Managing Partner Foreword

Managing
Partner's Foreword

This month's Law Update focuses on TMT sector developments in MENA, highlighting data protection, digitalisation, and various legal topics relevant to the region.Contents

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Law Update: Issue 368 - Technology, Media & Telecoms Focus

Welcome to this
month’s Law Update

In this edition our focus turns to the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) sector. Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), this sector has demonstrated its vital role in supporting the digital transformation of various industries, enhancing the delivery of public services, and enabling new forms of social and economic interaction. This is a priority sector for the region and given its prominence our lawyers have used this Law Update to highlight the latest developments and insights in the TMT sector, they have covered a wide range of topics and jurisdictions, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of this sector.

One of the key themes of this edition is data protection, which has become increasingly important and complex in the era of big data, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. Several jurisdictions in the region have introduced or updated their data protection laws and regulations, creating new obligations and challenges for businesses that collect, process and transfer personal data. In this edition, we provide an overview of the data privacy protection regulations in Kuwait, the executive regulations of the personal data protection law in Oman, and the new personal data protection law in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on the implications for employers.

Another theme that emerges from this edition is the digitalisation of various sectors and processes, and the legal considerations that arise from the use of new technologies and platforms.

For example, we explore the impact of digital technology on the construction and infrastructure sector, and how it can contribute to achieving net zero emissions. We also examine the legal aspects of software escrow, a mechanism to protect the interests of software licensors and licensees in case of disputes or insolvency. Furthermore, we analyse the challenges and benefits of using technology and telecommunications in arbitration proceedings, and how they can enhance efficiency, accessibility, and security.

In addition to these themes, we cover a range of other topics that are relevant and timely for the TMT sector, such as copyright ownership in the media industry in Egypt, data centre licensing in Saudi Arabia, cyber threats and security, e-contract formation in Bahrain, and intellectual property security in the UAE. This edition also includes some general articles that spotlight and provide insights into legislative developments relating to transfer pricing, insolvency, civil code, common parts management, building law, and private wealth structuring.

I hope that you find this edition informative and useful, and that it provides you with a comprehensive overview of the TMT sector in the MENA region. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of the lawyers that have contributed.