Managing Partner's Foreword

Managing Partner's ForewordIn this edition we spotlight the Retail and Consumer sector in Middle East and North Africa.Contents

Thank you for reading Law Update: Issue 357 - Retail & Consumer

Welcome to this
month’s Law Update

In this edition we spotlight the Retail and Consumer sector, an area that is vital to the evolution of the regional economy and a fundamental pillar that supports, and drives forward, the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) journey to shifting towards multiple sources of income from a growing range of sectors. The region has made great strides in positioning itself as a global retail tourism destination alongside the more traditional jurisdictions, and fundamentally, this has been made possible by regional governments creating an attractive and open environment that boasts exciting market conditions, and favourable commercial opportunities.

The Retail and Consumer sector in the region has always demonstrated resilience and proved to be agile in the face of evolving marketing conditions and emerging technology. In particular, the latter is defining modern Retail experiences, and consumers are demanding hybrid retail models that ensure the online and instore experiences are seamless and aligned. In the MENA region the Retail community continues to incorporate an omnichannel approach to its operations, this is in-turn empowering businesses to project a positive brand image and experience, and it is an opportunity to maximise sales, and retain customers through an elevated hybrid offer.

Forecasts suggest the trajectory of the sector in the region is set to continue on an upward curve, and the work our teams are engaged in to support clients is a testament to this. For example, across the region our Retail and Consumer team are busy advising clients on matters such as partnerships, new market expansions, commercial and distributorship/reseller relationships, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property.

While the Retail and Consumer sector is buoyant, the business environment in the region continues to evolve, as does the regulation that governs the sector. With this in mind, we have prepared articles to cover a broad range of pertinent subjects, providing an up-to-date guide on matters such as the emergence and popularity of multi brand ghost kitchens, also known as cloud kitchens. You will read about using client data safely and how the updates to the data protection laws and regulations impacts this. Our team in Oman have produced an article that provides a snapshot of the Retail sector there, and our Metaverse Working Group share an article that outlines the opportunities and trends for retailers in the Metaverse. Furthermore, our experts discuss in-store and ecommerce retail trends, provide insights on the recent legislative changes in retail, and provide clarity on unemployment insurance schemes. That’s not all, we have an important contribution detailing how the new UAE Commercial Agencies Law will level the retail playing field, and finally, with ESG being at the top of all business agendas, we provide a holistic review of ESG in the retail sector.

The edition also features articles that sit outside the Retail and Consumer sector focus. These include two pieces on Bahrain, the first is an overview of construction disputes, and the second discusses the future of sustainable energy. In addition, we have included an article on the new DIFC Family Office regime, and we feature insights on the rules of origin in GCC states. In the final section of this edition, we share a roundup of real-life judgments that provide context to the legal landscape across the region.

I hope you enjoy this issue, and should you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of the lawyers who have contributed.