Legal Advisors, Abdulaziz I. Al-Ajlan & Partners in association with Baker & McKenzie Limited specialises in major projects and project financing across multiple regions. The practice displays strong cross-border expertise particularly for projects in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. Its client base includes all major Saudi based banks, government and regional key corporates. Banking and finance specialist Ian Siddell and George Sayen, a corporate and M&A expert, jointly lead the practice. Jeddah-based Basel Barakat specialises in project finance, Islamic finance and contractor finance transactions. Gavin Witcombe focuses on construction. Julie Alexander retired in December 2019.
Projects and energy in Saudi Arabia
Legal Advisors, Abdulaziz I. Al-Ajlan & Partners in association with Baker & McKenzie Limited
Practice head(s):
Ian Siddell; George Sayen
Other key lawyers:
Basel Barakat; Gavin Witcombe
Key clients
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden)
Banque Saudi Fransi
Samba Financial Group / Samba Capital
Saudi Binlandin Group Company Limited
The National Commercial Bank
Arab National Bank
Riyad Bank
ACWA Power International
Al Rahji Banking & Investment Corporation
HSBC Saudi Arabia / The Saudi British Bank
Gulf International Bank / GIB Capital
Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation (APICORP)
Mohammed I. Alsubeaei & Sons Investment Company
Metito
Mowah Co.
Orascom Group
Work highlights
- Acting as Saudi counsel to Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP), The National Commercial Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited as senior debt lenders to Dammam West Company for Water on the independent sewage treatment plant in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Advising a major Saudi Arabian conglomerate in relation to funding facilities aggregating SAR60bn (approximately $16bn) to assist with the construction of multiple significant projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including detailed funding procedures relating to the development of the financed projects.
- Advised on the Navantia JV transaction which involves the construction and sale of naval vessels by Navantia, the Spanish government owned shipbuilder, to the Saudi Ministry of Defence, along with related after-sales support, localisation and technology transfer arrangements.
The Law Office of Megren M. Al-Shaalan in cooperation with White & Case
The Law Office of Megren M. Al-Shaalan in cooperation with White & Case has a leading project development and finance practice. It has been actively involved in high-profile projects in various sectors including mining, water, power, oil and gas. Doug Peel recently acted on a number of high-value transactions and has particular experience handling IPOs. Adam Pierson has a strong background advising government entities and corporates on privatisation, particularly in the water sector. Riyadh-based Alec Johnson and Ivan Paskal are also key names to note.
Practice head(s):
Doug Peel; Adam Pierson; Antoine Cousin; Ivan Paskal; Alec Johnson; Ibrahim Bakhurji
Key clients
Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden)
National Water Company (NWC)s
Water & Electricity Company (WEC)
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
National Commercial Bank (NCB)
DP World
Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC)
USAID / Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Jordan
Work highlights
- Represented Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) on the conversion of project loans to Ma’aden Rolling Company (MRC), a joint venture between Ma’aden and Alcoa Corporation, into new shares in Ma’aden, and the associated restructuring of MRC.
- Advising Water & Electricity Company on three greenfield water and wastewater treatment plant PPPs: the Dammam Sewage Treatment Plant PPP (which reached financial close in May 2020); the Jeddah Sewage Treatment Plant PPP, and the Taif Water Field Project Sewage Treatment Plant PPP.
- Advising Saudi Aramco in connection with the multimillion-dollar Jazan Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) project.
Alshahrani Almansour (in collaboration with DLA Piper)
Alshahrani Almansour (in collaboration with DLA Piper) has a team of 'outstanding professionals' that are 'dedicated' and 'proactive'. The practice has energy and projects specialists with particular expertise advising government bodies on water and power projects. It also displays strong PPP expertise and is increasingly advising on innovative renewable energy projects. Trevor Butcher heads the practice and advises on a mix of power and water projects, major transport infrastructure and other PPP schemes. Robert Harker and Keith Bullen are 'extremely knowledgeable' and 'approachable'.
Practice head(s):
Trevor Butcher
Other key lawyers:
Robert Harker; Keith Bullen
Testimonials
‘Track record in delivering power and utilities deals in KSA for the public sector’.
‘Rob Harker and Keith Bullen – extremely knowledgeable, approachable with clear advice and guidance ’.
‘Various track record on the Client side as well as Developer side advisor.’
‘Outstanding professionals in EPC and Project finance review’.
‘A team dedicated to its client any day any time. Pro-active with unparalleled knowledge of their market’.
Key clients
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources (“MEIM”)
Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC)
Al Kifah Holding Company
Work highlights
- Advised Al Kifah Holding Company on its bid proposal for the Saudi Aramco procured Dhahran Core Area Parking Structure PPP in Saudi Arabia on a build, own, operate and transfer basis to develop a parking structure and fitted food court.
- Advised MEIM on the 400MW Dumat Al Jandal wind project which is part of round one of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP).
- Advised Saudi Water Partnership Company on Rabigh 3 IWP which was the first standalone water desalination projects in Saudi Arabia to be procured on an IWP basis.
Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal
Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal is an independent law firm that regularly acts as local counsel on large-scale project finance mandates alongside international law firms. The practice has expertise advising on renewable energy and water projects. Practice head Ali Abedi specialises in asset and project finance, and cross-border joint ventures. Associate Dana Halwani is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Ali Abedi
Other key lawyers:
Dana Halwani
Key clients
Marubeni Corporation
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company
Orascom
Metito
ACWA Power
Marafiq
Work highlights
- Acting for Marubeni Corporation and the UAE-based Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) on their bid for the planned Marjan cogeneration independent steam and power plant (ISPP) and Tanajib desalination plant.
- Advised the consortium that Saudi Arabia’s Water & Electricity Company (“WEC”) selected as preferred bidder for the planned Dammam West independent sewage treatment plant (ISTP).
- Advising ACWA Power as it leads a consortium with Saudi Brothers Commercial Company (SBCC), in its successful signing of senior financing and hedging agreements for the $700m Rabigh-3 IWP.
Faisal Adnan Baassiri Law Firm in association with Ashurst LLP
Faisal Adnan Baassiri Law Firm in association with Ashurst LLP is recognised for its expertise in complex cross-border transactions. It is well-established in the healthcare, education, utilities, oil & gas, entertainment and social accommodation sectors. Riyadh-based Bilal Rana specialises in project finance including Islamic finance transactions. Managing partner of the Jeddah office Faisal Baassiri is another key individual to note and displays expertise in Shari'ah-compliant financing transactions. David Charlier has significant experience advising lenders on energy and infrastructure projects.
Practice head(s):
David Charlier; Bilal Rana
Other key lawyers:
Faisal Baassiri
Key clients
Ajyad Knowledge (a Vision Invest subsidiary)
Metro Jeddah Company
Ministry of Health
Alfanar
Alvest
Riyadh Development Authority
FCC Aqualia
Haji Abdullah Alireza & Company
Qiddiya Utilities lenders
SAGO Privatisation lenders
Asyad Holding Group
National Centre of Privatization
Red Sea Gateway Terminal
Work highlights
- Advising the lenders in relation to a project to develop, finance, construct, operate and maintain all utility assets for the Qiddiya giga project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Advising the lenders to the successful Raha AlSafi Consortium awarded the privatisation of Saudi Grains Organisation Milling Company.
- Advising the consortium of Asyad Group and Lamar Holding W.L.L. on the shari’ah-compliant project financing of the East-West Pipeline Compounds PPP project to engineer, build, operate and maintain housing compounds across six locations in Saudi Arabia, which is being procured by Saudi Aramco.
Law Firm of Hassan Mahassni In association with Dechert LLP
Law Firm of Hassan Mahassni In association with Dechert LLP is experienced in handling major projects relating to renewable energy, transport infrastructure and supply systems. Legal consultant Atif Mulla heads the practice and advises on financing, corporate and commercial, and contentious matters with a particular focus on construction, engineering and infrastructure.
Practice head(s):
Atif Mulla
Other key lawyers:
Emad Zahrani
Key clients
SEPCO III Electric Power Construction Corporation Saudi Branch
POSCO E&C Saudi Arabia
Power Cogeneration Plant Company
Work highlights
- Advised Axia Power Holdings B.V., JGC Corporation and Al-Jomaih Holding Company in relation to a major project financing arrangement for the Saudi Aramco power cogeneration projects in Abqaiq, Hawiyah and Ras Tanura.
- Acting for a well-known Korean Company in a JV company with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) (the sovereign fund of Saudi Arabia) in $900m Madinah Hajj City Project for the construction of residential, commercial, office complex, along with the service utilities and transportation station including five Hotels Buildings.
- Advising SEPCO III Electric Power Construction Corporation Saudi Branch (“SEPCO III”) for Yanbu III Power Project, in its role as the EPC Contractor for the Project.
King & Spalding in Affiliation With the Law Office of Mohammad Al-Ammar
King & Spalding in Affiliation With the Law Office of Mohammad Al-Ammar advises clients in a wide range of sectors including petrochemical, renewables, infrastructure and utilities. It has particular expertise advising on district cooling projects and has been involved in a number of high-profile projects. Its client base features leading Saudi companies and large multinationals. Practice head Tim M. Burbury has in-depth knowledge of the infrastructure sector and specialises in PPP projects.
Practice head(s):
Tim M. Burbury
Key clients
Sadara Chemical Company
Vision Invest
Jeddah Economic Company
Saudi Tabreed
Miahona
Misk Foundation¸ under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
ENGIE
Compañía Española de Petróleos (CEPSA)
Mubadala Investment Company
Electricity de France (EDF)
Veolia
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company
JERA
ADQ
Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
Miral
Marubeni
Work highlights
- Advised EDF and Masdar on the development and financing of the 400 MW Dumat Wind IPP in Saudi Arabia, the first project financed Wind IPP in the Kingdom.
- Advising the consortium of power developers, Masdar, Vision Invest, ENGIE, in relation to the EPC contract and associated project agreements with PowerChina for 14 renewable energy plants in one sitting.
- Advising Misk Foundation in Saudi Arabia on the procurement on a BOT basis of a district cooling provider for the 4.77 million square metre Misk City Development.
Law Office of Mohanned bin Saud Al-Rasheed in association with Baker Botts L.L.P.
Law Office of Mohanned bin Saud Al-Rasheed in association with Baker Botts L.L.P. has a strong presence in the projects, energy and natural resources space. The practice advises governments, national oil and gas companies and utility companies. A key area of growth has been the increasing number of mandates received from government-owned entities on infrastructure and M&A mandates in the oil and gas sector. Shadi Haroon has notable experience advising energy clients on corporate and M&A transactions.
Practice head(s):
Mohanned Bin Saud Al-Rasheed; Shadi Haroon; Stephen Matthews
Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi in association with Latham & Watkins LLP
Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi in association with Latham & Watkins LLP has a wealth of experience advising sponsors on large-scale projects. Its key clients also include domestic and international banks. Practice head Salman Al-Sudairi and counsel Amar N Meher are recommended.
Practice head(s):
Salman Al-Sudairi
Other key lawyers:
Amar N. Meher
Abuhimed Alsheikh Alhagbani Law Firm (AS&H) in co-operation with Clifford Chance
Abuhimed Alsheikh Alhagbani Law Firm (AS&H) in co-operation with Clifford Chance advises on project finance mandates across the region. The team is led by Yasser Al-Hussain who is experienced in project finance, particularly in the water sector.
Practice head(s):
Yasser Al-Hussain
Al Tamimi & Company
Al Tamimi & Company frequently acts as local counsel on major projects across a variety of sectors including power and transmission, water and waste, oil and gas, rail and transport. The practice advises a wide spectrum of clients from government and project finance lenders, to sponsors and consortiums. Grahame Nelson heads the projects team in Al Khobar and Hesham Al-Homoud handles corporate structuring matters.
Practice head(s):
Grahame Nelson; Hesham Al Homoud
Other key lawyers:
Rafiq Jaffer
Key clients
Public Investment Fund
Ministry of Health
The Red Sea Development Company
EY
Amaala Project
AT Kearney
ACWA Power
Work highlights
- Advising the Ministry of Health on the Al-Iman Hospital PPP project.
Jones Day in association with Ebrahim Alhabardi Law Office
Jones Day in association with Ebrahim Alhabardi Law Office has a strong international presence in the natural resources and infrastructure space. Senior of counsel Edward H. Rose heads the practice and has expertise advising on refinery, petrochemical, and heavy industrial projects. Javade Chaudhri has experience assisting private and public-sector companies in transactions and projects.
Practice head(s):
Edward H. Rose
Other key lawyers:
Javade Chaudhri
Work highlights
- Advised the consortium of sponsors on the project close and financial close of the Jeddah Airport 2 Independent Sewage Treatment Plant Project located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Khoshaim & Associates
Khoshaim & Associates has an established presence in the energy and projects space. Practice head Karim Wali has significant experience advising on project finance matters and has a strong background in the oil and gas sector.
Practice head(s):
Karim Wali
The Law Office of Looaye M. Al-Akkas in Association with Vinson & Elkins LLP
The Law Office of Looaye M. Al-Akkas in Association with Vinson & Elkins LLP's projects team is led by Looaye Al-Akkas who focuses on advising government entities on energy projects. The team is also highly experienced in oil and gas projects.
Practice head(s):
Looaye Al-Akkas
Saud Al-Ammari (Dr.) Law Firm
Saud Al-Ammari (Dr.) Law Firm advises on a range of corporate, commercial and financing matters. The team is led by Saud Al-Ammari who has in-depth oil and gas sector knowledge and experience.
Practice head(s):
Saud Al-Ammari