The Construction Conference 2026 is a half-day event organized by Law Middle East, focusing on the evolving landscape of construction law in the Middle East. The conference aims to provide legal professionals with insights into the region's construction boom, driven by ambitious giga-projects and smart city initiatives.
Key topics include best practices across the project lifecycle, effective risk mitigation strategies, emerging contract models, funding sources for major projects, regulatory changes, and dispute resolution with a focus on arbitration. Sessions are moderated by Law Middle East editor Aishah Hussain and Construction Week Middle East editor Julianne Tolentino.
The event features networking opportunities, including a breakfast, coffee breaks, and a lunch. Notable speakers include James Clark of Kirkland & Ellis, Ibaad Hakim of Paul Hastings, and Dean Ryburn of Dentons, offering diverse perspectives from key economic centers in the region.
The conference is designed for lawyers in private practice and in-house roles, as well as construction professionals in related industries, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities to navigate the complexities of the Middle East's construction sector.
Speakers(9)
Ahmed El-Bayouk
General Counsel at Drake & Scull International
Ahmed El-Bayouk is the general counsel at Drake & Scull International, based in Dubai.
Aishah Hussain
Editor at Law Middle East
Aishah Hussain is the editor of Law Middle East and will moderate several sessions at the conference.
Dean Ryburn
Managing Partner and Middle East Construction and Dispute Resolution Head at Dentons Dubai
Dean Ryburn serves as the managing partner of Dentons' Dubai office and leads the Middle East construction and dispute resolution practice.
Humayun Ahmad
Partner at Hadef & Partners
Humayun Ahmad is a partner at Hadef & Partners in the UAE.
Ibaad Hakim
Partner at Paul Hastings
Ibaad Hakim is a partner at Paul Hastings, operating from the Abu Dhabi office.
James Clark
Partner and Global Construction Head at Kirkland & Ellis
James Clark is a partner and the global head of construction at Kirkland & Ellis, based in Riyadh.
Julianne Tolentino
Editor at Construction Week Middle East
Julianne Tolentino is the editor of Construction Week Middle East and will moderate a panel discussion at the conference.
Sam Muir
Senior Associate at King & Spalding
Sam Muir is a senior associate at King & Spalding, located in Abu Dhabi.
Sean Cameron
Counsel and Middle East Dispute Resolution Head at Linklaters
Sean Cameron is counsel and head of Middle East dispute resolution at Linklaters in Dubai.
Event Details
- Date
- January 22, 2026
- Location
- 🇦🇪 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- The H Dubai, Al Massa Ballroom
- Audience
- Lawyers in private practice and in-house roles, construction professionals in related industries