<h5>technology • media • telecommunications • regulatory • software • licensing • consultancy • outsourcing • infrastructure • escrow • procurement • data protection • privacy • lawful access • big data • information security • cyber crime • cloud computing • internet data centres • smart cities • block chain • robotics • technology transfer • e-commerce • m-commerce • mobile • payment solutions • fintech • financial services • advertising • promotions • competition • copyright • content • intellectual property • broadcasting • film production • film finance • television • satellite • sports • entertainment • music • social media</h5>
<b>Our Practice</b>

Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s <em>Technology, Media &amp; Telecommunications</em> team provides local and international clients with world-class, specialist legal support across the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters. The team’s advice is practical and informed by its familiarity with the sectors in which its clients operate, the legal and regulatory environments of more sophisticated jurisdictions, and its deep knowledge of local law and practice. With ready access to Arabic speaking lawyers and specialists across all the firm’s practice areas, the team is well-positioned to provide comprehensive, expert legal advice in this diverse and dynamic area of business. Working with colleagues across the Middle East, the team regularly acts as a single point of contact for multi-jurisdictional advice on sector-specific issues.

<strong>Technology</strong>

The Middle East continues to provide a rich source of growth in the technology space. The opportunities provided by investment in smart cities, the very real need for improved technological infrastructure and a general desire to move towards knowledge-based economies, are resulting in increased public sector investment in technology. Additionally, both private sector and public sector clients are seeking to modernize their existing systems and solutions. International technology players continue to see the huge potential for business across the region.

Our team services a client base that includes technology vendors, and a diverse range of private and public sector technology purchasers. Many of these clients are in the financial services sector, including banks, insurance companies and payment solution providers. Other clients can be broadly categorized as operating in the e-commerce space, ranging from modest on-line marketplace start-ups through to developers of significant ‘game changing’ technologies looking to expand into the region. Clients in the healthcare, education and hospitality sectors also feature, as do clients with interests in general industrial manufacturing, telematics and the ‘internet of things’. The team also works with government sector entities on a broad variety of technology-related matters, including smart city technology, e-payment platforms, transport infrastructure solutions and data protection and information security related matters.

<strong>Media</strong>

The Middle East has a young demographic, increasing incomes and greater access to content via mobile devices. Broader considerations, such as an increased desire for local content, alternative means of content delivery, and growth in the regional film production, sports, tourism and events sectors, is resulting in swift development in the media and entertainment sector.

Meanwhile, there are still regional-specific considerations that service and content providers, and their customers, need to consider. Local sensitivities, and related regulations, can create a minefield for production companies, publishers/platform operators, advertisers and others involved in the broader media sector. On-the-ground legal support is essential.

Our team services clients ranging from local SMEs to world-wide names in the industry. They include, amongst others, marketing and advertising agencies, media development and production companies, internet content providers, e-commerce businesses and online platform operators, event production companies, venue operators, musicians, sports bodies and sponsors.

<strong>Telecommunications</strong>

In the Middle East, as elsewhere, traditional telecommunications companies continue to face challenges from non-traditional players. Technological developments, such as IP messaging services and ubiquitous smart phones, and a growing appetite for mobile content, are examples of how the telecommunications industry is facing change around the world. In the context of the relatively ‘closed’ telecoms markets of the Middle East, it remains to be seen how these challenges will be addressed.

Our team services a variety of clients in the telecommunications sector, including telecommunications service providers, ISPs, network and infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, and clients with specialist interests in areas such as satellite services, telematics and data centres. While occasionally advising incumbent operators, the team often advises clients with technologies that challenge traditional telecommunications services. Clients need assistance to navigate the local regulatory regimes, and the relationships that the team has developed with the various telecommunications regulators in the region enable it to service such clients effectively. Additionally, the team regularly advises general corporate clients with everyday concerns that touch on telecommunications regulatory issues and telecommunications related commercial contracting.