Umar has over 10 years of experience advising clients on corporate and commercial law, securities and finance, intellectual property, technology licensing and business disputes. He advises clients across multiple industries, including technology, media and telecommunications, blockchain, financial services, healthcare, infrastructure and transportation, education, marketing and advertising, retailing and consumer goods and energy and natural resources.

Umar routinely assists international companies with structuring, formation, stock issuance, seed financing, software and content licensing agreements, strategic partnerships and domestic and international expansion.

Prior to joining Al Sheaily, Umar was the Head of Legal of an investment bank based in Doha, Qatar. Umar started his legal career with the global law firm Dentons. Umar has also worked for a public interest group in Washington, D.C., dealing primarily with U.S. Congress and federal agencies.

Before practicing law, Umar worked as a journalist with global news organizations such as CNN and the Associated Press (AP) and as a public relations specialist with the global public relations firm Weber Shandwick Worldwide.

Representative Experience

• Nanosferix: Advised the start-up focusing on ultralight composite materials on corporate matters and funding from the Innovation Fund at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
• B8ak: Advised the start-up on Series A investment from a Saudi venture fund and the related corporate setup in Abu Dhabi Global Market.
• Onboard XP: Advised the inflight products distributor on commercial partnerships for onboard products offerings on various GCC-based commercial airlines.
• Confidential: Advised a major US company on its technical surveillance countermeasures (TCSM) program in the GCC.
• Confidential: Advised a GCC-based company on a commercial dispute regarding import of oil & gas equipment from a US manufacturer.
• Confidential: Advised a GCC-based international drag racing team on US corporate and commercial law matters.
• International Academic Consulting: Advised the international admissions and academic consulting company on various services agreements with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Qatar Foundation.
• Confidential: Advised various high-net worth individuals from the GCC on purchase, sale, delivery, FAA registration and off-shore operation of US-registered aircraft.
• Confidential: Advised a US company on licensing and use rights to operate a commercial airliner between Dubai-Kandahar-Bagram.
• Confidential: Advised a US company on operating a medical evacuation helicopter service at Bagram and Kandahar US bases in Afghanistan.
• Encloud: Advised the GCC-based cloud services provider on exclusive distribution of a major US cloud technology platform in the GCC region.
• Republic of Booza: Represented a group of founders on introduction of a Middle Eastern ice cream brand.
• ServicePath: Advised the IT managed services provider on a range of GCC corporate and commercial matters.
• Confidential: Advised a GCC-based start-up on offshore software development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
• Confidential: Advised a GCC-based online writing platform on terms of service, privacy policy and contributing writers agreement.
• Nutrition Times: Advised the GCC-based supplement brand on manufacturing supply agreement with a New York based dietary supplements manufacturer.
• Timez5: Advised the GCC-based start-up on seed round investment and other commercial law matters.
• Glints Media: Advised the media company and the founder on corporate formation and seed round note from a GCC government-controlled entity.
• Global Trade Masters: Advised the Egypt-based distributor on international distribution agreements with European furniture manufacturers.
• Amiri Flight: Advised on fitout and re-delivery of aircraft.
• Aljazeera Network:Advised Aljazeera Network on global corporate structures, media regulation, program acquisition and licensing, broadcasting and distribution (including Aljazeera’s first distribution deal with Comcast), hosting broadcasting, satellite platforms, employment, litigation and defamation/libel.
• Qatar Football Association: Advised the Qatar Football Association on showcase stadiums for its bid for the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
• Qatar Olympic Committee: Advised on agreement to host the International Handball Association Super Globe 2011-2013.
• Vodafone:Advised Vodafone in connection with its joint venture with Qatar Foundation and various real estate leases.
• Qatar Airways: Acted as local counsel to lenders on financing and delivery of multiple aircraft leased to Qatar Airways.

Education:

• State University of New York: University of Buffalo School of Law: Juris Doctor (JD), Cum Laude
• Georgia State University: Bachelor of Arts (Journalism, English Literature), Cum Laude