The GC Summit Middle East 2026 is a premier event organized by Legal 500, bringing together in-house counsel from across the Middle East for a full day of insightful panel discussions and networking opportunities. Scheduled for Wednesday, 11 February 2026, the summit will be held at the One&Only One Za’abeel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The agenda is tailored to address the evolving roles and challenges faced by legal professionals in the region's rapidly developing business environment. Key topics include digital diligence and robust data governance in AI adoption, the strategic use of contract lifecycle management (CLM), navigating the regulatory M&A landscape in the MENA region, and managing disputes during transactions. Sessions will feature expert panels discussing these critical issues, providing attendees with practical strategies and insights.
In addition to the panel discussions, the summit offers dedicated opportunities for attendees to connect with fellow in-house counsel and engage with private practitioners. Notable speakers include industry leaders and legal experts who will share their experiences and perspectives on the current legal landscape. The event also features an expo hall showcasing the latest legal technologies and services.
The GC Summit Middle East 2026 is designed for in-house counsel and legal professionals seeking to stay abreast of emerging trends, enhance their professional skills, and expand their networks within the Middle East's legal community. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of in-house legal practice in the region.
Speakers(5)
Dr. Zain Al-Abedin Sharar
Senior Legal Counsel at Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Center
Dr. Zain Al-Abedin Sharar has over 27 years of experience in the legal sector, previously serving as Director of Legal Affairs and Enforcement at the Qatar Financial Markets Authority and as an Assistant Professor of Commercial Law at Qatar University.
Ed Reilly
Senior Legal Counsel at Standard Chartered Bank
Ed Reilly is an English law qualified senior legal counsel at Standard Chartered Bank in Dubai, with experience in corporate and banking law, including complex leveraged and acquisition finance transactions.
Patrik Daintry
Partner at CMS
Patrik Daintry is a Partner in the Corporate Team at CMS Dubai, with extensive experience in corporate finance, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and international joint ventures in the Middle East.
Tarek Nakkach
Director and General Counsel, MEA at Kyndryl
Tarek Nakkach is an award-winning General Counsel and thought leader, recognized for promoting AI, technology, and law, and currently heads the Middle East and Africa legal team at Kyndryl based in Dubai.
Yosr Hamza
General Counsel at Gartner
Yosr Hamza is a bilingual, multi-award-winning tech legal director overseeing the Middle East region for Gartner, and serves on various boards and networks promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Event Details
- Date
- February 11, 2026
- Location
- 🇦🇪 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- One&Only One Za’abeel
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- In-house counsel and legal professionals from the Middle East region.
- Attendees
- Over 120 attendees