Hall Of Fame

Dispute resolution in Saudi Arabia

AlDhabaan & Partners in association with Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

AlDhabaan & Partners in association with Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s team acts for an impressive list of both domestic and international clients. The practice frequently handles high-value cases with a cross-border nexus. Mohammad AlDhabaan is experienced in handling cases before all levels of the commercial and administrative courts in Saudi Arabia. Saud Al Romi,  former head of the Public Prosecution Office in Tarif Governorate, has notable experience in disputes acting for regional players.

Practice head(s):

Mohammed AlDhabaan; Saud Al Romi


Other key lawyers:

Mostafa Ihab


Key clients

Millennium & Copthorne


Work highlights


  • Representing Millennium & Copthorne Middle East Holdings Limited in its claim before an ad-hoc arbitral tribunal against Makkah Construction & Development Company.

Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal

Derayah LLPC has a market-leading reputation in the dispute resolution area. The firm is well known for its work in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, for example, practice head Andreas Haberbeck is representing F Hoffman La-Roche AG in the attempted liquidation under the 2018 Bankruptcy Regulations of Abdul Latif Banaja and Partners. The team also acts for clients in industries including banking and engineering. Amr Kadi and Hamam Kadi provide additional support.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Haberbeck


Other key lawyers:

Amr Kadi; Hamam Kadi


Testimonials

‘Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal provides excellent and responsive service to its clients’

‘Andreas Haberbeck is highly skilled in explaining the Saudi legal system to those from a common law background.’

‘Amr Kadi provides excellent advocacy skills.’

Key clients

Citicorp Trustee Company Limited


Golden Belt 1 Sukuk Company


F Hoffman-La Roche AG


Work highlights


  • Conducting litigation since 2011 on behalf of Citicorp Trustee Company Ltd and Golden Belt 1 Sukuk Company against Saad Trading and Maan Al Sanea in respect of a default under a sukuk for US$ 650 million.
  • Representing a British engineering company in the bankruptcy proceedings of Al-Aman Modern Energy Co.
  • Representing F Hoffman La-Roche AG in the attempted liquidation under the 2018 Bankruptcy Regulation of Saudi Import Company Abdul Latif Banaja and Partners (SIC), which has admitted debts of US$ 723 million.

Khoshaim & Associates

Khoshaim & Associates has one of the leading litigation and arbitration practices in Saudi Arabia. The firm has a strong client list which includes several large state-owned entities including Saudi Aramco and also acts for multinationals Volvo Truck Corporation and the Sahara International Petrochemical Company. Managing partner Zeyad Khoshaim has recently been kept busy representing various clients in the oil and gas, manufacturing, and financial industries. Abdullah Alajlan provides additional support.

Practice head(s):

Zeyad Khoshaim


Other key lawyers:

Abdullah Alajlan


Testimonials

‘Khoshaim & Associates are a premier Saudi law firm with deep knowledge of the market. They have a perfect mix of local knowledge and an ability to practice at the highest levels internationally. ’

‘Zeyad Khoshaim is a real expert in his field. He is extremely bright, diligent and user-friendly.’

‘The disputes team are very well resourced, and are able to turn work/ advice around quickly. Their advice is always thorough and well presented.’

‘Zeyad Khoshaim and Abdullah Alajlan are excellent.’

‘Zeyad Khoshaim is the best KSA law expert in the Kingdom.’

Key clients

Saudi Aramco


Sahara International Petrochemical Company


Volvo Truck Corporation


Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Co. (SATORP)


Saudi Steel Pipes


Fransi Capital


Abdul Latif Jameel Company Ltd


Banque Saudi Fransi


Tas’helat Marketing Company


Orient Insurance PJSC


Work highlights


  • Acting for the respondent in an ad hoc arbitration in relation to a termination of three security contracts due to breaches by the contractor (the claimant).
  • Acting for the co-clients against 17 Saudi entities concerning disputes arising out of over 20 sales contracts before the Saudi Commercial Court and the Saudi Enforcement Court.

Zamakhchary & Co

Zamakhchary & Co is consistently engaged by major clients. In recent work, the team represented Grant Thornton in a $2.4bn action cross-border action in the commercial courts under the 2018 Insolvency Law procedures. Sarah Gonem, who specialises in commercial litigation, and Abdulatif AlHarthi, who is able to draw on previous experience as a judge, are the practice heads.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Gonem; Abdulatif AlHarthi


Other key lawyers:

Muneerah Alwahbi


Testimonials

‘Sarah Gonem is a real standout member of the firm. Extremely clever, available and easy to work with.’

‘Client service, efficiency, business acumen, depth of knowledge.’

‘They are the best law firm we know in KSA to handle tax litigation.’ 

Key clients

Grant Thornton as liquidator for SICL  and Singularis Holdings Limited


Bugshan Group


Deloitte Touche & Co.


Zain Group


Uber BV and Uber KSA


Limitless


KAFD Company


GE Gas Power


Work highlights


  • Achieved “approved creditor status” in the sum of over USD2,400,000,000 in a final Commercial Court of Appeal award for clients, SICL and Singularis (in liquidation) represented by Grant Thornton, in the Maan AlSanea insolvency.
  • Represented a global power company in a tax dispute worth over SAR1 billion.
  • Objected to White Lands Fees invoices on the client’s land in the sum of over SAR175 million.

Alrubayyi & Attorneys in association with Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP

Alrubayyi & Attorneys in association with Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP is regularly retained by clients in a wide range of industries, including energy, construction, and bankruptcy to handle various disputes. Notably, the firm has a strong competition disputes practice and recently represented the Public Investment Fund and LIV Golf Inc. in litigation against the PGA Tour. Nasser Alrubayyi's practice also includes construction, insurance, and real estate disputes.

Practice head(s):

Nasser Alrubayyi


Testimonials

‘Nasser Alrubayyi is a very sophisticated commercial lawyer/litigator who has broad experience in the inner workings of the Saudi legal system and commercial practices. Having worked within the Kingdom for a number of years, it is rare to find a lawyer with his skill set.’

Key clients

Sumitomo Corporation


Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co.


NMC Health


The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI)


Hassana Investments


Osool Integrated Real Estate


The National Agricultural Development Company


Zahid Tractor & Heavy Machinery Co Ltd


LIV Golf Inc.


Samsung Engineering


Raza Company


Al Rai’adh Company


Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co LLP has a strong practice for dispute resolution, particularly in the areas of insurance and construction. Ben Cowling is head of construction and specialises in construction-related matters and Saud Alsaab is the key point of contact for insurers and reinsurers on complex policy issues and litigated coverage disputes.

Practice head(s):

Abdulaziz Al-Bosaily; Ben Cowling; Saud Alsaab


Testimonials

‘It was a pleasure for our company to work with Saud Al Saab on insurance cases, additionally, the Clyde & Co. team was distinguished and flexible.’

‘The Clyde & Co team has great attention to details and interpersonal skills ’

‘The team is very commercial, easy to work with and friendly. They are very straightforward when it comes to the complexities of KSA law.’

Work highlights


  • Presented a claim under a Property All Risks and Business Interruption Policy for losses in the amount of (SAR 278,227,022) in respect of loss of revenue and wages due to restrictions on travel and lockdown measures, as well as the closure of the insured’s hotel on 5 March 2020, as a result of measures implemented by the KSA government in response to COVID-19.

The Law Firm of Hassan Mahassni

The Law Firm of Hassan Mahassni handles a range of dispute resolution matters and has a track record acting for international companies in matters arising from their entry into Saudi Arabia. Practice head Yousef Husiki is representing Sketchers Inc in multiple trademark litigations against various regional and Saudi Arabian entities. Emad Zahrani is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Yousef Husiki; Emad Zahrani


Testimonials

‘Emad is extremely conversant with KSA law and understands how to be flexible to offer his clients solutions.’

‘Emad is excellent and can communicate easily.’

 

Al Tamimi & Company

Al Tamimi & Company handles disputes before various courts and tribunals in Saudi Arabia. The firm is a popular choice for international companies, including Samsung, Hyundai and Virgin Mobile. Abdullah Al Tamimi leads the firm, he is well experienced in commercial litigation, including cross-border banking disputes and intellectual property infringement. Ahmed Basrawi is the head of litigation, he plays a key role in a wide range of construction, commercial and administrative disputes. Omar Amery is the head of litigation for the Al Khobar practice.

Practice head(s):

Abdullah Al Tamimi; Ahmed Basrawi; Omar Amery


Other key lawyers:

Emad Salameh; Saeed Alqahtani


Testimonials

‘Smart and hard workers.’

‘Holistic approach and teamwork.’

‘Extremely professional and well organized.’

Key clients

Samsung Engineering Company Limited – Saudi Arabian Branch


Branch of Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company Limited


Branch of Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company Limited


Virgin Mobile Saudi Consortium LLC


Morganti Group Inc. (USA)


Arboles Frutales Orero S.L. (Spain)


Al Ghurair Construction & Arabian Aluminium


Saudi Professional League


Awal Bank BSC (Bahrain)


Schneider Electric Company (Saudi Arabia)


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented the Samsung Engineering Company Limited – Saudi Arabian Branch before the Appeal Committee for Resolution of Tax Violations and Disputes in connection with a tax dispute valued above SAR 500 million (including penalties).
  • Successfully represented a branch of Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company Limited before the Appeal Committee for Resolution of Tax Violations and Disputes (“Appeal Committee”) in connection with a tax dispute for the years 2013 and 2014 valued above SAR 208 million (including penalties).

AlGhazzawi & Partners

AlGhazzawi & Partners has an impressive list of Saudi Arabian corporations in its client list, notably Saudi Aramco, Saudi Chevron Philips Co.; Latifa Trading and Contracting Co. The firm specialises in defending multinationals in construction, operations, and contracting disputes. The firm’s Jeddah practice is headed by Belal T Ghazzawi, who is an expert in complex claims against leading Saudi construction companies with a foreign joint venture. Hussam Al Ghazzawi heads the Dammam practice.

Practice head(s):

Belal Ghazzawi, Hussam Ghazzawi


Testimonials

‘What makes the team quite effective from a client’s perspective is the combination of the detailed care and review of the case, coupled with the strategic thinking provided by the team leader and managing partner.’

‘The diversity of the team’s experience and background provides a holistic assessment of the case in question, thereby granting the client an added advantage.’

‘The team is dedicated to the client’s needs and targets. They do their best efforts to provide first-class services to achieve their goals.’

Key clients

Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)


Latifia Trading and Contracting Co.


Saudi Chevron Phillips Co.


Saudi Methanol Co. – Chemanol


Saudi Investment Group and Marketing Co. Ltd.


Arabian Bemco Contracting Co. Ltd.


Baas International Group


Saeed Ghodran Group


Chinese Railways Construction Corpn


INDEVCO, (Napco)


Setcore Arabia Petroleum Services


Work highlights


  • Represented Al-Latifia Trading and Contracting Co. in its dispute JV Specon Drake & Skull JV in regard to subcontract works for the construction of a medical complex in Riyadh with claims and counterclaims in excess of $400m.
  • Represented Baas International Group (BIG) in its dispute with Saudi Railways Company in regard to issues surrounding the long-term lease of dry ports with claims and counterclaims in excess of $100m.
  • Represented Saudi Investment Group and Marketing Group in a real estate dispute involving an area of 18,000 square meters located in a key district of Riyadh with a valuation exceeding $20m.

Hammad & Al-Mehdar Law Firm

Hammad & Al-Mehdar Law Firm is a key port of call for construction-related contractual disputes and has also recently acted in inheritance disputes, often involving real estate, in the role of liquidator and judicial guard. Mohammad Al Mehdar and Adli Hammad lead the Jeddah practice, both are regularly engaged in construction disputes. Ali Al Toukhi leads the Al Khobar practice, and splits his time between there and Dhahran.

Practice head(s):

Mohammed Al-Mehdar; Ali Al Toukhi; Adli Hammad


Testimonials

‘Professional to deal with, respond in a timely manner, produce high quality work.’

‘Ali AlToukhi is very approachable, extremely knowledgeable (not just from a legal perspective, but from an industry and market perspective as well).’

Key clients

Saudi Bauer Foundation Contractors (Bauer)


Carlo Gavazzi Arabia Company Ltd


ALKIFAH Holding Company


Sheraton Hotels


Marc Vermeersch


Assets Protection Company Ltd (Wassim Alkaabour)


Bayader Al Aryaaf Telecommunication Systems Company (BATCO)


Sinohydro Corporation Limited


Nesma Holding Co.


Al Ghurair Construction Aluminium LLC


WSP Global Inc


Work highlights


  • Assigned to act as an official liquidator and judicial guard to represent Ibrahim Al-Afndi’s heirs in front of all government and private bodies.
  • Defended Fakhri in courts in relation to their inheritance, including different cases in several courts such as general, execution, corporate, and personal courts.

BLK Partners

BLK Partners, which is noted for its 'pragmatic approach to resolving issues', handles disputes spanning a range of industries, including insurance, retail and construction. The practice is run by experienced litigators Wissam Hachem and Khulaif Al-Enezee.

Practice head(s):

Wissam Hachem; Khulaif Al-Enezee


Testimonials

‘People are easy to work with, extremely professional and illustrate excellent industry knowledge. They have a pragmatic approach to resolving issues, swift response, and availability makes the practice unique.’

‘Very responsive and accommodating.’

‘Wissam Hachem was a sound legal advisor and a pleasure to work with.’

‘International experience with local reach’

‘Wissam Hachem is exceptional ’

Key clients

Al-Etihad Co-operative Insurance Co.


Work highlights


  • Representing Al-Etihad Co-operative Insurance Co. (paid-up capital of SAR 450 million) in relation to a case against the Saudi Venture Capital Company and the Venture Capital Bahraini Company.

Faisal Adnan Baassiri Law Firm in association with Ashurst LLP

Faisal Adnan Baassiri Law Firm in association with Ashurst LLP acts in a variety of disputes, including real estate, tax disputes and matters concerning the UK High Court. Faisal Adnan Baassiri is the key name.

Practice head(s):

Faisal Baassiri


Testimonials

‘Faisal is the ‘go-to’ expert in matters of Saudi law for any litigation in any jurisdiction or any international arbitration. His research is generally meticulous, his report measured and well-structured, and his presentation of that evidence in the box both attractive and compelling.’

Hourani & Partners

Hourani & Partners acts for a strong client list of international companies and is frequently engaged for disputes with a cross-border nexus. Recently, the firm handled several disputes and investigations in the highly regulated healthcare industry, a shareholder dispute, and a multi-party and multijurisdictional dispute in the manufacturing industry. The practice is led by Amgad Husein and Anas Akel.

Practice head(s):

Amgad Husein; Anas Akel


Other key lawyers:

Rudolf Goldschmidt


Testimonials

‘Amgad Husein and Anas Akel make the practice unique. They are leading lawyers in Saudi Arabia. They are always available, they know our business, and they know the healthcare market.’ 

‘Professionalism, collaboration, promptness, coverage of specialities.’

‘Very professional and available.’

Work highlights


  • Acting for Technip Energies and its subsidiaries in a shareholder dispute involving one of its Saudi Arabian subsidiaries, a joint venture company, against a Saudi Arabian minority shareholder obstructing the regularisation of the joint venture company’s records and constitutional documents.
  • Acting for Zedan Group in a multi-jurisdictional and multi-party dispute against an Italian manufacturing company of steel valves for the O&G industry, including a London-seated LCIA arbitration and as co-counsel in a Milanese Court action.
  • Successfully represented a subsidiary of one of the world’s leading online food delivery groups in a 4 year, multi-billion Euro shareholders dispute under DIFC-LCIA Rules (and related §1782 proceedings in US Federal Courts, subsequent DIAC-related transfer issues to the LCIA) with the tribunal awarding ownership of a leading Saudi tech company to the client.

Shearman & Sterling in association with the Law Firm of Dr. Sultan Almasoud

Shearman & Sterling in association with the Law Firm of Dr. Sultan Almasoud is a strong option for large corporate clients on high-value and complex matters. The firm has an impressive client list, including several clients from heavily regulated industries. The practice is led by Sultan Almasoud, who has an impressive record in corporate and commercial disputes.

Practice head(s):

Sultan Almasoud


Key clients

SNB Capital


Japan Saudi Arabia Methanol Company


PrivatAir Saudi Arabia Company Limited


Alsalam Aerospace Industries Company


Al-Futtaim Group


Enany Group


SETE Saudia Company


Jabal Omar Company


Fakieh Group


Alfouzan Group


Advanced Electronics Company


Rheinmetall AG


Seabed Geosolutions B.V


Investcorp


Bin Dayel Group


Alshahrani Almansour (in collaboration with DLA Piper)

Alshahrani Almansour (in collaboration with DLA Piper) handles disputes arising from everyday issues for large companies, including infringement of trademark rights, bankruptcy and labour issues. Mohammed Al Shahrani leads the Riyadh litigation and arbitration practice; he has extensive experience in acting for local and foreign organisations in commercial disputes, tax disputes, and arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Mohammed Al Shahrani; Andrew Mackenzie


Testimonials

‘A law firm that supports regional businesses on their operations and investments in Saudi Arabia. Their presence in Al Khobar is very helpful. ’

‘Mohammed Al Shahrani has excellent knowledge of local dispute resolution and exclusively handles our local disputes matters.’

Key clients

Ekar Saudi


BAM


IQVIA


Parsons


SNB Bank


Omar Al-Rasheed & Partners Law Firm

Omar Al-Rasheed & Partners Law Firm‘s litigation department conducts a wide range of litigation work for local and regional clients. The firm is led by Omar Alrasheed and Waleed Alkhalaf; the duo recently successfully gained a judgment for their client, Fahad International Company, against the Royal Saudi Naval Forces concerning a supply contract.

Practice head(s):

Omar Alrasheed; Walid Alkhalaf


Other key lawyers:

Fahad Al Rasheed


Testimonials

‘Omar Alrasheed and Waleed Alkhalaf are exceptional and they are often available for consultations and advice even if the issue is not legal. The relationship we have built over the years makes these two partners part of our group, and we trust their input on legal questions.’

‘Very responsive team, personalized service, always on call.’

‘Omar Alrasheed makes you feel that the case is his own. He gives you the feeling that you are in it together.’

‘They have a unique ability to respond efficiently to time sensitive matters, and can typically deploy personnel and resources for complex local and multi-jurisdictional issues across varied practice areas.’

‘Excellent case follow up and litigation practices.’ 

‘Dedication, personal involvement and client care.’ 

‘Omar Alrasheed leads this team with a comprehensive understanding of the economic and commercial infrastructure. ’

‘They care deeply about the cases and often check with us at different stages of the cases to get our inputs.’

Key clients

365 Company


Alam Alk


Alchemist Energy Trading DMCC


Alrashed


Aramex Regional LLC


Armah Sports Company


Al Ameel Company Ltd.


Dar Al Manajim Company |for Mining & Industry Ltd.


Ez Alsahra Holding Company


Fahad International Company (FIC)


Jeyad United for Real Estate Development


MAFAZ International Development Company


Manazel Tameer Company


Musharaka Capital Company


National Environment Recycling Company


Saudi Axiom Telecom


Saudi Makamen Holding Company


Saudi Vetonit Company


Werner Voss & Partner, Architects & Engineers


Work highlights


  • Represented a private joint stock company in the oil and gas sector in a multidimensional stockholder lawsuit relating to allegations of mismanagement and undervaluation of stock.
  • Represented a construction company in the Kingdom in a controversial project that included termination, compensation, and multiple litigations to cover all aspects needed in a construction matter.
  • Represented a REIT in the management of large lease matter with multiple levels of litigation and related organisational complexities that included collection, Covid-19 (force majeure), compensation.