On 30 April, the UAE adopted Cabinet Decision No. (59) of 2026 (“the 2026 Executive Regulations”), setting out the executive regulations for Federal Decree-Law No. (36) of 2023 on the Regulation of Competition. The 2026 Executive Regulations replace the previous implementing regulations adopted in 2014 under the former UAE competition law. They are expected to enter into force on 30 July 2026.

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Photo of James Marshall James Marshall

James Marshall advises on all aspects of competition law and foreign direct investment (FDI) screening, with a focus on merger and FDI control, investigations and enforcement, commercial counselling, and abuse of dominance. He has strong experience in the life sciences, energy & infrastructure…

James Marshall advises on all aspects of competition law and foreign direct investment (FDI) screening, with a focus on merger and FDI control, investigations and enforcement, commercial counselling, and abuse of dominance. He has strong experience in the life sciences, energy & infrastructure, digital and technology, financial services, and sports sectors.

James regularly leads cross-border teams to steer clients through both the merger control and FDI aspects of major global deals. Clients turn to James to help them navigate complex global transactions, and to find innovative solutions to antitrust enforcement and counselling matters.

Earlier in his career, James worked with the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), where he helped develop the UK’s antitrust and regulated sector enforcement regimes. He also practiced for several years in the Asia-Pacific region and has experience advising on competition, regulatory, and public policy issues in Asia and the Middle East.

James is a former Chair of the Competition Section Advisory Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales. He is highly recommended by Legal 500 and is recognized as leading adviser by Who’s Who Legal. James is dual qualified in England and Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.

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Photo of Haykel Haykel Haykel Haykel

Haykel Hajjaji advises global corporations, sovereign investors, and financial institutions on complex cross-border transactions, regulatory strategy, and market entry across the Middle East. His practice spans corporate, M&A, and commercial advisory matters, with a focus on strategic expansions into the Gulf region.

Haykel…

Haykel Hajjaji advises global corporations, sovereign investors, and financial institutions on complex cross-border transactions, regulatory strategy, and market entry across the Middle East. His practice spans corporate, M&A, and commercial advisory matters, with a focus on strategic expansions into the Gulf region.

Haykel has a particular expertise in supporting clients operating at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and geopolitics, advising on sectors including AI, data centers, life sciences, defense, supply chain and infrastructure.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Haykel combines deep legal insight with commercial pragmatism. He regularly counsels clients on developing market entry strategies, structuring transactions, navigating foreign investment regimes, and managing legal risk in sensitive environments.

He is a member of the AI Task Force of the US-UAE Business Council and teaches at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, New York University Abu Dhabi and ESCP Business School. He frequently speaks on governance, deal making, and market trends in the Gulf, and contributes to policy discussions on investment and corporate reform in the region.

Haykel is regularly quoted in the international business press, including the Financial Times on AI and data centers, and the legal press, including the American Bar Association Law Practice Today on doing business in the Middle East.

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Photo of Mélanie Perez Mélanie Perez

Mélanie Perez is an associate in Covington’s competition team. She advises on all aspects of EU competition law, including merger control, cartels, antitrust and regulatory investigations and enforcement. Mélanie also has extensive experience in multi-jurisdictional merger control, foreign direct investments, antitrust and cartel…

Mélanie Perez is an associate in Covington’s competition team. She advises on all aspects of EU competition law, including merger control, cartels, antitrust and regulatory investigations and enforcement. Mélanie also has extensive experience in multi-jurisdictional merger control, foreign direct investments, antitrust and cartel investigations.

She assists clients across a broad range of sectors, and has a particular focus on the technology sector. With her deep knowledge of EU competition law, Mélanie is dedicated to providing strategic advice to clients and achieving their goals in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

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