<p>In January, Al Tamimi partnered with the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) on Australia Unlimited MENA 2016 ("AU MENA") - the Australian Government's annual campaign to promote bilateral trade, investment and cultural ties between Australia and the MENA region. This year, AU MENA focused on Health Investment and Health Education bringing delegations from both areas interested in doing business in the Middle East.  Al Tamimi representatives from our Healthcare and Education sector groups along with Heads of Office attended events across the region.</p>
<p>UAE</p>
<p>Representatives from Al Tamimi's Healthcare and Education sector groups attended the launch of AU MENA in Dubai on Sunday 24 January, with 2 sessions focused on Healthcare Investment and Health Education. This was followed by a gala dinner in the evening where Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan gave an excellent speech.</p>
<p>Our lawyers hosted the delegations in Abu Dhabi on Monday 25 January where we facilitated panel discussions. The morning session was hosted by our Healthcare Practice representatives James MacCallum (Partner &amp; Head of Healthcare) Christina Sochacki (Healthcare Associate) along with Corporate Partners Omer Khan and Izabella Szadkowska. The afternoon Education session was led by Ivor McGettigan (Partner &amp; Head of Education). Both forums focused on an overview of doing business in the UAE, Establishing a healthcare/education entity, partnering with local business partners and international investment in the UAE.</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia</p>
<p>In Saudi Arabia, Senior Associates Chris Webb, Daniel Goodwin, and Francis Patalong, attended an official Australia Day reception at the Australian embassy in Riyadh. This year, the embassy devoted this special occasion to celebrating the business and cultural links between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Australia with a high level delegation of Australian business people, politicians, including the Australian Minister for Tourism Senator Richard Colbeck. Numerous Saudi representatives, including the Governor of the Riyadh region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, were present as well as other prominent members of the Riyadh diplomatic corps from other countries. Our colleagues engaged with members of diverse cultural and business backgrounds, raising awareness of Al Tamimi locally.</p>
<p>Egypt</p>
<p>In Egypt Mohamed Khodeir (Partner and Head of Egypt office) and Ayman Nour (Partner and Head of Corporate Structuring - Egypt) attended the Investment and Education roundtables. Mohamed presented an optimistic note, while highlighting the legislative roadmap attained thus far on recent Egyptian investment legislations, to the Australia Unlimited delegates following the Minister of Investment's speech. Mohamed also attended the investment roundtable event following the presentations.</p>