financial Centre Authority on its discussions with the UK government to confirm a data bridge that would permit personal data transfers under the UK GDPR.
  • Advised Muscat Insurance Company (MIC) on the procurement of an insurance management system to be rolled out across MIC’s entire business, integrating and replacing legacy software.
  • Advised noon  on its AED 1.23 bn  acquisition of Namshi Holding Limited from Emaar Malls Management LLC.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper continues to operate at the apex of the UAE TMT legal market and is considered a leading firm for data protection and privacy work. The depth of experience is complemented by the breadth of expertise, consistently instructure on high value and complex work across all aspects of technology, fintech, telecoms, media, sports and entertainment. Paul Allen is the firm’s global co-chair of IP and technology and is a trusted advisor to governments, corporates and finance clients from Dubai. Allen is provided substantial support by legal director Rami Zayat, who has particular experience in the delivery of large-scale outsourcing and managed services transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Allen


Autres avocats clés:

Rami Zayat


Principaux clients

VARA


Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP offers a deep bench of dedicated TMT specialists ‘with excellent project management to keep complex legal projects on track.’ In addition to consistently acting on complex and high profile mandates in the traditional TMT subfields, the practice is also highly active for non-TMT sector clients such as financial institutions, government controlled investment companies and major domestic and international corporates. Practice head Tom Butcher has a strong reputation for his expertise in IP, data protection and commercial matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tom Butcher


Les références

‘Friendly collaborative style. Really excellent project management team that helps to keep complex legal projects on track.’

Principaux clients

Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (Malaffi)


Injazat


Hub71


Etisalat


Group 42


Abu Dhabi Global Market


Advanced Technology Research Council


Technology Innovation Institute


Mubadala


Khazna


Iron Mountain


Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi


Emirates Global Aluminium


TAQA


Qatar Energy


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised NEOM, the regional development project in northwest Saudi Arabia, in connection with a USD 175 million Series E investment in Volocopter.
  • Advising on the evolution of the Malaffi health information exchange in Abu Dhabi, and subsequently on data protection and commercial matters.
  • Assisting with implementing a digital primary healthcare platform in Abu Dhabi.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP offers, according to some, ‘the most pioneering TMT team in the region’, acting for a broad range of clients from early stage start-ups to the world’s largest organisations. In response to the increasing data protection regulations in the UAE and wider Middle East, the practice has continued to invest in and expand its privacy expertise and acts for a number of global tech powerhouses. Practice head Brian Meenagh is considered by major clients to be ‘the best TMT lawyer to tackle large technology infrastructure projects and technology-related disputes’; he is supported by associate Lucy Tucker. Alexander Hendry left the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Brian Meenagh


Autres avocats clés:

Lucy Tucker


Les références

‘L&W has the most pioneering TMT team in the region, led by Brian Meenagh, with great ability to deploy lawyers from London office and other offices to cater for all types of matters. ’

‘Brian Meenagh is probably the best TMT lawyer in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf to tackle large Technology infrastructure projects and technology related disputes, in addition to FinTech projects and acquisitions.

‘Brian Meenagh and his team are extremely knowledgeable in their field of work of which, similar to other Latham teams we work with, we have trust that they are the most advance within their field of expertise which gains our trust, when working with them and gains our continued confidence in them when instructing them.’

Principaux clients

Public Investment Fund


Chimera


Al Rajhi Bank


Sehati


Sequoia


Sheikh Shakbout Medical City


Savvy


Amiral Management Corporation (AMC)


Aney.com


Cercli


Convergint


Abhi


Baraka


Careem


Checkout.com


Finexity


Rain


Tabby


Zest Equity


Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP

Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP offers a ‘phenomenal TMT practice across the region‘, which is ‘clearly across all the developments in emerging technology and the digital landscape.’ This in-depth knowledge of emerging technologies is noted for being particularly broad, encompassing areas such as AI, blockchain, quantum computing and cloud solutions. Raza Rizvi heads the practice and offers vast experience in all aspects of commercial, regulatory and transactional TMT work. Managing associate Robbie Narkarmi is also a key contact, with specialist knowledge of the crypto sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Raza Rizvi


Autres avocats clés:

Robbie Narkarmi


Les références

‘They are the go to firm for IT and IP in the Middle East. Expertise derived through experience of dealing with complex enquiries, from sophisticated clients. It is unusual to see an issue they have not already faced or considered.’

‘Raza Rizvi stands out for his approachability, client service and most importantly, experience of managing the most complicated legal enquiries.’

‘The outstanding Simmons team in the Middle East have been at the forefront on projects relating to emerging technology for many years. They have a long-standing pedigree in telecoms and telecoms regulatory and this complements their wider transactional and dispute resolution offering across the TMT sector.

Principaux dossiers


The Bench

The Bench is a boutique law firm with a core focus on TMT, offering a ‘breadth of expertise across the TMT sector’ that spans key areas such as fintech, e-commerce, data protection and TMT commercial agreements. The practice is led by the experienced team of Joby Beretta, Salio De Souza and Kelly Tymburski, with the latter being particularly well-known for her expertise in regulatory reform and development.

Responsables de la pratique:

Joby Beretta; Salio De Souza; Kelly Tymburski


Les références

‘They are so easy to work with, with experts across a wide range of areas to support whatever you need. ’

‘Joby is not only supportive, but so easy to work with. He makes everything easy to understand and ensures he places the right team member for the right job. Things are clear, effective and efficient.’

‘Breadth of expertise across the TMT sector. Our company has utilised a range of the firms sector experience. ’

Principaux clients

Finyal Media


Accor Hotels


International Payment Systems


Nomad Media Group


International Hotels Group


LPME Studios


LifeOnScreen


Endace


VentureFriends


Redington Gulf


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Finyal Media, the award-winning podcast production company, on its acquisition by the Jordanian podcast and media company Sowt.
  • Advised UAE based LPME Studios on the first release by their flagship record label LPME Records – ‘Nasskha Menni’ by Carole Samaha.
  • Advising a leading UAE retail conglomerate on Web 3.0 projects including crypto-currencies, data analytics and payment processing.

White & Case LLP

Highly sought after by leading corporates and government entities in the UAE and broader Middle East, White & Case LLP is well versed in complex data, privacy, technology, cyber and fintech matters. Promoted to partner in January 2023, practice head Stefan Mrozinski has established an enviable reputation amongst big tech, large corporates and governmental authorities on cyber, cloud computing and TMT-related M&A transactions. Associate Gabrielle Lowe is well regarded by MENA-based fintech businesses in connection with financial services licensing matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stefan Mrozinski


Autres avocats clés:

Gabrielle Lowe


Principaux clients

E&


NEOM Company


Meta


Amazon Web Services


Amazon.com


Amazon Payment Services


Mubadala Investment Company


Tabby


Crypto.com


Global Fintech Investments Holding AG / Prism Group


Paymob


Nymcard


Safegold


Geidea Technology Group


Telegram


Snapchat


Thirdverse Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Amazon in connection with new data privacy laws in the UAE and elsewhere in the Middle East.
  • Acted for Meta in connection with confidential tech and fintech matters in the UAE and wider GCC.
  • Advised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in connection with various technology foreign direct investment deals valued in the USD billions and the drafting of technology sector regulations.

Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird continue to maintain its reputable contentious and non-contentious TMT offering in the UAE, with areas such as media, telecoms, data privacy, fintech and cybersecurity considered key areas of expertise. The team has a strong reputation for privacy and data protection work, regularly providing tailored advice concerning data retention, international data transfers, policy drafting and data protection compliance. Data privacy is also a specialism for associate Nootash Keyhani, as well as technology and digital transformation. David Bintliff left the firm at the end of 2023.

Autres avocats clés:

Nootash Keyhani


Principaux clients

DXC Technology Limited


NEOM Company – Media Village and Film Studios


International Cricket Council


Monster Energy


Tonomus


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised NEOM Company in relation to the development of the NEOM Media Village Studios and Bajdah Desert Studios, which together comprise the Middle East region’s largest sound stages and film production support facilities
  • Advising Tonomus (NEOM’s Tech and Digital Company) on a wide range of cutting-edge technology procurement matters, including unmanned arial vehicles, artificial intelligence, data analytics, connectivity, and advanced healthcare systems.

BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP

Representing a number of high-profile technology companies, BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP’s TMT practice is ‘always at the forefront of the latest innovations and up to date with the key trends in the market.’ Practice head Nadim Bardawil combines his superior legal acumen with a deep knowledge of business’, advising international technology and media entities across MENA on a broad range of transactional and regulatory matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nadim Bardawil


Les références

‘BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP has a great tema of professionals which make it our go to firm and our strategic partner on data protection matters.’

‘Nadim Bardawil is an exceptionally competent, professional and available lawyer who, together with his team, consistently provide timely, insightful and actionable advicesa on data protection matters.’

‘BSA hits the mark on all fronts. They’re knowledgeable, available, proactive and dedicated. BSA have consistently shown a superior level of client excellence and are a joy to work with. The TMT practice are always at the forefront of the latest innovations and up to date with the key trend of the market. I feel they’re always one step ahead, which fills me with a lot of confidence when onboarding them onto projects.’

Principaux clients

Meta (facebook)


Cashew


XTB Mena Limited


Giftify


Linksys UK Limited


Mac Global


Panthera Capital Investments


Hyperspace


RNG


Mattel


Sarwa


Persivia


Principaux dossiers


  • Provided Meta with a legal analysis breaking down the degree of risk posed to the Facebook platform for violations of Advertising Guidelines under applicable laws in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
  • Advised the founder shareholders in a proposed sale of a majority stake in Mac Global to Sony Music Entertainment. As part of this transaction, Sony acquired a controlling stake in Mac Global, while the founder shareholders continued to undertake day-to-day management, thereby leveraging the acquirer’s global brand and expertise, and the seller’s regional insight and goodwill.
  • Represented Cashew in a significant round of fund-raising, where Mashreq, a leading UAE financial institution acquired a significant minority interest in the Cashew holding company.

Cedar White Bradley IP LLP

The Dubai-based TMT group at Cedar White Bradley IP LLP is ‘extremely attentive and always ready to find a solution that works best for its client’; assisting clients from a broad range of industries navigate the region’s regulatory landscape, including advertising, data protection and music usage. Practice head Cameron Crawford is considered ‘a world leader in media and IP law’, with over a decade of UAE-based experience acting for leading names in technology, publishing, gaming and content streaming.

Responsables de la pratique:

Cameron Crawford


Les références

‘Extremely attentive and always ready to find a solution that works best for our company. ’

‘Everyone I have worked with stood out.’

‘The team is agile and quick to respond – they are always available to speak and advise on a broad range of commercial matters. ’

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

In addition to a comprehensive telecoms, media and technology offering, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has also built notable expertise in the sports, entertainment, art and luxury sectors. Mark Hill heads the firm’s IP, TMT and commercial practice for the Middle East, acting for a broad range of production houses, film producers, entertainment and media companies. Lara Haidar was promoted to legal director in May 2023, bringing a particular strength in intellectual property protection and enforcement.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Hill


Autres avocats clés:

Lara Haidar


Les références

‘The team I work with is highly professional and pay a balanced energy on the work processes with the clients and the use of a good system.’

‘They are highly knowledgeable and pay a great attention to the ethical responsibility of the client and the client role in society.’

Principaux clients

Creative Technology Middle East (CT Group)


CSM Middle East


International Cricket Council


Image Nation Abu Dhabi


Mediapro Group


Republic of Design Events LLC


Telecommunications Regulatory Authority Bahrain


Voltage Pictures


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted on various matters for the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture, including The Cultural Development Fund film fund framework.
  • Providing strategic advice to Etisalat (e&), an Emirati-based multinational telecommunications services provider, currently operating in 16 countries across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It is the 18th largest mobile network operator in the world by its number of subscribers.
  • Supporting the International Cricket Council (ICC) with the brand registration aspects of its new crypto NFT offering, Crictos.

CMS

CMS’ TMT offering in the UAE continues to act for a diverse range of public and private sector clients, including local conglomerates and regional financial institutions. The practice is noted for the diversity of mandates that it handles, spanning the likes of technology contracting, data protection, crypto, media, and general compliance issues. Specialising in commercial technology projects, practice head Ben Gibson is well versed in complex procurement, development and outsourcing issues. Senior associate Victoria Noto has established a solid reputation for TMT-related commercial and advisory work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ben Gibson


Autres avocats clés:

Victoria Noto


Les références

‘The interactions that we had showed a knowledgeable and supportive team. ’

‘Ben has exceptional industry and legal knowledge, coupled with a pragmatic and friendly approach. He was always supportive to our needs as a client and made himself available on short notice. He went above and beyond to delivery great service. ’

Principaux clients

TikTok / Bytedance


Gulf International Bank


The Walt Disney Company (Dubai Branch)


Etisalat


Dubai International Financial Centre Authority


Aldar


Nestle Middle East


Etihad Rail


Al Tayer Group


Al Futtaim


FlyDubai


Medtronic


DFS Middle East FZE


Aecom Arabia


FujiFilm Middle East


New Balance


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Etihad Rail on the procurement of an integrated online ticketing and journey management platform.
  • Acted for the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority Data Protection Commissioner’s office on the development of an ethical data risk management index (“EDMI”). The EDMI is intended to assist businesses make assessments with respect to the increasingly complicated matter of international personal data transfers.

Eversheds Sutherland LLP

The ‘diverse and collaborative’ team at Eversheds Sutherland LLP is noted for its cross-border capability, as well as its regulatory expertise fostered through well established government relationships. Practice head Nasser Ali Khasawneh is vastly experienced across the spectrum of technology and media law in the UAE; while principal associate Christine Khoury is a  ‘responsive and clear communicator’, especially regarding digital media, telecom regulations and data privacy issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nasser Ali Khasawneh


Autres avocats clés:

Christine Khoury


Les références

‘The Eversheds team is easy to work with, responsive, and sensitive to specific client needs. I appreciate the depth of their expertise as well as their candor when they are not in the best position to advise on something.’

‘I work primarily with Christine Khoury and Nasser al Khasanwah on UAE matters. Both Christine and Nasser are a pleasure to work with – they are friendly, responsive, and clear communicators. ’

‘A diverse and collaborative team with a high level of empathy. They take their time to understand the client’s needs and work collaboratively to ensure the outcome meets the client’s objectives.’

Principaux clients

Seddiqi Holding


Microsoft


MBC


Gowling WLG

The TMT practice at Gowling WLG is ‘unique in the market for the breadth of international expertise’, spanning complex and growing areas such as fintech, cybersecurity, e-commerce, blockchain and AI. Alexandre Brazeau oversees a practice which has also carved out a strong reputation for cross-jurisdictional regulatory work, acting at the forefront of data protection legislation, retail payment licensing and virtual asset regulations. The offering is also bolstered by the increasingly experienced senior associate pairing of Charlotte Wright and Sanjita Roy.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alexandre Brazeau


Autres avocats clés:

Charlotte Wright; Sanjita Roy


Les références

‘Gowling WLG’s TMT practice is unique in the market compared to other firms because of their breadth of international expertise, keen attention to updates in the law, and adaptability.’

‘Gowlings international expertise means that within the TMT team I can get advise on UAE Data Protection, GDPR, and other international standards all within the same team, without having to delay to consult with other offices.’

‘Their keen attention to updates in the law has allowed us to be first to market with our products several times.’

Principaux clients

Museum of the Future (MOTF)


Nuvei


PayBy


Hadef & Partners LLC

Hadef & Partners LLC is regularly sought out for its comprehensive expertise in the local regulatory and commercial aspects of TMT, as well as other core areas such as e-commerce and data privacy. Victoria Woods is a leading presence and brings over two decades of experience advising on software development, telecoms regulation and data security, while IP specialist James Dunne heads the trade marks and brand protection offering. Head of corporate Yasser Omar also supports the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Victoria Woods; James Dunne; Yasser Omar


Principaux dossiers


KARM Legal Consultants

The ‘unique’ TMT practice at KARM Legal Consultants offers a ‘tech-savvy team’ that consider fintech, data protection, AI, blockchain and cryptocurrency-related activities to be core areas of expertise. Managing partner Kokila Alagh is adept at advising clients which deal in highly specialised technology, from blockchain and open banking to innovation in medical and insurance sectors. Associate Akshata Namjoshi is well-versed in the setting up of cryptocurrency exchanges, as well as the deployment of public and enterprise blockchains.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kokila Alagh


Les références

‘Karm legal practice is unique on many fronts. Tech-savvy team, able to advise on complex business in industries yet to be entirely regulated.’

‘Karm partners and associates are always available at a day notice to discuss any matter. They are able to turn around complex advice & service in record time and top quality. Their advice has protected the business pro-actively on several junctures. When we look back, it does feel like the best partnership we have. ’

‘Responsive and friendly.’

Principaux clients

Finflx


Distichain


Verofax


Verotrax


GGX (MPL Gaming)


EDao


Maalexi


Faasco


BPRO


Globally United


Principaux dossiers


Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP

Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP‘s TMT practice offers ‘in-depth industry knowledge‘ and significant breadth of expertise in delivering cross-border digital transformation projects, major technology business sales and acquisitions, and resolving high profile technology disputes. The ‘excellentMelissa Forbes-Miranda leads the group and is renowned for her expertise in the technology sector, encompassing data, software licensing, fintech and cryptocurrencies. Philip Clarke offers substantial expertise in virtual assets, while Sandeep Dhama is a specialist in corporate matters in the technology sector. Diwakar Agarwal is also a key presence, especially in regards to emerging technologies such as blockchain.

Responsables de la pratique:

Melissa Forbes-Miranda


Autres avocats clés:

Diwakar Agarwal; Sandeep Dhama; Philip Clarke


Les références

‘Melissa is always a pleasure to work with , she has excellent communication and interpersonal skills allied with an analytical mind which has benefitted greatly over the years . I would highly recommend Melissa to any of my network requiring legal assistance.’

‘SH is very professional with in depth industry knowledge and provide accurate advice on relevant subject matters ’

‘Timely response is very important for us, this is what we get from SH Availability of Associates & Partners. They are exceptional.’

Principaux clients

Lexim Trading DMCC


Fenix Networks Limited


eMedvertise N.V.


Al Dahra Agriculture SP LLC


ComTech Global


Esyasoft Holding Ltd


FanFixApp LLC


Interoperability Middle East Technology


Quahe Woo & Palmer LLC


Co-founders and executive management of Somo Global Limited


Samsung SDS Europe ME & Africa


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Lexim Trading, a non-manufactured precious metal, specifically gold, trader in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, in relation to the establishment and development of their revolutionary gold backed digital asset platform, which includes minting crypto tokens that are collateralised against gold held by its sister company for proprietary trading.
  • Advising FanFixApp, LLC , an online subscription platform on the prospects and practicalities of setting up an entity in the UAE to operate local aspects of the FanFix platform.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Managing partner and TMT veteran Saleem Adam leads Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s offering from Abu Dhabi, having overseen a notable increase in the number of intellectual property and technology-related M&A mandates. The practice services a broad range of major public and private sector clients, including the likes of ADNOC, Noor Bank and Al Waha Capital.

Responsables de la pratique:

Saleem Adam


Principaux dossiers