7.45 – 8.15 – Early registration and networking breakfast 

8.15 – 9.15 - Breakfast Session: What to expect when you're expecting trial

With even relatively low-value disputes requiring hefty administrative resources, not to mention posing a significant financial risk to a business, employers must carefully consider whether to pursue or defend employment claims in MENA. For this session, panellists will consider the latest disputes trends across the region, advise on how to prepare for trial in key jurisdictions, and discuss how to put your best foot forward during the trial or appeals processes.

Moderator: 

Rachel Hill, Partner, Addleshaw Goddard

Panellists:

Akram Razek, Legal Commercial Lead - EMEA & Turkey, Astellas Pharma
Linda Mouaz, Regional Head of Legal and Compliance, Fugro
Mohamed Oulkhouir, Partner, Chassany Watrelot & Associés
Noor Maki, Group General Counsel, Rental Solutions and Services

9.00 – 9.30 – Registration and welcome coffee

9.30 – 10.30 - Plenary Session 1: Discrimination challenges and best practices 

Discrimination is a critical issue that can impact workplace morale, employee retention, organisational reputation, as well as regulatory risk. This session will explore the current state of anti-discrimination laws, and significant cases, in key MENA jurisdictions. It will also discuss the challenges of compliance, religious and cultural sensitivities, and offer best practices for fostering an inclusive workplace.

Moderator:

Ben Brown, Partner, Clyde & Co

Panellists:

Joanna Matthews-Taylor, Partner, Baker McKenzie
Liz Williamson, Managing Director, Accenture
Mohinderpal Sethi KC, Barrister, Littleton
Yasser Shabir, Head of Employment Law - Africa, Middle East & Pakistan, Standard Chartered

10.30 – 11.00 – Coffee break 

11.00 – 12.00 - Breakout Session 1: Internal investigations masterclass

As the regulatory environment becomes more complex and employee rights gain greater prominence, organisations must ensure their internal investigations processes are thorough, legally compliant, and culturally sensitive. This session will offer actionable insights on how to manage internal investigations effectively while minimising legal risks and unique challenges faced by employers in the MENA region.

Moderator:

Kiersten Lucas, Partner, Stephenson Harwood

Panellists:

Ahmed Shoukry, Senior Managing Legal Counsel - Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Dell
Alia Monieb, Partner, Adsero
Fotios Bakas, Director - Digital Forensics, FTI Consulting
Matthew Kirkham, Senior Legal Counsel, Johnson & Pump in association with Al Sharif Law

11.00 – 12.00 - Breakout Session 2: Navigating MENA’s evolving employment landscape

As countries across the MENA region continue to modernise their labour markets, a wave of legislative reforms have been launched aimed at improving workers rights, enhancing workplace equality, and attracting foreign investment. This session will delve into the most impactful changes of the last year in key jurisdictions and discuss how these reforms are reshaping employer obligations and employee rights.

Moderator:

Emma Noble, Senior Associate, Pinsent Masons

Panellists:

Luigia Ingianni, Policy Maker and Mediator of Employment Disputes
Rachael Sands, Senior Legal Counsel - International Employment, Abdul Latif Jameel
Rianna Lobo, General Counsel - MEA, Sodexo
Suzanna Duncan, Senior Legal Counsel - GCC, Novartis

12.00 – 1.30 – Networking lunch 

1.30 – 2.30 - Breakout Session 3: The dangers of off-channel communications

In the modern working world, employers must be aware of the risks associated with employees using off-channel communications, particularly in sensitive and highly regulated industries. From data privacy concerns to the dangers of miscommunication, a panel of legal experts will consider strategies to enhance security and minimise the potential hazards associated with utilising convenient but unapproved messaging apps for work.

Moderator:

Shiraz Sethi, Partner, Dentons

Panellists:

Brett Hattaway, VP & Head of Legal - Middle East & Africa, DHL
James Tebbs, Senior Managing Director, Ankura
Mutlu Numan Zumrut, Human Resources Director - METCIS & Africa, GE Aerospace

1.30 – 2.30 - Breakout Session 4: Crafting successful global mobility strategies

As the MENA region continues to grow as a global business hub, the ability to attract skilled foreign professionals is essential for organisational success. However, the complex legal, cultural, and logistical landscape of the region poses unique challenges. This session will explore the key components of successful global mobility strategies, including talent acquisition, compliance, cultural integration, and long-term retention.

Moderator:

Gordon Barr, Partner, Al Tamimi & Company

Panellists:

Ahmed El Shakankiry, Head of Legal & Compliance Department - GCC, Samsung Electronics
Isil Ata, Head of Human Resources, Cigna Healthcare
Pranav Shah, Director, KPMG
Rekha Simpson, Director, Vialto

2.30 – 3.00 – Coffee break

3.00 – 4.00 - Plenary Session 2: Making restrictive covenants work in MENA

As competition for global talent intensifies, businesses are increasingly relying on restrictive covenants to protect their interests. However, the legal landscape governing these agreements can vary significantly. This session will explore the complexities of rules across the MENA region, provide insights into effective contract drafting, and discuss strategies for litigating breaches of post-termination agreements.

Moderator:

Chris Bailey-Gibbs, Senior Counsel, Hadef & Partners

Panellists:

Amy Rogers KC, Barrister, 11KBW
Donia Droubi, Head of Legal & Compliance, Nestlé
Eman Riad, Partner, Riad & Riad
Patricia Wardrop, Associate General Counsel - EMEA, McKinsey

4.00 – 4.15 – Closing remarks from International Employment Lawyer

4.15 onwards – Networking drinks reception