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Situation in the Middle East

DWF Generic
The outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East has created significant legal, regulatory and commercial uncertainty for organisations operating across international markets. Rapidly evolving sanctions regimes, trade restrictions, supply‑chain disruption and heightened geopolitical risk are affecting businesses, financial institutions and individuals worldwide.

This resource hub brings together our latest legal insights, articles, client briefings and practical guidance to help clients understand and respond to the legal implications of the conflict. Our focus is on providing clear, timely and actionable analysis across key risk areas, enabling informed decision‑making during a period of heightened uncertainty.

Content within this hub will be updated regularly as the situation develops. Clients are encouraged to contact their DWF Team for tailored advice specific to their circumstances.

Latest content

Situation in the Middle East

DWF Generic
Insights

Iran conflict, cryptocurrency and sanctions

Sanctioned entities have long exploited cryptoassets to circumvent financial sanctions.
 
DWF Generic
Insights

Blockading in the Persian Gulf

The conflict in the Persian Gulf has triggered a “two can play that game” dynamic between the US and Iran, with tit‑for‑tat measures escalating from vessel seizures to threatened blockades driving heightened maritime risk.
 
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Insights

Equivalent project relief in the Middle East

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing increasing disruption across the construction and energy sectors, from delays to regional trade routes to a rise in force majeure claims throughout the supply chain.
 
DWF Generic
Insights

Impact on GCC construction and energy projects

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important routes in global trade. A significant share of the world’s energy passes through it and much of the heavy equipment and specialist materials used in GCC construction and energy projects. 
 
DWF Generic
Insights

The impact on global sanctions

Trump administration takes steps to further ease sanctions on Russian oil as crude prices surge during the current Iran conflict.
 
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Insights

Force majeure: a UK perspective

As global conflict intensifies, force majeure clauses are back in focus. This article considers how conflict and geographical disruption affect contractual performance and risk allocation under English law.
 
DWF Generic
Insights

Force majeure in the GCC

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having direct, tangible consequences across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the wider Middle East – regions that sit at the heart of global energy, logistics and construction supply chains. 

 
DWF Generic
Insights

Consumer sector impact

In the face of yet another wave of supply chain disruptions and soaring fuel prices, our consumer sector clients are bracing themselves for the inevitable. While there is a sense of resignation, there is also a readiness to tackle these challenges head-on
 
DWF Generic
Insights

Support for stranded travellers from the UK

The response from the UAE Government to assist stranded tourists has been both proactive and reassuring. However, with news that more destinations are subject to FCDO advice, many travel businesses are now facing questions from customers overseas (including those holidaying in remote destinations such as the Maldives) about what support they are entitled to during unavoidable disruptions.
 
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Insights

Key UK employment and workforce considerations

Recent international events have led to disruption affecting travel, remote working arrangements and globally connected workforces. While circumstances will differ between organisations, employers may wish to consider the potential employment and HR implications for their workforce and ensure appropriate arrangements are in place to manage risk and support employees.
 
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Insights

Defining war – English courts’ approach

In light of the recent missile and drone strikes by Iran across Israel and several Gulf states, businesses, insurers and investors are facing heightened uncertainty around exposures. 
 
DWF Generic
Insights

Managing construction risk in the GCC

Recent developments affecting regional security and international transit routes are having increasingly tangible consequences for construction and infrastructure projects across the Gulf. From Qatar, we are seeing first hand how the current uncertain security environment is translating into airspace restrictions, supply chain disruption and heightened commercial uncertainty for contractors operating across the GCC.
 
DWF Generic
Insights

The Maritime security landscape

At the start of the Iran conflict, five merchant vessels were reported to have been attacked including a probable total loss of the SKYLIGHT and unconfirmed reports on the potential sinking of ATHEN NOVA; Ports closed or had activities suspended; and the escalation of attacks has had a detrimental effect on supply chains and the price of oil and LNG.
 

People

Key contact

Victoria-Clucas 200 x 200px

Victoria Clucas

Partner, Commercial Director Insurance MENA

United Arab Emirates

 
James Fox

James Fox

Managing Partner (Dubai)

United Arab Emirates

 

Kirk Durrant

Managing Partner (Qatar)

Qatar