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Portrait ofBen Gibson

Ben Gibson

Partner

Contact
CMS (UAE) LLP
Level 15 Burj Daman
Dubai International Financial Centre
Burj Daman
PO Box 506873
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Languages English

Ben is a Technology lawyer recognised in the Legal 500 in the UAE. He specialises in complex commercial technology projects, including procurement, development and outsourcing, as well as IT licensing and data protection.  His clients in the Middle East have included Google, Cisco, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Authority, stc (Saudi Telecoms Company) and the King Abdullah Financial District.

Ben helped the DIFC to draft its Data Protection Law (Law No 5 of 2020).

Before moving to the UAE, Ben practised in England where his clients included government departments and bodies along with businesses in sectors including financial services, energy and retail. He was also recognised in the Legal 500 UK.

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Relevant experience

  • The DIFC Authority on the drafting of the DIFC Data Protection Law.
  • A UAE-based investment company on the commercial and operational aspects of a joint venture to develop a commercial-scale data centre in the UAE.
  • A major UAE conglomerate on the commercial agreement with a European supplier of high-tech logistics solutions.
  • A major global internet company on the development of telecommunications infrastructure in Qatar.
  • A UAE currency exchange and money transfer provider on the contracts to procure the development, support and maintenance of a new transaction processing and customer management system.
  • A Saudi healthcare-sector IT services company in relation to protection of intellectual property and the development of an artificial intelligence engine in conjunction with a Chinese service provider, to be used in the provision of public healthcare in Saudi Arabia and on software licensing terms as part of a strategic government healthcare sector digitisation project.
  • King Abdullah Financial District on telecommunications infrastructure arrangements for tenants.
  • The United Kingdom Ministry of Justice on a major long-term outsourcing agreement.
  • NHS Digital, the digital procurement and data management arm of the UK National Health Service, on various technology procurements and on data protection compliance issues.
  • The Cornerstone telecommunications joint venture between Vodafone and Telefonica in the UK.
  • Numerous financial services and retail businesses on software licensing agreements with vendors such as Oracle, SAP, HP and IBM.
  • Various clients on regulatory issues in the technology and telecommunications space in the Middle East, including in relation to the Saudi Cloud Computing Regulatory Framework and the CITC’s Internet of Things Regulatory Policy.
  • Various technology start-ups in the UAE on issues relating to compliance, brand protection and contracting.
  • Bidders and acquirers of off-shore electricity transmission cables under the UK’s “OFTO” regulatory framework.
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Education

  • 2007 – LLB – Nottingham Law School, Nottingham.
  • 2004 – Philosophy, Cardiff University, Cardiff.
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Feed

30/10/2024
2024 ITechLaw European Conference in Munich
CMS lawyers are pleased to be attending the ITechLaw European Conference 2024 held in Munich on 30 October - 1 November. Below you can find our top tips for those visiting Munich for the conference, helpfully provided by our Technology lawyers based in the Munich office:Munich (Germany) is the capital of Bavaria. It is a city strongly influenced by Bavarian traditions and rich in history and culture. Many people refer to Munich as the northernmost city in Italy. This is due to the mild summer climate, a touch of Mediterranean flair and the short geographical distance to Italy. Some Facts: Distances:From Munich to the Italian border = 180 Km (approx. 112 miles)From Munich to Hamburg = 770KM (approx. 480 miles)From Munich to Berlin (580 KM (approx. 360 miles)Pop­u­la­tion:1.589.706 inhabitants (2024). The third-largest city in Germany after Berlin and Ham­burgThe city's metropolitan region is home to about 6.2 million people and the third biggest metropolitan region by GDP in the European Uni­on­Re­com­men­ded:Art and Culture: Munich boasts world-class museums, galleries, and theaters. Visit the Alte Pinakothek for art lovers, the Deutsches Museum for science enthusiasts, and catch a performance at the Bavarian State Opera. Rich History: Munich is steeped in history, from its medieval origins to its role as the capital of Bavaria. Explore iconic landmarks like Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the historic city gates. Green Spaces: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in Munich's expansive green spaces. Relax in the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world, or explore the botanical wonders of the Botanical Garden. Transportation: Munich's efficient public transportation system makes it easy to navigate the city. Utilize the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses (the easiest way to buy tickets is via MVV app), or explore by bike along the city's extensive network of cycling paths. Day Trips: Take advantage of Munich's central location to explore nearby attractions. Embark on day trips to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, the picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, or the charming villages of the Bavarian Alps. English-friendly Destination: While German is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood in Munich. Visitors can easily communicate with locals and navigate the city without language barriers. Safety and Cleanliness: Munich is known for its safety and cleanliness. Enjoy peace of mind as you explore the city's streets, parks, and attractions. Beer Culture: Munich is synonymous with beer, particularly during Oktoberfest. Experience Bavarian beer culture at traditional beer gardens like Hofbräuhaus and Au­gustin­er-Keller. Bavarian Cuisine: Indulge in hearty Bavarian dishes such as weißwurst (white sausage), pretzels, schnitzel, and sauerkraut. Don't miss out on trying traditional Bavarian delicacies at local restaurants and beer gardens e.g. Hofbräuhaus. Not re­com­men­ded:Trav­el­ling without cash: Don’t forget cash (there are still many local markets and smaller establishments that don't accept credit cards in Munich). Late hour shopping: Don't expect 24/7 shopping (unlike most major cities, Munich has strict shopping hours, and the shops close at 8pm on weekdays). Ordering the wrong beer: Don’t order a “Pilsener (Pils)”, always order a “Helles”. Ordering Bavarian wines: Why order a wine from Franken (a famous wine region in Bavaria) if you can order a French or Italian wine? Or at least a decent wine from the Rheingau; Pflalz or Mosel. Feeding the pigeons: Feeding pigeons is not allowed in and around Munich. Walking on bike lanes: Munich is full of bikers and there are many bike lanes. Please be aware that there might be a lot of traffic on the bike lanes and watch out for speedy bikers when you are a pedestrian. At CMS, we are proud to have some of the leading global legal specialists in the technology, media and communications sector. Fuelled by huge customer demand for cutting-edge products and increased supply of pioneering services, the sectors of technology, media and communications are each undergoing unprecedented change. Innovation is key, and so tech and telecoms suppliers, and creators and distributors of media, need to protect their investments and maximise their commercial opportunities. At CMS, our global team of over 1000 specialist Technology, Media and Communications (TMC) lawyers has been exposed to virtually every risk and challenge you face. With our long-standing focus on advising players, users, regulators and financiers in the sector, we are best placed to deliver innovative solutions through our award-winning disputes, transactions, IP, commercial, data privacy and security, employment and tax practices. To find out more about our capabilities across TMC, please visit International TMC webpage.
08/05/2024
2024 World Technology Law Conference in Washington
CMS lawyers are pleased to be attending the ITechLaw World Technology Law Conference 2024 held in Washington on 8-10 May. Below you can find an overview of our attending partners, representing a large range of jurisdictions and practice areas. To arrange a meeting, please contact the individual lawyers directly. At CMS, we are proud to have some of the leading global legal specialists in the technology, media and communications sector. Our global team of over 1000 specialist Technology, Media and Communications (TMC) lawyers has been exposed to virtually every risk and challenge you face. With our long-standing focus on advising players, users, regulators and financiers in the sector, we are best placed to deliver innovative solutions through our award-winning disputes, transactions, IP, commercial, data privacy and security, employment and tax practices. To find out more about our capabilities across TMC, please visit International TMC webpage. For further information, please see our partners attending the congress in the gallery below and an overview of all our expertise areas.
04/03/2024
CMS guide on the new KSA Civil Code – Fourth Edition - Commercial Contracts
Further to our recent introductory articles on the general principles of contract law available here); construction law (available here) and corporate transactions (available here); we have continued...
07/12/2023
Roundtable: urbanisation and transport
Join the CMS Infrastructure and Projects team in person at CMS Dubai for a breakfast roundtable discussion. Our conversation will be driven by the announcements and negotiations at COP28, and will be...
20/11/2023
Data protection and cybersecurity laws in the United Arab Emirates
Data protection 1. Local data protection laws and scope The UAE has a multi-layered legal system, with legislation issued at Federal and Emirate level. In addition, the UAE contains numerous special...
Comparable
02/10/2023
The UAE’s New Consumer Protection Landscape: Implications and Key Provisions
Introduction The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented significant reforms to its consumer protection framework. Federal Law No.15 of 2020 (the “CP Law”) (as recently amended) has now been supplemented...
24/08/2023
M&A in KSA – GAC applications: what you need to know!
1.GAC regimeWhen conducting mergers or acquisitions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) it is important to consider whether approval is required from the KSA’s General Authority for Competition (GAC). ...
18/05/2023
5G regulation and law in UAE
1. What is the state of 5G deployment in your country? 5G is well-deployed in major urban areas and along main transport routes, but declines in more rural areas. The UAE is estimated to have approximately...
Comparable
02/05/2023
Saudi Arabia’s Updated Personal Data Protection Law
Amendments to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (“KSA”) Personal Data Protection Law (“PDPL”), that was issued in 2021, have been confirmed. These new amendments resolve some of the practical difficulties...
23/03/2023
On the Pulse webinar series 2023 - Spring
Welcome to the launch of the On the Pulse webinar series
06/02/2023
Balancing the books – new dawn for commercial agencies in the UAE
The most significant update to the UAE commercial agencies regulatory regime in over 40 years has been enacted under Federal Law No. (3) of 2022 on the Regulation of Commercial Agencies (the “New Agency...
08/11/2022
Impact of the GDPR in the United Arab Emirates
1. Applicable legislation governing data protection in UAE National legislationThe UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. 3 of 1987)The Law on Combatting Cybercrimes (Federal Law No. 5 of 2012)The Law on the...