The Legal 500 > Europe, Middle East & Africa > Saudi Arabia > Projects and energy

Legal Advisors, Abdulaziz I. Al-Ajlan & Partners in association with Baker & McKenzie Limited advises sponsors and lenders on major infrastructure projects in the region. Practice co-head Ian Siddell advised Ma'aden Wa'ad Al Shamal Phosphate Company and its sponsors on the development of a $7.9bn phosphate fertilizer production project. Fellow co-head George Sayen assisted Spanish government-owned shipbuilder Navantia with its construction of naval vessels for the Saudi Ministry of Defence. Basel Barakat is another key figure; he advised Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited on the construction of the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh. Julie Alexander and Gavin Witcombe are also highly recommended.

For some, Adam Pierson at The Law Office of Megren M. Al-Shaalan in cooperation with White & Case is the 'go-to lawyer for Saudi projects' and recently advised Saudi Aramco on its $1.1bn financing of a residential camp. He leads the team alongside Doug Peel, who has extensive experience in energy and infrastructure projects, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

The 'excellent' and 'highly professional' DLA Piper in collaboration with Amer Al Amr Law Firm has 'state of the art knowledge of the energy field' and is 'always up to date regarding crucial developments'. Dubai-based Trevor Butcher leads the team; he advised Saudi Water Partnership Company on a number of water desalination projects. Keith Bullen, who is also based in Dubai, is '100% aware of trends in the region and important developments' and 'willing to adapt to new requests by the client'. He assisted Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources with a $400m solar power project.

Law Firm of Hassan Mahassni In association with Dechert LLP has a track record handling major projects relating to renewable energy, transport infrastructure and supply systems. Practice head Emad Zahrani advised a sponsor on the Madinah Hajj City Project. He also assisted Sepco3 with its role as engineering, procurement and construction contractor on the Yanbu water and power project.

Hatem Abbas Ghazzawi & Co. frequently acts as local counsel on major project finance mandates involving international law firms without an affiliate office in Riyadh. In recent work, practice head Ali Abedi, alongside Covington & Burling LLP, assisted Acwa Power with the development and financing of Saudi Arabia’s first renewable energy project . Associate Dana Halwani, who regularly works alongside Abedi, is also noted.

King & Spalding in affiliation with the Law Office of Mohammad Al-Ammar is a popular choice for big-ticket energy and infrastructure projects within the region. Testament to this was Abu-Dhabi-based Tim Burbury's advice to Jeddah Economic Company on the procurement and development of district cooling services, power supply and potable water for Jeddah Economic City development, a project which includes the construction of planned skyscraper, Jeddah Tower, which is set to be the world's first 1km building. The team has been strengthened by the addition of power project specialist Robin Bayley, who joined from Shearman & Sterling LLP and is also based in Abu Dhabi.

Al Tamimi & Company has seen an uptick in instructions to handle high-profile projects in the areas of real estate and tourism but also has a strong background in projects involving oil and gas, infrastructure,  healthcare, water and waste. Practice head Grahame Nelson is highly skilled in project finance, particularly regarding public-private-partnerships. Bahrain-based Rafiq Jaffer also specialises in project finance.

Jones Day in association with Ebrahim Alhabardi Law Office advises on oil and gas, renewable energy and water treatment projects in the region. Javade Chaudhri leads the practice and has extensive experience of the oil and gas sector. Other notable names include Yusuf Giansiracusa and of counsel Edward Rose, who are both experienced in infrastructure projects. The team also draws upon its international network, with Dubai-based Nadim Khan, who focuses on project finance, another key name.

Khoshaim & Associates in cooperation with Allen & Overy LLP's practice is led by Karim Wali, who has a strong track record in advising on project finance mandates, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The team draws upon its international network with Dubai-based Julian Johansen another notable name.

The Law Office of Looaye M. Al-Akkas in Association with Vinson & Elkins LLP has a strong track record handling oil and gas projects. Looaye Al-Akkas is the key name to note; he frequently advises public bodies on major energy projects in the region.