Journalist based in Manchester and previously the UAE. Currently Senior Editor @AGBInsight. Love music, travel, history, food. Views my own.
Articles by Sarah Townsend
DIFC Courts brace for rise in disputes from Iran war
25% annual increase in cases filed War status in ‘a weird place’ ‘Growing confidence’ in Dubai system The volume of cases filed at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts is set to grow this year, driven by more cross-border litigation and disputes related to the Iran conflict. “We’re optimistic that the momentum we’ve had in the first half of this year will continue,” DIFC Courts’ registrar Ayesha Bin Kalban told AGBI.
Global law firms step up Gulf presence
Iran conflict fuels insurance disputes Deals made pre-war now proceeding Some firms in ‘full-on growth mode’ Global law firms are stepping up their Gulf expansion as deal-making revives and the Iran war fuels demand for legal expertise in shipping, energy, insurance, technology and disputes.
India’s Bank of Baroda agrees $600m payout in NMC fraud case
Bank of Baroda agrees settlement NMC administrator’s claim continues Shetty and Manghat are defendants Bank of Baroda, one of India’s largest lenders, has agreed a $600 million out-of-court settlement in the NMC Health fraud case. The India-listed bank was one of three defendants in the $5.4 billion claim brought by Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), administrator of the collapsed Abu Dhabi-based healthcare company.
UK sanctions body to step up action on Iran
Enforcing sanctions a priority Fines may double to £2m Rules also apply to UK firms overseas The UK’s sanctions enforcement body is looking to take action against businesses that have unlawfully traded with Iran. The pledge from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), part of the UK Treasury, comes as UK lawmakers consider proposals to double the maximum ceiling for sanctions-related fines to £2 million ($2.66 million).
Dubai visa data points to recovery in expatriate hiring
Visa medical checks rising At 80% of pre-war level ‘Significant drop-off in March’ Medical checks required for Dubai residency visas have returned to about 80 percent of pre-war levels, according to a government-approved provider of the tests. The figures suggest the disruption to expatriate hiring caused by the Iran war is easing, although activity has not yet recovered to pre-conflict levels.
Tech startup and Gulf law firm ready to launch Arabic AI tool
Legora and Tamimi partnership English platform already in use Lawyers using AI for routine work Legal artificial intelligence startup Legora and Gulf law company Tamimi & Co are launching an Arabic legal AI platform in the coming weeks. The interface has been developed using Arabic-native content from around the Middle East and North Africa, including case law and other resources, rather than translating English texts, the companies told AGBI.
Remote working during war ‘may have breached’ UK tax rules
Gulf companies could be liable Senior executives working abroad Decision to return is ‘complex’ Gulf companies could find themselves liable to pay UK corporation tax if any senior British expatriate staff worked remotely from the UK during the Iran conflict, experts have warned. That liability persists in certain circumstances despite this week’s peace deal between the US and Iran, the experts added.
Byju's founder appeals Singapore jail sentence in QIA dispute
Case concerning $150m QIA loan Byju Raveendran sentenced Six months for contempt of court The founder of collapsed Indian education technology company Byju’s is appealing a Singapore High Court ruling that sentenced him to six months in prison for contempt of court in a dispute with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).
UK-GCC pact to boost bilateral trade by a fifth, officials say
Deal concludes four years of talks Helps states diversifying past oil and gas Agreement also covers data flows The UK and Gulf Cooperation Council finalised a long-delayed free trade agreement on Wednesday, concluding four years of negotiations and putting in place a framework which the parties hope will bolster trade and protect investments.
NMC trial: bank executives ‘approved payments in bulk’
Bank of Baroda co-defendant of NMC Lender ‘had to primarily believe client’ ‘No motive to collude in fraud’ Executives from India’s Bank of Baroda told a UAE court they believed frequent high-value transactions involving accounts connected with the collapsed Abu Dhabi-based NMC Health were “commonplace” and “legitimate”.
New laundering rules to help Emirati finance industry
Analysis Banking & Finance The UAE's next evaluation by the Financial Action Taskforce is set for June Central bank guidance issued in April UAE removed from grey list in 2024 Shift to continuous monitoring Guidance from the Central Bank of the UAE is expected to help financial institutions comply with anti-money-laundering rules, as the country prepares for its next evaluation by an international watchdog.
Gulf’s wealthy rebalance portfolios during war
Banking & Finance Investors are said to be exploring strategies that offer lower risk as global uncertainties increase Banker sees ‘limited’ cash movement Investors shift to safer assets Risk exposures have been reduced The Middle East division head of Swiss private bank Mirabaud has disputed concerns earlier in the Iran conflict that billions of dollars of Gulf wealth would move abroad due to security risks.
Ceasefire unlikely to invalidate force majeure claims, lawyers say
Analysis Law Anshuman Poyrekar/Hindustan Times/Sipa USA via Reuters The Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima docked in Mumbai on April 30 after successfully navigating the Strait of Hormuz, one of the few vessels to do so Attacks stop but Hormuz still shut Gulf exports remain severely limited No return to ‘normal conditions’ A fragile ceasefire agreed by the US, Israel and Iran halted weeks of missile and drone strikes, but many companies can still invoke force majeure while there is...
NMC funds allegedly used for Shetty luxury assets, court hears
Law Jumana El-Heloueh/Reuters At its peak in 2018, NMC was valued at £8.6 billion on the London Stock Exchange BR Shetty gives evidence Allegations concern jet and apartment ‘Nobody can be trusted’ says founder Funds from the now-collapsed Abu Dhabi-based NMC Health were allegedly used to acquire a private jet for founder BR Shetty, fit out his Burj Khalifa apartment and facilitate corporate acquisitions, a court heard last week.
Qatar-owned Harrods’ abuse redress scheme nears deadline
Law Alamy/David Taljat via Reuters QIA bought Harrods from late owner Mohamed Al Fayed in 2010 for £1.5 billion Alleged victims of sexual abuse by the late Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of luxury London department store Harrods, have until March 31 to apply to the retailer’s £60 million ($76 million) compensation scheme. Multiple women have accused Al Fayed, who died in 2023 aged 94, of rape and sexual assault.
NMC Healthcare founder BR Shetty’s fraud trial begins
Law BR Shetty is in the UAE to contest the case, which is being heard at the Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts $5.4bn claim brought by administrator BR Shetty and former CEO accused India’s Bank of Baroda also named A multi-billion dollar fraud trial against the founder of collapsed Abu Dhabi-based NMC Healthcare, its former chief executive and one of India’s biggest banks began this week.
Force majeure is not a get-out-of-jail-free card
Analysis Energy Smoke rises over Doha, Qatar, after reported Iranian missile attacks Applies in specific circumstances Lawyers advise to seek alternatives Invoking it can compound uncertainty QatarEnergy and Bahrain’s Alba are among companies to invoke force majeure since the Iran conflict began. Doing so has enabled them to shut down some operations as they grapple with the consequences of war.
UK expats seeking to escape Iran conflict risk raising tax liability
Analysis Tax UHY Hacker Young, an accountancy network, has urged HMRC to reassure British expats that they will face no unexpected tax exposure if they must leave the Gulf Concessions are ‘highly restrictive’ Focus on exceptional circumstances Experts expect no further rule relaxation British expats seeking to escape the Iran war in the Gulf risk increasing their tax liability despite a UK concession to individuals in “exceptional circumstances”, experts warn.
FINx Follow Up: Tokenisation Questions Answered
Walkers are most popular: within Real Estate and Construction topic(s) What did Jersey’s tokenisation audience still want to know after Jersey Finance's #FINx2025? Senior counsel Sarah Townsend re-grouped with fellow panellists to work through the questions they didn't have time to address during the event, focusing on the practical issues that matter most to managers, innovators and investors.
FINx follow up: Tokenisation questions answered
What did Jersey’s tokenisation audience still want to know after Jersey Finance's #FINx2025? Senior counsel Sarah Townsend re-grouped with fellow panellists to work through the questions they didn't have time to address during the event, focusing on the practical issues that matter most to managers, innovators and investors.
Pet travel companies report deluge of enquiries from Gulf
People & Lifestyle Marisa Hoskins, founder of pet travel agent Paws Abroad, says that pet relocations are inherently complex due to country-specific requirements Residents research evacuation options Phone lines overwhelmed with calls MoCCAE: no emergency procedures Frantic about Fido? Troubled about Tiddles? GCC residents are lining up options to evacuate their pets as the Iran conflict intensifies and specialist pet travel agents are reporting a surge in enquiries.
Iran war presents Europe with a mounting energy crisis
Oil & Gas Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Reuters The LNG2026 conference and exhibition in Doha, Qatar. The EU could be scrambling to find new supplies if Qatari LNG deliveries are disrupted Gas prices could double UK chancellor meets North Sea producers Competition for LNG cargoes could intensify The UK and Europe are being forced to review their options for procuring oil and gas as the conflict in the Gulf deepens supply risks.
Amanat’s healthcare arm could revive shelved IPO
Health Shutterstock/PeopleImages Cambridge offers specialised medical treatments, physiotherapy and other rehabilitative care Cambridge Health still ‘considering’ listing Plan to grow to 1,000 beds by end 2027 Company sets sights on Riyadh and Medina Cambridge Health Group, a post-acute and rehabilitation care provider 85 percent owned by Dubai-listed Amanat Holdings, said a potential listing of the business is still being considered.
Iraq companies positive about job growth, report says
Employment Most businesses in Iraq are optimistic that they will either increase or maintain their workforce this year, a survey says Survey of 5,000 businesses in Iraq 32% expect to hire Only 6% say they will make job cuts Almost a third of Iraq-based businesses plan to hire more staff this year to capitalise on opportunities, a survey shows, with the majority of respondents expecting to either grow or maintain their workforces.
Iran turmoil threatens Iraq’s tentative business recovery
Analysis Economy A tanker is loaded with oil at the Al Basra Oil Terminal. The US has threatened to curb the supply of dollars that help to smooth Iraq's oil sales Iran uncertainty affecting Iraq Iraq yet to form government US threatens to curb dollar supply Businesses in Iraq are striking a note of careful optimism despite political gridlock, but regional experts have warned the instability in Iran could undermine investor confidence.
Almasar Alshamil plans Gulf expansion after $160m float
Education Supplied: Almasar Alshamil Almasar Alshamil wants to expand its SEN offering and may also enter into mainstream education Education provider listed in December Runs SEN schools and universities ‘Ultimate goal’ to tap K-12 sector Saudi education provider Almasar Alshamil wants to nearly double the size of its special educational needs centre portfolio over the next three years and expand its higher education business, following its recent IPO.
Arada plans ‘wellness’ project in Downtown Dubai
Lifestyle The Sky Lounge at Inaura Downtown Fitness-led hotel and branded residences To offer gym, spa, clinic and restaurants 42-floor tower designed by Dutch firm MVRDV UAE-based property developer Arada has unveiled plans for Inaura Downtown, a fitness-led hotel and branded residences scheme in Dubai that is part of the company’s growing focus on “wellness” living. The project’s amenities are designed to encourage a health- and fitness-focussed lifestyle, Arada said.
AGSI in takeover bid for Gupta’s collapsed UK steel firm
Industry The UK steel industry faces an uncertain future Abu Dhabi company in for SSUK SSUK in hands of UK government UK steelmaking industry hit by tariffs Arabian Gulf Steel Industries has reportedly submitted a bid to acquire the UK’s third-largest steel producer Speciality Steels UK, a collapsed division of Sanjeev Gupta’s Liberty Steel Group empire. Abu Dhabi’s privately owned AGSI is among a “small number of companies” that have expressed interest in taking over SSUK, according to Sky News.
Analysts expect ‘fewer but better’ Gulf IPOs in 2026
Analysis Markets Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Reuters Connect A listing ceremony at Qatar Stock Exchange in Doha. IPOs on Gulf markets raised $12.9bn in 2024 – more than double the total raised this year Investors becoming more selective Reflects ‘greater maturity’ in markets UAE tipped to be best performer Fewer companies are expected to list on Gulf exchanges in 2026 after a sluggish year, analysts have told AGBI.
Analysts predict ‘fewer but better’ Gulf IPOs in 2026
Analysis Markets Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Reuters Connect A listing ceremony at Qatar Stock Exchange in Doha. IPOs on Gulf markets raised $12.9bn in 2024 – more than double the total raised this year Investors becoming more selective Reflects ‘greater maturity’ in markets UAE tipped to be best performer Fewer companies are expected to list on Gulf exchanges in 2026 after a sluggish year, analysts have told AGBI.
London Stock Exchange aims to claw back Gulf listings
Analysis Markets Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images via Reuters Only three Gulf IPOs since 2019 Targeting dual and secondary listings Saudi and Qatari opportunities The London Stock Exchange is stepping up efforts to win back Gulf issuers after a spell of muted interest. As local bourses mature, the LSE is positioning London as a complementary venue.
Budget 'highlights the draw of the Gulf' for UK wealthy
Tax New ‘mansion tax’ Investment income tax up 2 pp Buy-to-let property taxed too The UK budget unveiled this week could make wealthier residents reconsider their future in the country and look to jurisdictions with more favourable and predictable tax regimes, such as the UAE, experts have said. Some of the changes, including a “mansion tax” on properties worth more than £2 million ($2.7 million), might also affect Gulf investors in the UK.
Dar Global ramps up expansion following London listing upgrade
Construction Official LSE transfer 3,000 Saudi homes Launching DIFC fund Dar Global has moved to the London Stock Exchange’s enhanced listing category, a shift its chief executive says reflects the company’s ambition to become an international player in high-end real estate. Chief executive Ziad El Chaar told AGBI the company is to build 3,000 units in Saudi Arabia by 2030 and is accelerating its global expansion.
Petrofac collapse could disrupt entire Gulf energy sector
Oil & Gas Petrofac/Simon Price/Firstpix Filed for UK administration UAE subsidiary continuing $2.8bn project for Adnoc Gas Stricken oil and gas contractor Petrofac was executing billions of dollars of active projects in the UAE when it filed for administration in the UK last week. Through a locally based joint venture, the company was overseeing more than $2.8 billion in contracts for Adnoc Gas, a subsidiary of the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
Court reconvenes for EY NMC Health audit negligence case
Law Alamy via Reuters/Jeff Gilbert EY says fraud was sophisticated NMC says EY failed in its duties Judgment may take months “Big Four” accountancy company EY will argue it should not be held liable for the alleged multibillion-dollar fraud that caused the collapse of Abu Dhabi-based NMC Health, as the UK High Court trial enters its final phase after resuming yesterday.
Audi Capital’s $150m fund will shake up regional art investing
Analysis Lifestyle Amal Alhasan/Getty Images for Sotheby's 70% Mena fund allocation Up to 15% possible returns Platform for new talent From Greco-Roman to Early Christian, the late Lebanese banker Raymond Audi’s art collection famously contained mosaics from all four corners of the world.
UAE teachers lead world in classroom AI adoption, study finds
Education 75% of teachers use AI in UAE 90% agree it helps in planning lessons Teachers worry AI encourages plagiarism Around three-quarters of teachers in the UAE are using artificial intelligence for work – much higher than the global average of one in three, and matched only by teachers in Singapore, a survey has found.
Three developers join forces for Saudi 'co-living' plan
Real Estate Aim to house 10,000 students Developments under existing brands Collaboration with Strategic Housing A trio of property companies in Saudi Arabia have set up a joint venture backed by a SAR2 billion ($533 million) fund, with the aim of developing “co-living” accommodation for professionals and students in the kingdom.
Satellites signal opportunity for UAE's telecoms space
Space USA Today Network via Reuters UAE investing in satellite projects Focus on ‘satellites as a service’ Market could be worth up to $450bn The UAE is positioning to capture a greater share of the $100 billion-plus global satellite industry, with a particular focus on the fast-emerging “satellites as a service” segment, the chief executive of Mubadala-backed Space42 has said.
Britain’s ailing NHS ‘should look to Gulf for investment’
Analysis Health Shutterstock/Drazen Zigic Health service deficit is almost $9bn Gulf investors could help ‘reshape’ NHS Property, tech and PPP opportunities Healthcare experts have called on the UK’s National Health Service to tap Gulf investment to ease service pressures and help close its multi-billion-dollar deficit.
Fierce competition will thin out Gulf food businesses
Food & Drink Local startups intensify competition Relaxed rules on foreign companies Consumption seen up 1.7% annually Local food startups’ agility in adapting to new trends, coupled with wider Gulf market access for global companies, will intensify competition and drive consolidation in the region, according to a new report.
Pets on jets: How the UAE is cashing in on furry travel
People & Lifestyle Pet ownership at record levels Fly JetPets launched in March Charter private or shared jets Pets in private jets? An idea that won’t fly? “Woof” says the spaniel in window-seat 9K. More travellers than ever are taking to the skies with cats, dogs and other companions. The pet travel industry is forecast to more than double to $5.3 billion by 2034, up from $2.4 billion last year, according to market researcher Global Market Insights.
UAE seeks tougher action on weak company audits
Analysis Finance Regulators want greater oversight Cross-border complexity ‘Big four’ strengthen governance UAE regulators are pressing for stronger oversight of local auditors to curb financial crime and boost investor confidence. Their call comes as the world’s “big four” firms — Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC –move to tighten global governance in the wake of a fresh scandal.
UK property tax reforms ‘wouldn’t deter’ Gulf buyers
Analysis Real Estate Property taxes could change Upfront costs may shift Middle East investors undeterred UK proposals to overhaul property taxes could alter the cost of home ownership for Middle East investors were the British government to implement them. The plans, widely reported by the UK media, include revising the current one-off tax on property purchases, introducing an annual tax based on a home’s market value and replacing the current local property tax system.
Analysis Law Audit firms face scrutiny Regional audits lack oversight Big four’s model ‘flawed’ A $2.7 billion negligence case against EY in London, brought by administrators for Abu Dhabi-based NMC Healthcare, is the latest in a string of apparent failings by the big four’s regional offshoots.
Key Changes In The Newly Revised JPF Guide
W Walkers More Walkers is a leading international law firm which advises on the laws of Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Ireland and Jersey. From our 10 offices, we provide legal, corporate and fiduciary services to global corporations, financial institutions, capital markets participants and investment fund managers. Earlier today the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) published a revised version of the Jersey Private Fund Guide (JPF Guide).
Workplace saving scheme slow to catch on in the UAE
Analysis Employment Alamy via Reuters Connect Scheme launched in 2023 Potential $100bn market Preference for gratuity model UAE companies are reluctant to ditch end-of-service gratuities widespread in the region in favour of workplace saving and pensions schemes, even if those offer greater long-term benefits, experts say. Practical, financial and cultural barriers are preventing widespread adoption of such schemes, according to Dubai-based financial adviser Mike Coady.
First-time buyers get help in pricey Dubai housing market
Construction Record-breaking sales in 2nd quarter Flexible payment plans offered Off-plan deliveries to surge A Dubai government initiative will make it easier for first-time buyers to enter the property market, experts have said, after the emirate recorded its strongest quarterly performance yet.
UAE real estate giants predict strong Q2 earnings
Analysis Real Estate Emaar and Aldar lead gains Prices stabilise, sales slow Backlogs drive earnings Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s top real estate developers will again report double-digit percentage increases in second-quarter profits, analysts forecast, with no indication that slowing property price rises will impact earnings.
Abu Dhabi 'can win global healthcare marathon'
EXCLUSIVE Health Abu Dhabi in healthcare race Accelerating health innovation ‘Helm’ cluster to attract $11.6bn Abu Dhabi “has the right to win” in the global race to advance healthcare and life sciences, according to an advisor helping to position the emirate as an industry leader.
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