Matthew Heaton

Game Theory

The Competition Law Playbook:

In the fast-moving world of MENA competition law, staying ahead means understanding the game’s rules. This month’s Law Update issue: Game Theory, unpacks key legal developments, from evolving merger control trends to landmark rulings in the UAE, KSA, Egypt, and Iraq.

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Eyes
On 2025

Legal Updates in
Middle East & North Africa

2025 is set to be a game-changer for the MENA region, with legal and regulatory shifts from 2024 continuing to reshape its economic landscape. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain are all implementing groundbreaking reforms in sustainable financing, investment laws, labor regulations, and dispute resolution. As the region positions itself for deeper global integration, businesses must adapt to a rapidly evolving legal environment.

Our Eyes on 2025 publication provides essential insights and practical guidance on the key legal updates shaping the year ahead—equipping you with the knowledge to stay ahead in this dynamic market.

The leading law firm in the Middle East & North Africa region.

Matthew Heaton

Partner, Head of Office, Head of Banking & Finance - Qatar

Biography

Matthew Heaton is a Partner and Head of Office in Qatar, and Head of Qatar’s Banking & Finance practice.

Matthew has broad experience of all aspects of finance law, acting for both borrowers and lenders. Prior to joining, Matthew was a banking & finance partner based in London at a leading global law firm. He has particular expertise in acquisition and leveraged finance, corporate lending and real estate finance, as well as regulatory and capital market matters. He is expert in the laws of both Qatar and the Qatar Financial Centre, as well as remaining qualified to practice English law. Matthew advises borrowers, funders and sponsors, including banks, equity and debt funds, listed corporates, private companies and mezzanine funders. He also advises on syndicated, club and bilateral financings. He has broad experience of leveraged finance and private equity transactions, and in advising purchasers and sellers of stressed and distressed loan portfolios.

In addition, Matthew has experience of general corporate and commercial transactions, and has a great deal of recent experience in the establishment and licencing of regulated entities within Qatar.

Recent Experience

Advising a syndicate of banks on a EUR 5.6 billion loan to the State of Qatar acting through the Ministry of Defence for purchase of military jets and related products and services, guaranteed by the State of Qatar acting through the Ministry of Finance
Establishing a representative office of a major European financial institution in the Qatar Financial Centre
Advising a leading Qatar university on the establishment of an endowment fund
Advising a Qatar-headquartered conglomerate on the restructuring of its financing arrangements
Advising a pan-GCC group of companies on the restructuring of its Qatar operations
Advising a private equity fund on its €8 billion acquisition of a portfolio of non-performing loans secured against assets located across Europe