Recently, Landing Law Offices hosted an exchange event entitled “Rising Powerhouses in the Middle East: Strategic Opportunities and Compliance Challenges for Internet Companies Going Global”. Against the backdrop of accelerated digital transformation, and with strong government support as well as vast growth prospects, the Middle East has rapidly become an essential destination for global internet companies seeking overseas expansion — a market brimming with untapped potential. Supported by the North Bund International Legal Service Hub (北外滩国际法律服务港), Landing Law Offices convened this dialogue to explore both the opportunities and the risks of entering the region.

Senior Consultant Ms. Juan Ye and Partner Ms. Yajie Xiong of Landing Law Offices delivered keynote presentations during the session.

Partner Yajie Xiong presented on “The Digital Wave in the Middle East: Opportunities and Risks for Internet Companies Expanding Abroad”. She highlighted that the region’s young demographics, high internet penetration, and strong consumer spending power make it a rising strategic hub for digital businesses. At the same time, companies must navigate frequent compliance challenges — ranging from data privacy to content regulation. To thrive, enterprises need to develop tailored strategies that align with local laws, policies, and cultural norms, ensuring steady and sustainable growth in this emerging “blue ocean” market.

Ms. Yajie Xiong (Partner)

Senior Consultant Ms. Juan Ye followed with a session titled “Breaking into the Middle East: A Compliance Guide for Gaming Companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia”. Her presentation examined critical high-risk scenarios for gaming companies, including content review, gameplay regulation, and sensitivities around religion and culture, while also proposing practical risk-mitigation measures.

Ms. Juan Ye (Senior Consultant)

Ms. May Qin, Sales Director of Gonex, drew on her extensive experience in domestic and overseas HR management to share a comparative analysis of the visa systems in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. She emphasized that Chinese enterprises cannot simply replicate domestic HR practices abroad; instead, they must proactively plan workforce structures and work visa strategies to effectively reduce employment-related risks

Ms. May Qin

In addition, members of the Landing Law Offices Saudi Arabia team —Mr. Yijun Zhang, Mr. Yifeng Wang, and Ms. Chen Zhao — provided updates on Saudi Arabia’s latest policy direction in attracting foreign internet enterprises, while discussing localization practices, cultural integration, and investment compliance.

The event concluded with a lively exchange among participants and guest speakers on a wide range of issues, including cross-border investment and labor relations in the Middle East.

Mr. Yijun Zhang ( Senior Partner)

Mr. Yifeng Wang, (Partner)

Ms. Chen Zhao (Senior Lawyer)

Looking ahead, Landing Law Offices remains committed to its core values of “absolute professionalism, strong international orientation, and deep collaborative spirit”.(绝对专业化、强势国际化、高度共和化) The firm will continue to accompany Chinese enterprises as they explore emerging markets, organizing regular forums and knowledge-sharing activities, and welcomes broad engagement from all stakeholders.