Hafidh Thani

Managing Partner, M&CO Legal

^{Hafidh is a partner and policy specialist regarding all fintech matters at M&CO Legal and is one of Dubai’s leading Emirati legal practitioners in jurisprudence and legislative drafting. He is an expert in media, technology and finance, and is highly regarded for his advisory services and development of cutting-edge infrastructure focused on corporate and commercial compliance and preservation, including the structures required for energy entities, services related to oil and gas and the technologies related to the energy sector.}

^{He manages, advises and consults commercial corporate entities and private entities regarding the strategic implementation of their market connectivity and financial goals by developing comprehensive legal frameworks and establishing Intellectual Property (IP) rights. He provides guidance for all financial and technological aspects of media, corporate communications, digital platforms, telecommunication, event management, and regulatory issues.}

^{With an extensive background in infrastructure and policy development ensuring legal compliance in tandem with innovative practices, Hafidh’s portfolio includes clients such as the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), Jebel Ali (JAFZA), Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Silicon Oasis, Masdar City, KIZAD and other free zones in the UAE.}

^{Hafidh also has extensive experience working with corporate governance issues, such as guiding organisations through challenges related to managing governance risk, offering regulatory and industry knowledge, and creating tailored strategies to manage the cycle of legal, reputational, and operational risk. Hafidh has developed solid connections over the years with a broad range of private clients including private and family offices in the UAE, where he provides advice on management, exercising the requisite legal and fiduciary obligations while adhering to the necessary legal protections.}

^{He has played a key role in the development of legal frameworks and in the design of real estate regulatory transaction requirements as head of legal for Dubai Media Inc., and head of DIFC. Hafidh has held central roles regarding the development of preservation laws designed to safeguard and regulate UAE cultural and heritage sites and other IP and arts. He has also served as an esteemed advisor for the Dubai Culture Authority and other prominent bodies of the Dubai Government.}

^{In relation to the ADGM, Hafidh was part of the incorporation and initiation process of the freezone in line with developing the rules and regulations to establish a structured framework for the ADGM. He was entrusted to assist with developing the policies to be adopted by the freezone to help prospective establishments and investors to set up their businesses hassle free, including the running of the freezone.}