08:15

Registration and refreshments

09:00

Welcome address
Peter Somekh, Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa, DLA Piper

09:10

Keynote address: GCC Economic Outlook: Strategic insights for in-house lawyers

Join Simon Williams, Chief Economist for CEEMEA regions at HSBC, as he provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest economic forecasts specifically tailored to the GCC region. Attendees will benefit from strategic insights into how these economic trends may influence legal considerations, offering invaluable context for their roles and decision-making within corporate environments.

Key areas of discussion

• Global economic trends.
• UAE and Saudi Arabia in focus.
• Analysis of GCC regions and surrounding areas.

Speaker: Simon Williams, Chief Economist - CEEMEA regions, HSBC

09:30

Panel discussion: Navigating tomorrow: The evolving role of in-house counsel

Join us for an insightful panel session where we explore the evolving role of in-house counsel in the coming decade amidst technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and evolving business priorities.

Key areas of discussion:

• Trendspotting: What emerging trends are shaping the future responsibilities and priorities of in-house counsel across various industries?
• Data-driven decision making: Discover how in-house counsel are harnessing data analytics to anticipate legal risks, inform strategic decisions and drive organisational value.
• Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and ESG: How are DEI and ESG considerations reshaping the approach of in-house counsel in business practices?
• Leading in change: Uncover strategies and best practices for in-house counsel to adapt, innovate and lead effectively in the ever-evolving landscape of tomorrow.
  
  Moderator: Paul Allen, Partner, Global Co-Chair, Intellectual Property and Technology, DLA Piper
  
  Speakers:
• Siân Bowen, Regional Legal Director - AME Region, Reckitt
• James Donald, SVP & Deputy General Counsel, Accor
• Francesca Gori, Managing Director- Geographic Compliance & Corporate Middle East, Africa, ASIA PACIFIC, LATAM Legal Lead (Growth Markets), Accenture
• Matthew Wells, Group General Counsel, NMC Healthcare

10:10

Networking break

Breakout session one

10:30

Conducting effective internal investigations: people, processes and problems

This session will explore best practices for conducting internal investigations to effectively manage risk. A company’s response to allegations of misconduct is crucial to managing reputational and legal consequences. The goal of this session is to equip you with practical knowledge and essential tools for navigating complex internal investigations.

Key areas of discussion:

• Effective strategies for managing investigations.
• Navigating employment law and data protection implications.
• Addressing critical issues such as whistleblower rights, compliance obligations, and risk mitigation.
• Q&A session with our expert panel.

Speakers:

• Natalie Jones, Partner, Employment, DLA Piper
• Adam Vause, Partner, Co-Chair of Global Compliance and Investigations Group, DLA Piper
• Victoria Smylie, Senior Associate, Employment, DLA Piper

One (1) Accredited CLPD Point received attending this session.

Tax strategies in M&A transactions and group restructuring: A comprehensive guide

Delve into the dynamic realm of M&A transactions and group restructuring with our comprehensive session on tax considerations. This session is your ultimate guide to navigating the complexities of corporate structuring tax optimization, intra-group arrangements, corporate income tax and transfer pricing rules, and effective M&A transaction risk and liability management.

Speakers:

• Ton Van Doremalen, Partner, Tax, DLA Piper
• Therese Abou-Zeid, Partner, Corporate, DLA Piper
• Nassar Nassar, Senior Associate, Corporate, DLA Piper
• Rocio Falagan, Tax Manager, DLA Piper

One (1) Accredited CLPD Point received attending this session.

Breakout session two

11:15

International sanctions and export controls: How they are affecting businesses in the UAE

Explore the significant influence of global sanctions frameworks on business operations and regulatory landscapes in the UAE. Gain insights into emerging trends in export controls and sanctions, understand how EU and U.S. regulations directly affect UAE businesses, and uncover key insights into local export control practices. This session is essential for professionals aiming to navigate complex regulatory challenges effectively.

Key discussion points include:

• Impact analysis of U.S., UK, and EU sanctions on Russia on trade flows and compliance in the UAE.
• Overview of compliance strategies employed by UAE businesses and enforcement priorities set by the U.S., EU, and UK.
• Recent developments and implications of sanctions related to Iran.
• Exploration of potential future implications focusing on China.

Speakers:

• Ramsey Jurdi, Partner, Litigation and Regulatory, DLA Piper

One (1) Accredited CLPD Point received attending this session.

Saudi Arabia legal snapshots: Outlook for in-house counsel

Delve into Saudi Arabia's dynamic legal environment with concise, ten-minute snapshots offering current insights and future trajectories for in-house counsel professionals.

Regulatory landscape (10 minutes):       

• Understanding the legal framework: An overview of the legal system in Saudi Arabia, including recent developments and reforms.
• Regulatory landscape: Insights into key regulatory bodies and their impact on corporate governance and compliance.

Speaker:

• Andrew Mackenzie, Partner – Head of Litigation, Arbitration and Investigations, Middle East, DLA Piper

Tax considerations (10 mins)

• Highlight key tax considerations for businesses operating in Saudi Arabia
• Experiences regarding tax disputes in Saudi Arabia  
• Discuss strategies for tax optimization and compliance.

Speaker:

• Nils Vanhassel, Senior Associate, Tax, DLA Piper

KSA Personal Data Protection Law’s transition (10 mins)

• Introduction to the recently enacted KSA Personal Data Protection Law.
• Discuss compliance requirements and challenges for organizations operating in Saudi Arabia.
• Provide actionable steps for in-house counsel to ensure compliance.

Speaker: Lili Elenoglou, Legal Director, DLA Piper

Navigating employment (10 mins)

• An overview of recent developments and upcoming changes in the employment landscape in KSA; and  
• Tips for ensuring ongoing compliance.

Speakers:

• Natalie Jones, Partner, Employment, DLA Piper
• Zahir Qayum, Legal Director, Employment, Alshahrani Law Firm

One (1) Accredited CLPD Point received attending this session.

12:00

Networking break

12:10

Unlocking skills for improved work-life quality

It's probably not surprising that lawyers experience significant stress due to their demanding roles. They often work long hours on intricate and time-sensitive cases, requiring them to be constantly available. While this dedication leads to professional success and fulfillment, it can also take a toll on their personal lives, an aspect that is often overlooked.

This session encourages participants to assess their well-being and question the sustainability of their current lifestyles. The aim isn't necessarily to reduce workload, but rather to start a conversation about minimizing the personal costs of professional excellence and finding more enjoyment in life. Attendees will gain a profound appreciation of life's brevity and commit to incorporating one small weekly change to enhance their quality of life.

Speaker: Dr Louise Lambert, Expert in the Science of Wellbeing | Positive Psychology Workplace, Happinessmatters

One (1) Accredited CLPD Point received attending this session.

12:55

Closing remarks

13:00

Lunch and networking