As COVID gripped nations, regulatory matters topped agendas across the land as law firms continued to follow the stream of investment into the key cities.

As the Ever Given ran aground in the Suez, Saudi Arabia reminded the world that it meant business, telling firms that if they wanted to do business with its incredibly well-heeled government, they need to set up a regional HQ in the Kingdom. Many perceived this as a battle cry to the UAE, as the two continue to lock horns over the title of the region’s key business hub.