Baker McKenzie dominates the projects and energy market with a market-leading practice that handles mega project financing mandates across the region. Under the leadership of Ian Siddell who has a solid background in Islamic financing, the group is active in project development and financing across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Dubai and Qatar. Within the team, Jeddah-based Basel Barakat specialises in contractor finance transactions and joint ventures; Fatima Alhasan splits her time between Bahrain and Riyadh, and Gavin Witcombe focuses on construction.
Projects and energy in Saudi Arabia
Legal Advisors, Abdulaziz I. Al-Ajlan & Partners in association
Practice head(s):
Ian Siddell; George Sayen
Other key lawyers:
Basel Barakat; Fatima Alhasan; Gavin Witcombe
Key clients
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) and related companies
Banque Saudi Fransi
Khair Inorganic Chemical Industries Company (InoChem)
Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited
The National Commercial Bank / NCB Capital
Arab National Bank
Riyad Bank
ACWA Power International
Al Rahji Banking and Investment Corporation
HSBC Saudi Arabia/The Saudi British Bank (SABB)
The Saudi Investment Bank
Gulf International Bank B.S.C. / GIB Capital
Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP)
Ministry of Finance
ABC Islamic Bank (E.C.)
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 (the “Project Company”) in relation to the development and financing, of an independent sewage treatment plant in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Advising a major Saudi Arabian conglomerate in relation to funding facilities aggregating approximately $16bn to assist with the construction of multiple significant projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Providing on-going advice to Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited (SBG) on construction aspects of the Jeddah Tower Project.
Faisal Adnan Baassiri Law Firm in association with Ashurst LLP
Faisal Adnan Baassiri Law Firm in association with Ashurst LLP advises on complex project-related transactions across the Middle East and excels in PPP, procurement, and project financing matters; it also handles privatisation work. The group is jointly led by Bilal Rana in Riyadh and Jeddah-based managing partner Faisal Adnan Baassiri; the duo handles a steady stream of shariah-compliant transactions and acquisitions of milling companies for lenders. David Charlier is recommended for advising lenders on energy projects.
Practice head(s):
Faisal Baassiri; Bilal Rana; David Charlier
Other key lawyers:
Grant Batten
Testimonials
‘High quality output and availability of the team.’
‘David Charlier is a sensible and practical hands-on partner. Grant Batten is an exceptional senior associate.’
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
- Advised the sponsor consortium comprising of Ajyad Knowledge and Al Bawani on the development and project financing of 60 schools as part of TBC’s Schools Infrastructure Programme — Wave 1 project in Saudi Arabia.
- 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 commercial lenders on the Marubeni-led project financing for the development, design, financing, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the Tanajib IPP, a new cogeneration independent steam and power plant.
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 continues to be instructed on major deals in the Saudi energy market for leading clients including Saudi Aramco. The team advises on multimillion-dollar matters and has strength in the mining, power, and oil and gas sectors. Doug Peel is the head of the Middle Eastern practice group and advises on project transactions alongside Adam Pierson. Riyadh-based Ivan Paskal and Alec Johnson are also key names to note.
Practice head(s):
Doug Peel; Adam Pierson; Antoine Cousin; Ivan Paskal; Alec Johnson; Ibrahim Bakhurji; Din Eshanov
Key clients
Saudi Arabian Oil Company
Saudi Arabian Mining Company
Saudi Power Procurement Company
Saudi Water Partnership Company
National Water Company
Water & Electricity Company
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
National Commercial Bank
Saline Water Conversion Corporation
USAID / Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Jordan
Matarat Holding
Work highlights
- Acted for The Red Sea Development Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, The Public Investment Fund, on the signing of key finance documents for Phase One of The Red Sea Project, the revolutionary tourism giga project currently under development on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.
- Advised Saudi Aramco in its US$12.4 billion sale of a 49% equity stake in Aramco Oil Pipelines Company to a consortium led by EIG Global Energy Partners.
- Advising Saudi Aramco on the $12bn Jazan Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) project.
Alshahrani Almansour (in collaboration with DLA Piper)
Alshahrani Almansour (in collaboration with DLA Piper) has a solid track record acting in landmark projects across the GCC region and is instructed by various government entities on water and power as well as renewable energy projects. The team is led by Trevor Butcher in Dubai who is the overall head of the finance and projects practice in the Middle East. Keith Bullen has notable expertise in PPP projects.
Practice head(s):
Trevor Butcher
Other key lawyers:
Keith Bullen
Key clients
Saudi Water Partnership Company
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources
Work highlights
- Advised Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources (“MEIM”) on the procurement of 1,500MW of renewable energy across 6 sites in Round 2 of the NREP and a further 1,200MW of renewable energy across 4 sites in Round 3 of the NREP.
- Advised Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) (Previously Water & Electricity Company) on the first standalone desalination plants in Saudi Arabia to be procured on an IWP basis; The Rabigh 3 IWP.
- Advised Saudi Water Partnership Company on the procurement of the: 150,000 cm/d Buraydah 2 ISTP.
Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal
Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal is active across the petrochemicals and energy industry with strength in large-scale project financing mandates. Led by Jeddah-based Ali Abedi, the team is the first choice of Saudi counsel for international law firms and handles cross-border joint ventures, developments, and privatisations. Dana Halwani was promoted to the partnership and is recommended for project-related litigation. Andreas Haberbeck is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Al Raha Al Safi Food Company
Work highlights
- Acted for Al Raha Al Safi Food Company on the transfer of one of the largest milling sectors which has been privatised.
Law Firm of Hassan Mahassni
Law Firm of Hassan Mahassni has a well-established projects and energy practice group with a focus on high-value project construction matters in the power, wind, and solar areas. Emad Zahrani is the main contact overseeing the group alongside legal consultant Atif Mulla. The team advises on financing, development, and operational matters for leading Saudi companies.
Practice head(s):
Atif Mulla; Emad Zahrani; Faisal A. Linjawy
Work highlights
- Acting for a well-known Korean Company in a JV company with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) (the sovereign fund of Saudi Arabia) in the Saudi Riyals 3.37 billion (USD 900 million) 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 for Yanbu III Power Project, in its role as the EPC cAontractor 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 has expertise advising on major utilities, infrastructure and petrochemicals projects across the Middle East, and is highlighted for its representation of Japanese and Korean clients. Led by Tim Burbury in Abu Dhabi, the group also advises on large-scale Saudi and Emirati PPPs and solar projects. Robin Bayley handles project financing transactions.
Practice head(s):
Tim Burbury
Other key lawyers:
Robin Bayley
Key clients
NEOM
Mubadala Investment Company
ENGIE
Electricity de France (EDF)
Sadara Chemical Company (joint venture of Saudi Aramco and Dow Chemical)
Vision Invest
Veolia
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar
JERA
Miahona
Misk Foundatio
ADQ
Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
Miral
Work highlights
- Advised NEOM on all of its construction program since inception.
- Advised the consortium of power developers in relation to the Concession, EPC and O&M and associated project finance agreements with PowerChina for 14 renewable energy plants in one sitting.
- Advised Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation (MiSK) on the procurement on a BOT basis of a district cooling provider for the 4.77 million square metre MiSK City Development.
Mohammed Al-Ghamdi Law Firm in association with Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
Mohammed Al-Ghamdi Law Firm in association with Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP has a strong practice with activity across the renewable energy, social infrastructure and PPP sectors. The group has particular expertise in handling water, power, and petrochemical projects across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman. Overseen by Robin Balmer who splits his time between Dubai and Riyadh, the practice advises on conventional and shariah-compliant project finance and developments, as well as energy transition strategies and green initiatives.
Practice head(s):
Robin Balmer
Key clients
ACWA Power
Banque Saudi Fransi
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
International Finance Corporation
Alinma Bank
MUFG Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
Riyad Bank
Marafiq
National Commercial Bank
Al Rajhi Bank
APICORP
ACWA Power Bank
Al Bilad Saudi Tabreed
Arab National Bank
Boubyan Bank
Work highlights
- Advised the National Commercial Bank as senior lender to a consortium comprising The Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (Marafiq), AlAmwal AlKhaleejiah AlThaniya and Veolia Middle East on the shariah-compliant financing and project documentation for the Jeddah airport independent sewage treatment plant.
- Advised the Senior Lenders and Equity Lenders of ACWA Power in respect of the development and financing (both conventional and Islamic) related aspects of the 900MW photovoltaic fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
- Advised on Wave 1 of the Schools Infrastructure Development Public Private Partnership Programme, acting as legal advisers to senior and equity bridge lenders ; Banque Saudi Fransi, SABB, Alinma Bank and Riyad Bank.
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. excels in LNG and natural resources projects; it also handles a steady stream of project financing mandates for a regional roster of clients. The team has seen an increase in instructions on government-sponsored projects across the oil and gas space. Shadi Haroon co-heads the team alongside Stephen Matthews who splits his time between Dubai and Riyadh. Hanan Easa advises on the corporate aspects of energy deals.
Practice head(s):
Shadi Haroon
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Matthews; Hanan Easa
Key clients
Sempra LNG
Mott MacDonald
Work highlights
- Advising Sempra on the marketing of LNG from the project, including the negotiation of a long-term LNG sale and purchase agreement with Saudi Aramco.
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 experience advising sponsors and lenders on large-scale projects work and is led by Salman Al-Sudairi.
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 financing matters, particularly in the water sector, and is overseen by banking partner Yasser Al-Hussain in Riyadh.
Practice head(s):
Yasser Al-Hussain
Al Tamimi & Company
Al Tamimi & Company’s energy practice is led by corporate partner Grahame Nelson in A-Khobar and handles project financing matters for clients in the water, oil and gas, and social infrastructure space. Hesham Al-Homoud who leads the corporate restructuring team is recommended for market entry and incorporation advice to foreign energy companies.
Practice head(s):
Grahame Nelson
Other key lawyers:
Hesham Al-Homoud
Jones Day in association with Ebrahim Alhabardi Law Office
Overseen from Al-Khobar by Edward Rose, the projects team at Jones Day in association with Ebrahim Alhabardi Law Office handles energy and infrastructure projects with particular expertise in the oil and gas (petrochemicals and LNG), renewable energy (wind and solar), and transportation fields. The team leverages its global footprint to handle cross-border work. Yusuf Giansiracusa in Riyadh is recommended for transactional matters.
Practice head(s):
Edward Rose
Other key lawyers:
Yusuf Giansiracusa
Key clients
Consortium of Marafiq, Amwal and Veolia for the development of the Jeddah A2 ISTP
Saudi Aramco
Saudi Chevron Phillips
Sadara Chemical Company
Luberef
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium of sponsors on the project and financial close of the Jeddah Airport 2 Independent Sewage Treatment Plant Project located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Advised a consortium of sponsors on the negotiation and signing of an investment and operations agreement for the management of a new industrial port, located in Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Khoshaim & Associates
Khoshaim & Associates has a well-regarded projects team handling contractual work, Islamic financing and PPP projects. Head of the project financing practice Karim Wali acts for lenders and borrowers on project-related transactions, whilst Zeyad Khoshaim advises energy companies, including Saudi Aramco on mergers and joint ventures.
Practice head(s):
Zeyad Khoshaim; Karim Wali
Key clients
Tatweer Buildings Company
Banque Saudi Fransi
Saudi Aramco
Riyad Bank
Saudi British Bank
Saudi National Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Banque Saudi Fransi, Riyad Bank, Saudi British Bank and Saudi National Bank on acting as Mandated Lead Arrangers.
- Advised Saudi Aramco on its 50/50 joint venture with Baker Hughes to establish an industrial project that will develop a broad range of non-metallic products for multiple applications in the energy sector.
- Advised Tatweer Buildings Company on bids under the RFP, and then drafted and negotiated with the selected bidder the PPP Project Agreement which is governed by Saudi Arabian Law.