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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

TIER 1

Charles Russell Speechlys is well renowned for its expert media lawyers based in the Middle East and internationally. The lawyers in the Middle East are particularly well known for their specialised expertise and industry focused experience in the media, entertainment and events industries. The team, led by Mark Hill (Partner), has over 20 years of experience in the region and has a broad understanding of these industries both locally and internationally. The firm provides specialised legal advice to a varying range of clients including media companies, broadcasters, publishers, newspapers, producers, rights holders, platforms, writers, actors and performers as well as celebrities.

TIER 2

Al Tamimi & Company has a prominent position nationally and regionally, with emphasis on multiple media segments. The firm’s TMT group acts for film studios, advertisers and television companies. The team advised on a US motion picture production filmed nationally, negotiated production services agreements and local contracts for the production team. Lawyers also advised on campaign developments and television content production.

Clyde & Co provides commercial media and broader TMT advice to a broad client base, global and national. With a high profile client list, the firm’s experience includes complex transactions. The media cases that include defamation, online media and regulatory matters.

TIER 3

Bird & Bird is widely respected by peers and noted for its TMT commitment. The firm’s practitioners have extensive media sector experience that includes regulatory and commercial advice. Well regarded by peers, the firm is notably recognised for its work on motion picture production, distribution, online media regulation and video games.   

BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates is a regional full-service law firm headquartered in the DIFC. BSA’s TMT practice is well recognised and its media experience is varied providing commercial, regulatory and contentious advice. The firm’s clients include international and regional media conglomerates as well as social media platforms and regional start-up media entities. Thanks to its regional presence, the firm also advise on sizeable matters in KSA and Oman. The team also advises on TMT matters across the firm.

DLA Piper is highly regarded nationally and is frequently highlighted by peers for its media commitment. Primarily focussed on entertainment and sports, lawyers act on a range of cases from corporate to advisory. The media group assists with production and rights acquisitions and the exploitation of media rights and regulatory matters.

Independent firm Hadef & Partners is gaining recognition among peers. The firm’s TMT division works on acquisitions, disposals, commercial transactions, e-commerce and data privacy. The team advises local and international clients and routinely advices on licensing and media contracts.

TIER 4

Allen & Overy has a firm position nationally with its focus notably on intellectual property. Present since 1978, the firm’s full-service scope provides broad sector coverage that includes technology and telecoms. The team also advise on multinational cases - transactional and advisory.

Dentons focusses on multiple areas of work, from mergers and commercial contracts to media events and regulation. The team advises on film production and franchising agreements. In representative work includes advise to television station OSN on its bid for media rights to international cricket matches, for the Middle East and North Africa region, organised by the International Cricket Council for the period 2015-2023.

Simmons & Simmons has a strong reputation backed by its international industry focus. The firm’s traditional emphasis on technology supports the growth of its media sector coverage. Lawyers advise on commercial and regulatory matters involving television broadcasting and film production.

  REGIONS WE COVER

  Middle East and North Africa

  North America

  Asia-Pacific

  Western Europe

  Central and Eastern Europe

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The 2023-2033 strategy, announced in February this year, was approved by Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council. Sheikh Mansoor commented: “In line with the directives of the UAE President, we remain committed to promoting sustainability in the sports sector.”

Other entertainment-related developments include consolidation in the streaming services market. UAE’s E-vision, formally known as Etisalat Group, announced its launch of a consolidated OTT service that aggregates all streaming services under one umbrella.

FEATURED ARTICLE BY

MARK HILL & CHRIS HAYWOOD

CHARLES RUSSELL SPEECHLYS LLP

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Gaming, sports and entertainment are dominant segments leading industry growth in the UAE, in a media market valued at EUR101,000.00 million in 2023, according to Statisa.

Gaming came in to focus at the start of the year following commitment from the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy to build a global gaming industry hub amid projections the GCC gaming industry will reach a market value of USD4.5 billion by 2025.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Byat, Vice Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, commented: “We need to work fast, decisively and intelligently to create the right environment for all gaming sector companies to thrive. There’s no reason why Dubai cannot become a regional – if not global – gaming industry hub.”

In sports developments, Dubai announced a 10-year strategy to develop the emirates sports sector.

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