Dr Kate Barker
Global Keynote Speaker,
Chief Futurist and Executive Board Advisor
UAE,Bahrain,Qatar,Oman
28 October 2025 • 15 minute read
Middle East In-House Counsel Day
Programme
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08:30 |
Registration & refreshments |
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09:15 |
Welcome address Ramsey Jurdi, Partner, DLA Piper |
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09:20 |
Opening Keynote: Leading Through Transformation – AI, Innovation, and the Future of Legal Work Ali Haidar, Head of Legal Affairs, Microsoft Middle East |
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09:35 |
Fireside chat: Navigating Middle East opportunities - trade, strategy, and global partnerships As global developments reshape trade and investment in the Middle East, businesses must stay ahead of emerging opportunities and risks. This session will explore global forces, regional priorities, the GCC Free Trade Agreement, potential bilateral deals, and how international partners - including the UK - can support growth in the region. Speakers:
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10:10 |
M&A Spotlight: Trends and predictions for the year ahead Explore the trends shaping the year ahead in M&A - from the fast-paced deal landscape in the Middle East to evolving global shifts across the US, EU, and APAC. This session provides key insights into regional M&A activity and shows how in-house counsel can proactively position themselves to drive and secure successful cross-border transactions. Speakers:
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10:30 |
Networking break |
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First round of concurrent breakout sessions |
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10:50 |
The perfect crypto storm: What every in-house lawyer needs to know As global finance transitions from traditional banking models to tokenised, decentralised alternatives, in-house legal teams are under pressure to advise on unfamiliar risks while supporting innovation. This session will unpack the legal and regulatory fault lines emerging from fintech disruption, token-based finance, and alternative funding structures - and explain why crypto exposure is now a board-level / C-Suite issue no GC can ignore. Speakers:
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Essential GCC tax developments for legal professionals Navigate the fast-evolving GCC tax landscape in this practical session focused on the issues that matter most to legal professionals. Through real-world examples, discover how tax considerations impact audits, controversy, workforce matters, and M&A transactions, while learning to manage risks and advise effectively where tax and legal intersect. Speakers:
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Second round of concurrent breakout sessions |
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11:35 |
From sanctions to supply chains: Practical insights on third party due diligence Gain practical insights into conducting effective third party due diligence, with a focus on evolving risk areas such as sanctions, criminal history, conflicts of interest, and supply chain vulnerabilities. This session will show how structured, adaptable approaches can be applied across different scenarios to safeguard both compliance and growth. Speakers:
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Unlocking the potential of legal AI Explore how AI is transforming the legal function across the region. Hear from a panel of industry leaders with deep expertise in corporate governance, compliance and legal operations as they share practical insights on how in-house legal teams are unlocking new value through AI innovation and the challenges being faced in adoption.
Speakers:
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12:20 |
Future skills & innovative thinking for legal teams Explore how legal teams can foster innovative mindsets, embrace digital tools and AI, and develop future-ready skills such as design thinking, storytelling, and emotional intelligence. Attendees will gain practical micro-innovations to apply immediately, helping build cultures of trust, agility, and collaboration. Speakers:
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13:05 |
Closing remarks |
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13:10 |
Informal networking lunch |
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Spotlight speakers
Varsha Gupta
Senior Counsel
Mastercard
Ali Haidar
Head of Legal Affairs
Microsoft Middle East
Victoria Harris
Regional Head, Law&,
DLA Piper
Edward Hobart CMG
His Majesty’s Ambassador to the
United Arab Emirates
Shaun Johnson
Group Chief Legal Officer, BEEAH Group
Shabnam Sahiwala
General Counsel,
myZoi
