Dino Wilkinson

Dino Wilkinson is a partner based in the Abu Dhabi office. He has been operating in the Middle East for nearly 20 years and heads Baker McKenzie’s regional IP, technology and data practice.

Dino is a trusted adviser to corporate clients throughout the Middle East on IT and outsourcing transactions, digital transformation, emerging technology regulation and data privacy laws. He has also been involved in the development of laws and regulation in this field, including the drafting of e-commerce, data sharing and privacy legislation.

Dino’s expertise spans all types of technology-related contractual and compliance issues, including data protection, artificial intelligence, digital media and content.

Dino is named in the Legal 500’s Hall of Fame for his longstanding involvement in market-leading work and described as a ‘real business partner’ who understands the industries he operates in.

Prior to joining Baker McKenzie, Dino handled the following matters:

• Advising one of the world’s leading internet companies on law and regulatory policy in the Middle East and Africa, including support on discussions with national regulators and governments on cloud and ICT regulation.

• Advising Dubai International Financial Centre Authority on the drafting of its Electronic Transactions Law (DIFC Law No.2 of 2017) and Data Protection Law (DIFC Law No.5 of 2020).

• Advising an IT service provider on the negotiation of a major transformative IT infrastructure outsourcing agreement with one of the leading Middle East family groups.

• Advising a financial technology company on negotiations with a GCC finance ministry to design, build and operate a government payments solution.

• Advising a US multinational technology manufacturer on law and regulatory policy in the Middle East, including advice on licensing, government contracting and business risk.

• Advising a global lifestyle brand on the launch of a mobile virtual network in the Middle East, including advice on telecoms regulation and data protection issues.

• Advising a Middle East government on the development of a trust mark certification scheme for online traders, including recommendations for updating local laws in line with international principles for consumer protection in e-commerce.

• Advising the operator of a major tourism destination on data protection compliance and conducting legal impact assessments in relation to the deployment of new technologies.

• Advising a UAE Islamic bank on the development of a suite of IT procurement and sourcing contracts, including associated tender documentation and negotiation playbooks.

• Advising a national cybersecurity regulator in the Middle East on various issues, including regulatory policy and international agreements.

• Band 1, TMT: IT, Telecoms & Data (UAE), Chambers Global Legal Guide, 2024
• Hall of Fame, TMT (UAE) , Legal 500, 2024

• International Association of Privacy Professionals
• Society for Computers & Law
• The Sedona Conference (Steering Committee Member, Working Group 6 and ex-Chair, Middle East Sub-Committee)
• AmCham Abu Dhabi (Legal Affairs Committee)