The 2026 African & Middle Eastern Regional Seminar was a specialized event organized by ALFA International, a global network of independent law firms. Held from January 21 to 23, 2026, at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel in Manama, Bahrain, the seminar aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among legal professionals operating within these regions.
The seminar featured a series of sessions covering pertinent topics such as international arbitration, enforceability of arbitral awards, cross-border tax issues, and effective registration and enforcement of securities and equity interests. Notable speakers included Mark Watson, Managing Director of DeSimone Consulting in Dubai, who delivered the keynote address on international arbitration, and experts from Primera Africa Legal, Charles Russell Speechlys, and Sam Okudzeto & Associates, who participated in panel discussions on various legal challenges and practices.
Attendees had the opportunity to network during the welcome reception and dinner at the Golestan Restaurant, providing a platform to connect with peers and discuss regional legal developments. The event also offered insights into doing business in Bahrain, with presentations from Mohammed Al Madani and Rana Mohammed Ali of the Bahrain Economic Development Board.
Legal professionals specializing in international arbitration, cross-border taxation, and securities enforcement would have found this seminar particularly beneficial, as it addressed complex legal issues pertinent to the African and Middle Eastern regions.
Speakers(12)
Boma Ayomide Alabi
Founding Partner at Primera Africa Legal
Boma has approximately thirty years of experience in corporate commercial practice, specializing in International Tax Law, Maritime Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Capital Market Transactions.
Carlyn Lobo
Partner at Kochhar & Co.
Carlyn advises on securities and equity registration and enforcement across various jurisdictions, including the UAE.
Dania Tyan
Partner at Al-Hamad Legal Group
Dania advises on cross-border tax issues under Kuwaiti law, including double taxation agreements and withholding tax.
Esine Okudzeto
Deputy Managing Partner at Sam Okudzeto & Associates
Esine heads the firm's corporate transactions team, advising on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate restructuring, and cross-border investments.
Grace Garcia
Chair, ALFAI Board of Directors at Morrison Mahoney LLP
Grace serves as Chair of the ALFA International Board of Directors and is a partner at Morrison Mahoney LLP in Boston, MA.
Jana Mulla Ali
Senior Legal Advisor at Al-Hamad Legal Group
Jana specializes in public-private partnerships, infrastructure transactions, and regulatory advisory in Kuwait.
Mark Watson
Managing Director at DeSimone Consulting
Mark is Managing Director at DeSimone Consulting in Dubai, UAE, and will deliver the keynote on International Arbitration.
Mohammed Al Madani
Business Development Director at Bahrain Economic Development Board
Mohammed will provide insights on doing business in Bahrain during the keynote session.
Ombo Malumbe
Partner at O’Bang Law
Ombo specializes in cross-border tax challenges under Kenyan law, focusing on double taxation agreements and compliance requirements.
Paula Boast
Africa & Middle East Regional Group Chair at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Paula is Head of Construction Engineering & Projects at Charles Russell Speechlys in Bahrain, specializing in construction projects across the Middle East since 2006.
Rana Mohammed Ali
Head of International Offices at Bahrain Economic Development Board
Rana will discuss opportunities and considerations for international businesses in Bahrain.
Wassim Benzarti
Managing Partner at Westfield Morocco
Wassim collaborates with companies on restructuring, internationalization, and external growth operations via acquisitions or mergers.
Event Details
- Date
- January 23, 2026
- Location
- 🇧🇭 Manama, Bahrain
- Sheraton Bahrain Hotel
- Pricing
- Pricing details not specified
- Audience
- Legal professionals specializing in international arbitration, cross-border taxation, and securities enforcement
- CLE Credits
- CLE accreditation pending
- Attendees
- Not specified