UAE’s legaltech startup Clara launches office in Kingdom

Seated from left, Lee McMahon, co-founder; Ahmed Arif, co-founder; Abdullah Alnashwan, Saudi Arabia country manager; and Patrick Rogers, CEO and co-founder.
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Updated 14 June 2023
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UAE’s legaltech startup Clara launches office in Kingdom

Clara, the legal technology company that digitizes and automates legal tasks for founders, is expanding its regional presence with the opening of an office in Riyadh.

Clara enables startups to concentrate on developing their businesses rather than becoming mired in legal paperwork. Clara’s category-creating legal operating system digitizes and automates legal tasks for founders, including digital company formations, cap table and data room management and automated legal document generation (covering SAFEs, ESOPs and more), all supported by the platform’s predictive education function.

Clara’s formal entry into the Middle East’s biggest market underlines its commitment to its existing customers and partners in the country. The company launched in 2019 in the UAE and has since expanded its operations to a number of countries including the US and the UK.

“We are incredibly excited to be moving closer to our rapidly expanding Saudi customer base, as well as our blue-chip roster of accelerator, venture builder and law firm partners in the Kingdom. Clara’s digital infrastructure will continue to provide the foundation for the country’s innovators to achieve Saudi’s Vision 2030 goals,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO and co-founder of Clara.

The announcement also coincides with Clara’s appointment of Abdullah Alnashwan as the company’s country manager for Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on Clara’s move into Saudi Arabia, Alnashwan said: “Hundreds of Saudi founders are already using Clara to form, manage and scale their startups. I am thrilled to be joining Clara at this exciting time in the company’s development as we formalize our commitment to the Saudi startup ecosystem.”

Alnashwan brings deep local market experience to the role, having previously worked and trained in investment roles with Jada Fund of Funds and the Public Investment Fund, two of the country’s leading investors. He studied at Riyadh’s King Faisal School, followed by undertaking a B.Sc in electrical engineering at UCLA and executive education at University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business.

Under Alnashwan’s local management, the company plans to quickly scale up its operations in the country. Clara’s Riyadh office launch event was held in collaboration with BIM Ventures, a Saudi venture studio, which builds successful, sustainable enterprises from the ground up.

Clara’s launch signifies a significant market entry, bringing a raft of new potential growth, innovation and collaboration opportunities. Additionally, it offers valuable insights into startup industry trends and technology advancements.


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.