Our Expertise

We provide comprehensive corporate, legal, finance and tax advice to companies and individuals in virtually every phase of their projects in the MENA region.

Middle East Practice Group

With over 30 years of personal and professional experience in the MENA region, our lawyers and business consultants are capable of providing comprehensive and competent advice. 

Europe Practice Group

MENA LEGAL, through its offices and B&A member offices in Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands, as well as its other European members, is specialized in providing consulting services to clients in the MENA region, interested in investing in the European markets.

Africa Practice Group

MENA LEGAL through its cooperation offices in Morocco, Egypt, Seychelles, Mauritius and South Africa is specialized in providing consulting services for the benefit of our clients interested in investing in the African markets.

Asia Practice Group

MENA LEGAL, through its cooperation offices, ASISA COUNSEL in Vietnam, SANET in Thailand, PKF LEGAL in China and FIDINAM in Singapore and Hongkong is specialized in providing consulting services for the benefit of our clients interested in investing in the Asian markets.

International Tax Practice Group

Our International tax practice group is advising on national and international tax implications of clients’ global business activities. The group’s team members have many years’ experience in structuring international corporate set ups 

Renewable Energy Practice Group

At B&A – MENA LEGAL, we have been working  since over two decades with both clients and investors, and have developed a vast local knowledge and professional insight into every 

Fintech Practice Group

Our Fintech Practice Group is advising and supporting governments and startups in the Fintech sector in implementation of their blockchain-based projects. In addition to regulatory, 

Blockchain and Metaverse Practice Group

Given the complexity of blockchain technology, it is vital to have the right mix of legal and technological experts onboard. The Blockchain and Metaverse Practice Group at MENA LEGAL provides blockchain legal consultancy with the vision to make it easier to understand this exciting technology. 

Crypto and NFT Practice Group

As cryptocurrencies and NFTs gain momentum as secure methods for buying, displaying, and selling real and digital property and ownership, they also raise a host of novel legal issues.  

Middle East Practice Group

With over 30 years of personal and professional experience in the MENA region, our lawyers and business consultants are capable of providing comprehensive and competent advice.  We offer clients the full spectrum of advice, from the initial set-up phase to a wide range of advice with respect to a client’s on-going business operations. 

The MENA LEGAL and B&A association’s members are represented with offices in most of the respective region’s countries, along with cooperation partners in all countries of Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Hence, we are positioned to offer our hands-on experience and on-the-ground services on a regional basis.

Europe Business Setup

MENA LEGAL, through its offices and B&A member offices in Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands, as well as its other European members, is specialized in providing consulting services to clients in the MENA region, interested in investing in the European markets.

Our members’ philosophy is to provide comprehensive one-stop-shop services tailored for the goal of finding investment opportunities outside of the region.  This is especially true for Germany and the United Kingdom, where we focus on conducting the required due diligence and supporting our clients’ investment efforts with the drafting and management of all legal and tax issues throughout the project. 

Real Estate Investment

Our experts advise on all aspects of the acquisition of real estate in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom and provide full real estate services to clients, including the pre-selection of suitable property, drafting of broker contracts, financing, setup of cooperation contracts, public construction law aspects, renting, organization of administrative matters, tax and inheritance aspects.

Africa Business Setup

MENA LEGAL™ through its cooperation offices in Morocco, Egypt, Seychelles, Mauritius and South Africa is specialized in providing consulting services for the benefit of our clients interested in investing in the African markets.

Our philosophy is to provide comprehensive one-stop-shop services tailored for the goal of finding investment opportunities in Africa. We focus on conducting the required due diligence and market entry analysis and supporting our client’s investment efforts with the drafting and management of all legal and incorporation issues throughout the project. 

Asia Business Setup

MENA LEGAL, through its cooperation offices, ASISA COUNSEL in Vietnam, SANET in Thailand, PKF LEGAL in China and FIDINAM in Singapore and Hongkong is specialized in providing consulting services for the benefit of our clients interested in investing in the Asian markets.

Our philosophy is to provide comprehensive one-stop-shop services tailored for the goal of finding investment opportunities in Asia. We focus on conducting the required due diligence and market entry analysis and supporting our clients’ investment efforts with the drafting and management of all legal and incorporation issues throughout the project.

International Tax Group

Our international tax business setup is advising on national and international tax implications of clients’ global business activities. The group’s team members have many years’ experience in structuring international corporate set ups and individuals under consideration of their tax exposure.

While we would like to emphasize that we are strictly refraining from any kind of tax evasion advice to the disadvantage of local tax authorities, we do advise clients on fully compliant and legally sound set-up structures, which consider international, national and bilateral tax agreements, e.g. double taxation agreements, in place. Our chartered accountants also offer support with regards to book-keeping, preparation of tax declaration and accounting services. throughout the project.

Renewable Energy Business Setup

At B&A – MENA LEGAL, we have been working  since over two decades with both clients and investors, and have developed a vast local knowledge and professional insight into every level of the renewable energy business.

Having being part of the early renewable energy business, investment and regulatory environment in Germany, B&A – MENA LEGAL was one of the first companies, supporting local governments in introducing respective regulations in the Middle East and beyond, e.g. South East Asia, and helping international clients from the RE sector to establish in the regions.

We, at B&A – MENA LEGAL, dare to plan and partner together with clients and governmental entities to develop and set up novel, pioneering business models. Our international project experience in the RE world has taught us how to support the client best to restructure or set up and implement new business models.

Fintech Business Setup

Our Fintech Business Setup is advising and supporting governments and startups in the Fintech sector in implementation of their blockchain-based projects. In addition to regulatory, legal and tax aspects, we can provide, through our strategic Fintech partnerships, a comprehensive one-stop-shop service for Fintech and Blockchain startups.

Currently MENA LEGAL™ is supporting the worldwide launch of one of the most sophisticated new digital and blockchain-based banking and payment platforms, Quantopay.

Relevant Newsletters

Blockchain and Metaverse Practice Group

Given the complexity of blockchain technology, it is vital to have the right mix of legal and technological experts onboard. The Blockchain and Metaverse Practice Group at MENA LEGAL provides blockchain legal consultancy with the vision to make it easier to understand this exciting technology.

We advise and support governments and startups in the blockchain sector in implementation of their projects, be it in the Fintech, Crypto, NFT or Metaverse sphere. In addition to regulatory, legal and tax aspects, we can provide, through our strategic blockchain tech partnerships, a comprehensive one-stop-shop service for any blockchain-related startups.

MENA LEGAL is also among the handful of futuristic law firms that have acquired land space in the Metaverse. MENA LEGAL is opening its virtual office in the SANDBOX Metaverse just next door to the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) HQ. This will be a place where lawyers can meet with clients for business or socializing. With its virtual office, MENA LEGAL will help its clients understand and successfully navigate legal and business challenges in the new and intriguing world of the Metaverse. That includes advising clients in every pillar of the Metaverse technology stack, particularly software and game developers, and brand owners looking to monetize their intellectual property.

Blockchain enthusiasts currently see the Metaverse as a goldmine of opportunities. The United Arab Emirates, in particular, is at the forefront of technological transformation. MENA LEGAL offices in Dubai and in the Metaverse can help blockchain enthusiasts to make the most of these opportunities.

Crypto and NFT Practice Group

As cryptocurrencies and NFTs gain momentum as secure methods for buying, displaying, and selling real and digital property and ownership, they also raise a host of novel legal issues.

The team of technological and legal experts at the Crypto and NFT Practice Group recognize the technological and economic potential of crypto and NFTs, as well as the ensuing legal challenges. Our lawyers advise and counsel NFT-focused startups and entrepreneurs as well as established businesses interested in utilizing NFTs to expand their revenue streams. We advise clients on legal issues including intellectual property rights, cybersecurity, government regulations and enforcement pertaining to NFTs and cryptocurrencies.

Currently, MENA LEGAL is supporting the worldwide launch of the world’s first Global Digital Blockchain Bank, Quantopay, and its associated crypto utility tokens, Quantocoin

Associate and Head of IBAA

Office:

Dubai

Baden was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania but has been mainly based in the Middle East with a 14-year presence in the region, attaining his Bachelors of Law Degree in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

During his time in Dubai, Baden previously worked within private law firms in UAE across various departments including but not limited to corporate, labour, intellectual property. He also possesses experience in the public sector with his time at the Resident Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania as well as also working with parastatal organisations, further exemplifying his versatility. His experience has allowed him to attain a good knowledge of company functions and compliance needed in relation to
different regulations.

Areas of Expertise

  • Commercial Law
  • Compliance
  • Labour Law
  • Blockchain and crypto
  • Intellectual Property

Education

  • Bachelor of Laws, Middlesex University Dubai, UAE – 2020

Career

  • MENA Legal 2022 – Current
  • PKF in Eastern Africa – 2021-2022
  • Resident Magistrate Court in Dar-es Salaam – 2020-2021

Languages

Swahili (Native Language), English (bilingual, first language)

5 minutes with Dr Alexander Brexendorff, founder of Mena Legal

Over the two decades, Dr Alexander Brexendorff, has become an important figure in the Middle East legal and business landscape. Opening several offices and engaging with a diverse range of clients including government ministries and large international corporations. Despite a rigorous schedule, he took five minutes to share his thoughts on life in the UAE.

Why did you study for a law PhD?

The way laws guide society and instruct us in fair principles, is something I have always recognised as important. Plus, I had remarkable tutors in Germany and the UK who inspired my interest further.

What encouraged you to choose the UAE as your home in 2005?

I have been consulting international corporations on Middle Eastern legal aspects since the 1990s from Europe, but eventually realised that one needs to be close to the action for being able to advise clients in the best possible way. I have always been particularly curious about emerging markets because of the unpredictable challenges that make them interesting. Living here you meet people from around the world, who are like-minded and I would like my children growing up with the same international experience and mindset.

What make a business successful in the UAE?

Next to a good idea, it is essential to be part of a trusted and loyal team. Equally important is to make sure the basics, such as practical realities and legal compliance, are in place and managed by experts. This way the business can focus on what they know best.

What are you most passionate about?

My primary joy is of course my role as a father to three busy daughters and their younger brother. There’s incredible happiness in seeing your kids grow. But helping others in growing their business here in the Middle East I consider as my mission.

Association Partner

Offices:

Basel / Switzerland

Sven Röthlingshöfer is a German business attorney (Rechtsanwalt) by profession and a real estate and hospitality project development specialist with over 25 years of international experience. He has been practicing as a foreign Legal Consultant in the Emirate of Dubai since 1998.

Sven was involved in the development and delivery of several of Dubai’s well-known real estate and hospitality projects. 

During his initial 9 years in private practice at Ja’afar Alwan, Al Jaziri & Associates, one of Dubai’s leading National Law Firms, he advised European companies on their business ventures and investments throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Key areas of specialty include foreign direct investments, cross-border joint-ventures, re-structuring, distribution and industrial projects, real estate projects, hospitality projects as well as international litigation and arbitration. 

Since the opening of the real estate market in Dubai to foreign investors, Sven has been advising international property developers on residential, commercial and hospitality projects in the Emirate of Dubai.

Sven also acted as an Arbitrator and Expert Witness and as a Board Member of an Owners’ Association of a large hybrid project. From 2007 until 2021 he accepted assignments as General Counsel of two privately owned property development companies in the Emirate of Dubai. Their project portfolio included the development, completion and hand-over of a large commercial property in Dubai Downtown, the Kempinski Residences & Hotel Apartments Palm Jumeirah and the hotels of EPG Hotels & Resorts, which are now rebranded as the “Raffles the Palm Dubai” and the “Hyde Hotel Business Bay”.

Areas of Expertise

  • Hospitality projects
  • Hotel management agreements
  • Restaurant operating and management agreements
  • Project development related cross-border joint ventures
  • Mixed-use real estate projects
  • Related fields
  • International litigation and arbitration

Bar Admission

Germany, since 1996

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