<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT"><img class="alignright wp-image-8225" src="http://localhost:8888/tamimi/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Screen-Shot-2018-09-03-at-6.08.08-PM.jpg" alt="" width="490" height="656" />In this edition of Law Update we focus on the <a href="http://localhost:8888/tamimi/sectors/education/">Education Sector</a> and have interesting reports from across the Middle East over a wide range of topics.</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">The Middle East remains the number one private education market in the world. As the UAE market moves towards maturity the two most populous Middle Eastern countries- Saudi Arabia and Egypt- are preparing to enter a rapid growth phase. The number of new schools being mentioned for Saudi Arabia is simply breath-taking. The starting pistol has been fired- the new draft PPP law is hot off the press and is sure to attract huge interest (more of which later).</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">The higher education sector continues to draw the big names into Dubai with a few notable ‘scalps’ over the last year.</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">The buzzwords over the last year were ‘Vision 2030’, ‘GDPR’ and ‘fake news’. In this issue we don’t like to disappoint (although it is fake degrees not fake news).</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">In the UAE we look at the latest developments in respect of the <a href="http://localhost:8888/tamimi/law-update-articles/safeguarding-2-0/">Child Rights Law</a> where some significant and welcome changes are imminent in the child protection space. We also delve into the ever more complicated area of educational institutions running <a href="http://localhost:8888/tamimi/law-update-articles/educational-institutions-in-uae-approvals-required-for-public-benefit-activities-and-fundraising/">public benefit activities and fundraising</a>, an article not be missed by any schools or colleges thinking of running events/fundraising.</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">Our tax team takes a look at the <a href="http://localhost:8888/tamimi/law-update-articles/vat-2-0-the-story-so-far/">implementation of VAT</a> and considerations from an education institution point of view.</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">In the area of PPP, construction and real estate we have three articles touching upon different aspects of this. Our real estate team discuss the key issues in completing a <a href="http://localhost:8888/tamimi/law-update-articles/build-to-suit-education-projects/">"Build-to-Suit"</a> School Project. Our construction and infrastructure team looks at <a href="http://localhost:8888/tamimi/law-update-articles/procurement-in-the-education-sector-in-the-middle-east/">Procurement in the Education Sector</a> in the Middle East whilst our colleagues in Saudi Arabia discuss <a href="http://localhost:8888/tamimi/law-update-articles/ppp-in-ksa-education/">PPP in KSA Education</a> and in particular the new draft PPP law which is hot off the press and is a potential game-changer for investors in education in the Kingdom.</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">Looking regionally our Egypt office provides an interesting insight into the <a href="http://localhost:8888/tamimi/law-update-articles/the-egyptian-education-sector-challenges-and-opportunities/">Challenges of the Egyptian Education Sector</a>. It is a very exciting market and many foreign investors are investing heavily there; we have seen a large uptick in interest particularly on the international branch campus front.</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">Our Bahrain colleagues explore the topic of <a href="http://localhost:8888/tamimi/law-update-articles/establishing-foreign-higher-educational-institutions-in-bahrain/">establishing foreign higher educational institutions</a> there. Its proximity to the Kingdom, home to the largest number of GCC students, could be the X factor.</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">The TMT team dares to open the Pandora’s box that is <a href="http://localhost:8888/tamimi/law-update-articles/how-does-gdpr-affect-the-education-sector-in-the-middle-east/">GDPR</a>. This article will be of interest to education providers in the region with significant numbers of EU residents as students — particularly those delivering distance education programmes to such students.</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">Last and not least we take a look at one of the biggest education news stories of the year- fake degrees- and the author finds himself asking - how can I get my hands on a mail order PhD in Wizardry (with a free Order of Merlin, First Class)? He then focuses on the employment implications arising from these degree mills; employers are in a high risk group when it comes to damages indirectly caused by fake degrees.</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">Our colleagues in Kuwait, Oman, Jordan and our other offices continue to support education sector clients in those jurisdictions and will issue updates as they arise over the coming year.</p>
<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">We hope you enjoy this edition and please feel free to share any ideas for future articles or feedback generally with me at <a href="mailto:i.mcgettigan@tamimi.com">i.mcgettigan@tamimi.com</a>. We also publish an email alert In the Know which covers education industry news across the Middle East and if you would like to receive it then please let us know (<a href="mailto:i.mcgettigan@tamimi.com">same email address</a>).</p>