M&CO Legal is proud to highlight the participation of our Founding Partner, Dr. Mahmood Hussain, at the 4th Gulf Round Table, hosted by COMBAR – The Commercial Bar Association at the Capital Club Dubai and sponsored by FTI Consulting. The Gulf Round Table is a distinguished forum that brings together leading legal practitioners, judges, and experts to discuss developments in commercial law across the UAE and the wider Middle East. This year’s programme featured sessions on arbitration, litigation, AI, blockchain, and the evolving role of courts in supporting cross-border commercial disputes.
Dr. Hussain participated in Panel 2: Interim Remedies in the DIFC Courts – Developments and Recent Judicial Guidance, alongside esteemed colleagues Abdul Jinadu KC, Maria Mulla, and Georgina Munnik. During the session, he shared practical insights on the application of DIFC Courts Law No. 2 of 2025, particularly Articles 15, 24, and 31, and how the law empowers the DIFC Courts to grant urgent and effective interim relief in support of both domestic and foreign arbitration.
Drawing on recent matters handled by M&CO Legal, Dr. Hussain highlighted examples including anti-suit injunctions granted within 48 hours to protect DIFC arbitration agreements, ex parte interim injunctions issued within 18 hours to prevent operational disruption of major commercial projects, freezing orders exceeding USD 600 million in support of foreign arbitral awards, and the Court of Appeal’s guidance in Oran v Oved on the disciplined relationship between jurisdiction and injunctive powers.
A central theme of his remarks was that the DIFC Courts are increasingly performing an international role — acting decisively and reliably where jurisdiction is established, without overreaching. The 2025 Court Law has strengthened clarity, reinforced jurisdictional gateways, and enhanced the DIFC’s position as a sophisticated hub for cross-border dispute resolution. The session provided attendees with valuable guidance on leveraging interim remedies effectively, reflecting the Court’s commitment to disciplined, enforceable, and rapid relief in support of commercial and arbitral proceedings.
Dr. Hussain’s participation underscored M&CO Legal’s commitment to thought leadership and to shaping the evolving commercial law landscape in the UAE and the wider region.
