<p>This conference, launched by LexisNexis Butterworth provided a forum for legal professionals with a presence or interest in the Middle East to exchange ideas and obtain informed insights into the practicalities of operating within various jurisdictions.&nbsp; The conference, held on the 2nd and 3rd November at the Shangri-La Hotel, outlined how best to achieve international expansion in the area while highlighting any idiosyncrasies associated with each jurisdiction across a wide range of areas including finance, insolvency and arbitration.</p>
<p>Partner &amp; Head of Corporate Structuring Samer Qudah sat on a panel discussion on Foreign ownership in the Middle East: a comparative analysis.&nbsp; The panel outlined the potential and pitfalls of the UAE, Saudi and Qatar markets.&nbsp; Samer, who focused on the UAE, discussed the jurisdictional landscape, basic licensing requirements, UAE free zone characteristics as well as the current investment outlook.</p>
<p>Mohamed Khodeir, Partner and Regional Head of IPOs, delivered a session on M&amp;A in the Middle East.&nbsp; Mohamed&rsquo;s session covered the current state of the market across the Gulf, key players including Private Equity and Sovereign Wealth Funds, relative strengths of different industry sectors, due diligence issues and competition law issues.</p>