On April 30, 2025, the General Counsel Conference Middle East brought together leading in-house lawyers and legal professionals at the Conrad Dubai for a half-day of panel sessions and roundtable discussions centered on the theme embracing and driving change – whether through navigating risk and transforming challenges into opportunities, adopting technology and agility, or attracting and retaining talent – it is clear that General Counsel are no longer just legal guardians; they have become strategic leaders, protecting their businesses in an ever-evolving landscape.

 

Law.com International In-house and Regulatory Reporter, Jack Womack, opened the conference by announcing key partnerships with the Association of Corporate Counsel in MENA and Global Leaders in Law, highlighting their role in bringing the event to fruition and setting the tone for the day’s proceedings.                 

Sabrine Makkes, Regional Head of Compliance, Founder and Chair of Women in Mentoring took the stage next.  As Chair of the conference, she warmly welcomed everyone in attendance, emphasizing that change has now become a certainty in the legal sector. In times of volatility, Sabrine highlighted that shared humanity keeps the legal community united, creating a legacy for future generations built on enduring values in today’s evolving world.

Headline sponsor Gateley Middle East’s Managing Partner, Darren Harris, then addressed attendees, further underscoring the crucial role that General Counsel have come to play, extending well-beyond legal boundaries. He stressed the importance of forums for legal minds to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and foster relationships. 

GLA & Co. led the first panel discussion, The General Counsel’s Evolution: Navigating Change in a Dynamic Corporate Landscape. Moderator Alex Saleh, Managing Partner at GLA & Co., was joined by Laura Thomson, General Counsel at EWEC; Milla Oinonen, Senior Legal Counsel at INCEPTION AI, a G42 company; Brett Hattaway, Vice President and Head of Legal Services, Middle East & Africa at DHL Express; and May El Ghamry, Group Head of Legal at Al Ansari Financial Services.

The session explored how the role of the General Counsel has evolved over the years. As Alex Saleh noted, “This role has not only changed, but it is safe to say that it has transformed dramatically”. Panelists agreed that much of this shift has been driven by technology, starting with the introduction of the first BlackBerry, which allowed lawyers to be reachable 24/7, further accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of online working platforms.

A key driver of transformation has been the GCC legal environment, which has become significantly more regulated over the past decade, with distinct differences across jurisdictions. In fact, interaction with multiple regulatory bodies has now become a core responsibility for General Counsel in the Middle East.
With ever-increasing responsibilities for in-house legal leaders, the conversation naturally turned to the challenges of balancing tasks and priorities. Panelists stressed the importance of business integration as a tool to proactively address risks before they escalate, advocating for early engagement with business teams. Strong relationships and communication remain essential in navigating these challenges.

The panel recognized AI as a valuable ally in legal operations – when applied correctly. While AI enables greater efficiency and streamlines legal departments, it must be implemented in a structured manner, ensuring control and stability. Data privacy and cybersecurity have also become key areas of responsibility for GCs, requiring cross-departmental collaboration with IT teams. These areas are no longer just regulatory obligations but are now valuable business assets that enhance competitiveness and attract customers.

Panelists then addressed shifting expectations for outside counsel. Businesses now seek direct, actionable solutions rather than lengthy legal analyses, with external counsel expected to provide pragmatic advice tailored to commercial realities.

The discussion concluded with a look into the future of General Counsel in the Middle East. Predictions suggest that AI, ESG requirements, and evolving regulatory frameworks will continue to dominate legal priorities. With the GCC positioning itself as a global leader in digital transformation, panelists emphasized the importance of embracing opportunities and leveraging AI tools to drive efficiency and innovation.

Dr. Mohamed El Mogy, General Counsel at Siemens Energy and President of the Association of Corporate Counsel MENA, moderated the second session of the day, No Time Like the Present: Leading a Healthy Risk Culture in Ambitious Times. Speakers included Meghna Malhotra, Senior Legal Counsel at Dubai World Trade Centre; Filippo Cossalter, Regional General Counsel – MMEA at Ericsson; Akram Razek, General Counsel — Middle East, Africa, and Turkey at Astellas Pharma; and Shabnam Sahiwala, General Counsel at myZoi by Standard Chartered Ventures.

The conversation opened with a focus on the changing risk environment for General Counsel in the region. Legal risk now extends beyond traditional legal matters, encompassing ESG, corporate reputation, and third-party liabilities. Increasing expectations from regulators, shareholders, and customers demand proactive risk leadership. As one panelist noted, “GCs must transition from gatekeepers to strategic advisors who integrate foresight into decision-making”.

The panel reflected that a key factor behind changes in the risk landscape is the Middle East’s transition from a once-localized market to a major player in global business discussions and the economy.

Risk is no longer perceived as something to be feared, but rather as an opportunity for reassessment and growth. Panelists emphasized that risk awareness should not be confined within legal and compliance departments but embraced across all decision-making functions.

Creating a risk-aware culture ingrained at every level of an organization is essential. While risk is inevitable, leadership plays a critical role in setting the tone. A well-established risk culture is not about eliminating risk but rather acknowledging and mitigating it to ensure preparedness for future challenges.

The panel then shared pragmatic examples of managing risks from a reputational standpoint. Companies with long histories often have deeply embedded values that shape their risk tolerance, while businesses in innovative sectors face continuous discussions on how to manage risk effectively.

Panelists discussed real-world risk management strategies, emphasizing that companies must move beyond reactive responses and instead focus on embedding proactive governance frameworks. Success lies in cross-functional collaboration, through continuous reassessment, and with leadership-driven accountability. A human-centered risk approach, particularly in legal documentation, is a powerful risk mitigation tool. Contracts should be written in clear, accessible language to ensure effectiveness for their specific customer base.

An additional insightful perspective shared by the panel focused on intentional risk-taking in leadership – placing employees in unfamiliar roles to foster growth and adaptability.

Attendees then broke out into seven roundtable discussions, each addressing key areas within the legal sector. The first roundtable discussion, Living and Working as a GC in the Middle East – Networking, Building Connections, Navigating Cultures and Laws, was moderated by Yosr Hamza, Director of Legal and Compliance – Middle East/Head of Legal at Gartner. Ghassan Haddad, General Counsel and Company Secretary at CAFU, led the session AI in the Middle East: Practical Considerations and Impact on Governance Strategies. The third discussion, Effective Management of Internal Investigations and Disputes: Insights from General Counsel, was sponsored by HKA and moderated by Clare Lavin, Partner. Z&Co. Partners Reina Hashash and Martin Creek moderated the session ESG Regulation and the GC’s Role: ESG Compliance, Strategy, and Investment. Roundtable five, Navigating Change: The GC’s Role in Strategic Talent Recruitment and Retention, DE&I, and Key Employment Law Trends in the Middle East, was sponsored by Pinsent Masons Vario and moderated by Luke Tapp, Partner, Head of Middle East Employment Practice Operations, and Partner for the Middle East Region Global Board. Khalid Khan, Head of Legal at Seddiqi Holding, moderated the session on Best Practices in Efficiently Managing a Legal Team Across Multiple Jurisdictions. The final discussion, Future Banking and Financial Revolution – What Does This Mean for GCs?, was led by Rima Hadid, General Counsel at Emirates Investment Authority.

During the roundtable discussions, attendees had the opportunity to network, exchange insights and actively engage in the day's program, deepening their understanding of key challenges and opportunities within the legal sector.

The final panel session of the day, The Strategic Navigator: Driving Agility and Nurturing Innovation as Talent Transformation Beckons, was moderated by Thenji Moyo, Partner and Head of Employment at Gateley Middle East. The discussion featured Malek Alkhashashneh, Vice President Legal at Majid Al Futtaim Holding; Banu Imadoglu Aksu, General Counsel at Bosch Middle East; Brett Bunting, Senior Legal Associate at Dubai Future Foundation; and Jill Jenkinson, CEO of t-three.

The conversation began by addressing technology’s role as an enabler of agility, emphasizing that agility is not just about speed but also responsiveness and adaptability. Legal tech solutions have proven to enhance efficiency, freeing legal teams to focus on more complex tasks. However, panelists highlighted the growing need to balance innovation with compliance, noting that an excessive focus on agility could lead employees to bypass compliance requirements. As one panelist stated, “When agility is encouraged without clear guidelines, individuals may take shortcuts or reinvent processes, leading to risk exposure”. The panel emphasized that legal tech is no longer a luxury but a necessity, despite ongoing concerns around confidentiality and data security.

The discussion then debated whether agility and innovation are learned skills or innate traits. Jill Jenkinson argued that creativity and agility are inherent traits, evident in young children who instinctively innovate and problem-solve. However, societal structures and rigid organizational frameworks often stifle creativity over time. Therefore, companies must empower employees to explore creative solutions while maintaining structured governance.

The panel then addressed talent challenges in different jurisdictions, noting significant shifts in retention trends across the Middle East and Europe. Panelists highlighted that the Middle Eastern market is continuously evolving, with local talent increasingly seeking long-term opportunities compared to other regions. Retention was a key focus of the discussion, with panelists emphasizing that “hiring the right people is essential – failure to do so results in high costs and constant hiring cycles”. They agreed that retention is rooted in cultural alignment, stressing that companies must actively engage employees to retain talent.

The discussion took an interesting turn during the audience Q&A when a question was raised about navigating talent transformation across Gen Z, Gen Y, and Gen X. Panelists argued that inclusion is a core retention strategy, and employees across all generations should participate in decision-making processes to feel valued and empowered.

After such a brilliant and insightful series of sessions, attendees moved to a networking reception sponsored by Crowell.
The General Counsel Middle East 2025 was a resounding success. We want to thank our sponsors – Gateley Middle East, GLA & Co.,Crowell, Beacon Legal, Soliman, Hashish & Partners Law Firm, HKA, Pinsent Masons VARIO, Z&Co, Dentons, Kroll and PwC – for making this event possible.
We look forward to expanding this event next year with a full-day program, and to fostering stronger relationships with the Middle East legal community.

Testimonials:

“The event was mind-blowingly well organized. My profound gratitude to the ALM|Law.com International team for such an inspiring day”.

—Senior Legal Counsel, Panel Speaker at GCC Middle East 2025

“The event was a timely and much-needed initiative for legal professionals across the GCC. It provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and gaining industry insights. The experience was enriching and well-curated, and such initiatives are essential in fostering collaboration and continued professional development within the legal community. We look forward to seeing more professionals join in future editions and to continuing the momentum this initiative has started”.

—Head of Legal and Compliance, Attendee at GCC Middle East 2025

“The conference assembled a distinguished group of legal professionals from across the region, providing a highly professional forum for strategic networking and in-depth discussions on fostering a balanced risk culture, prioritizing risks effectively, and strengthening organizational resilience in alignment with ambitious national objectives”.

—Group Legal Counsel, Attendee at GCC Middle East 2025

 

“The panel discussions were insightful and well-attended, providing significant value to the in-house legal community. The team's dedication, professionalism and meticulous planning were evident throughout".

—General Counsel, Panel Speaker at GCC Middle East 2025

"The GCC Middle East 2025 was a fantastic opportunity for legal professionals to come together and share their experiences and strategies. The discussions on how technology can transform legal operations and the importance of fostering agility within the legal teams were particularly impactful. I found the event to be highly engaging and valuable for anyone looking to stay ahead in today's rapidly evolving landscape".

                                                    —General Counsel, Panel Speaker at GCC Middle East 2025

"The event was a great success. With nearly 200 senior lawyers in attendance, there was a lot of networking with new and old faces. The guest speakers were interesting, and the concept of breaking out to roundtables received great feedback. Looking forward to sponsoring next year!"

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   —Sponsor at GCC Middle East 2025