GULF DESK
With the Gulf Desk, dtb rechtsanwälte establishes and maintains reciprocal and sustainable business relationships in the Gulf States. The law firm advises private clients with a holistic approach to all legal issues relating to this region. The development of the Gulf Desk was largely overseen by Associate Partner Leon van Lee. As an expert on the local markets and cultures, he acts as an indispensable bridge for clients who wish to tap into these markets.
The Gulf States include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait. Cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh have rapidly developed into commercial hubs with enormous entrepreneurial potential and unstoppable economic growth. This is because the Gulf region offers attractive tax conditions. In free trade and special economic zones, a new generation of high net worth individuals is benefiting from simplified trading conditions with reduced bureaucracy.
With the help of the Gulf Desk team's expertise, clients can become part of this rapid economic development at an early stage and secure a competitive market position in the Gulf States.
The Gulf Desk places particular emphasis on the expanding art cluster in the Gulf region, which is already having a lasting impact on the international art market. International art and cultural institutions are establishing long-term collaborations with the Gulf states through prestigious art fairs such as Art Basel Qatar and Frieze Abu Dhabi, as well as museums such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The largest international auction houses, Christie's and Sotheby's, are also expanding. When Sotheby's entered the UAE market, for example, it recorded the highest total proceeds in its history at a live auction in a new market. The Gulf states are creating excellent conditions for the exponentially expanding art cluster. Billions in government investment in the art market and cultural policy have already produced efficient infrastructures and flourishing art and luxury districts in the major cities. International art galleries, renowned financial institutions and leading luxury hotels have settled there.
"dtb rechtsanwälte has been deeply rooted in the global art and luxury sector for over 20 years. The specialised Gulf Desk team helps clients tap into the art market in the Gulf States through strategic and sustainable positioning. In doing so, we place particular emphasis on the cultural heritage of the region," says Leon van Lee.
In addition, Leon van Lee, head of the Gulf Desk, is responsible for advising clients on trademark matters, such as extending protection to strategically important markets in the Gulf region. dtb rechtsanwälte provides comprehensive and individual advice on how to take full advantage of the improved trademark law framework in the Gulf states. For example, the UAE and Qatar have acceded to the Madrid Agreement concerning the international registration of trademarks. This step significantly improves the international registration and administration of trademarks in the region.