Webinar addresses practical and legal considerations for businesses during COVID-19

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with Taylor Wessing LLP (Dubai Branch), recently organised a webinar, which shed light on some of the most common legal issues that businesses are facing during COVID-19.

The webinar, attended by 278 participants representing local and international businesses, offered practical and legal guidance on ensuring business continuity, minimising risks and addressing new challenges created by the COVID-19.  

During the webinar, Julia Ofer, Senior Associate, Taylor Wessing LLP (Dubai Branch); Paul Blakeway, Senior Associate, Taylor Wessing LLP (Dubai Branch); Sayed Zineldin, Associate, Taylor Wessing LLP (Dubai Branch) delivered informative presentations and highlighted the need for businesses to understand the commercial and legal implications of COVID-19 and act decisively to mitigate and manage the risks associated with commercial transactions.

The speakers shared their insights on the growing use of electronic signatures, the process of attesting documents, effective ways to manage company affairs remotely, force majeure and its impact on businesses and commercial relationships and considerations related to terminating contracts and managing disputes.

Jehad Kazim, Director of Legal Services Department at Dubai Chamber, noted that business landscape has changed drastically following the COVID-19 outbreak, forcing companies to quickly adapt and take action to mitigate and minimise risks. The webinar, she explained, provided an ideal opportunity for business owners and managers to pose their questions directly to legal experts and benefit from valuable knowledge that can help them safeguard their businesses against existing and future risks.

“The global COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for businesses around the world. In March, many businesses had to take quick and decisive action to stem the immediate issues related to COVID-19. However, now is the time for companies to review their policies, practices and procedures to ensure that they can withstand the longer-term effects of COVID-19,” said Paul Blakeway, Senior Associate, Taylor Wessing LLP (Dubai Branch).

Participants who joined the webinar left with a better understanding of how to manage corporate affairs, execute contracts, handle disputes and protect business interests, he added.

Dubai Chamber regularly organises webinars, training seminars and workshops to raise awareness about key business trends and laws impacting the emirate’s private sector. These events fall in line with its strategic objectives of creating a favourable business environment and supporting business growth in the emirate.