Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal > Riyadh, Saudi Arabia > Firm Profile

Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal
PO BOX 36553
RIYADH 11393
Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal offers the full suite of dispute services, with expertise in the banking, capital market, corporate, shipping and insurance sectors. The team is also well-equipped to advise on government contract claims, agencies and distributorships. Practice head Andreas Haberbeck is renowned for his ability ‘to translate the intricacies of the Saudi Arabian legal system’. Haberbeck is strengthened by Amr Kari, a former Saudi Arabian Judge, who brings experience in large-scale litigation, with particular expertise in sukuk-related cases. Additionally, Hamam Kadi brings further knowledge with his experience litigating before Saudi courts and other judicial bodies.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Haberbeck

Other key lawyers:

Amr Kadi; Hamam Kadi

Testimonials

‘They are an excellent independent local firm which has no affiliation with an international player.’

‘Amr Kadi stands out – he is very strong technically and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Having utilised the services of several legal practices in Saudi Arabia, Derayah LLPC stands out above the crowd. The partners and associates are responsive, knowledgeable and provide sound and succinct advice which assist greatly in the navigation of what at times can appear to be a complicated jurisdiction.’

‘ Andreas Haberback – Vast experience in many dispute resolution matters allows him to provide calm guidance. Always has a grasp of the facts of the case even where they have been long running. Very personable and approachable. Hamam Kadi – always displays complete knowledge of the legal process and court procedures which is very reassuring. ’

‘Andreas Haberbeck is my contact there. He is a superb lawyer. He has a quick and agile mind and produces rapid and accurate legal and tactical advice. He has vast experience in both the English and Saudi Arabian legal systems. This is a key point of differentiation for me. He can translate the intricacies of the Saudi Arabian legal system in a manner, which I can readily understand. Through Andreas, I have worked with two of his colleagues. Both of them were quick, accurate and very easy people with whom to interact professionally.’

‘This practice provides our team with excellent advice and responsive service. They are particularly strong in explaining an unfamiliar legal system to our international team.’

‘Andreas Haberbeck & Amr Kadi are both excellent advisers. We very much appreciate their dedicated service.’

Key clients

Citicorp Trustee Company Limited

Golden Belt 1 Sukuk Company

F Hoffman-La Roche AG

Saudi National Bank (ex-SAMBA Financial Group)

Work highlights

  • Conducting litigation in Saudi Arabia 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.
  • Represented a British engineering company in the bankruptcy proceedings of Al-Aman Modern Energy Co.
  • Between 2013 and 2021 provided expert evidence on Saudi Arabian law to SAMBA Financial Group (now Saudi National Bank – SNB) in English High Court proceedings brought by the liquidators of Saad Investments Company (SICL), in connection with a claim for US$ 318 million, which ended successfully with a landmark Supreme Court ruling in December 2023.

Saudi Arabia > Banking and finance Tier 2

Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal acts on complex and high-profile banking and finance transactions, bringing broad sector expertise to its clients. The team is most notably proficient in Islamic and project financing, PPPs, and governmental and export credit agency finance transactions. Led by Ali Abedi , a specialist in cross-border asset and project finance transactions, the practice has been further strengthened by the addition of Basel Barakat, who joined from Baker McKenzie Law Firm in early 2024.

Practice head(s):

Ali Abedi

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The Derayah team is versatile and available to cover most legal topics that arise in various jurisdictions in the GCC.’

‘It is generally a very high quality team both in terms of availability and consistency of its legal advice.’

‘Ali Abedi stands out.’

Key clients

Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited

Citigroup, Inc.

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

Riyad Bank

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

Apicorp

Al Majal Al Arabi Group Company

Tamasuk Holding Company

Warba Bank

ACWA Power

Work highlights

  • Advising in connection with the transformation program involving the recapitalization plans of Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited.
  • Advising the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in connection with a syndicated loan of $11 billion (SAR 41.25 billion) to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for funding a budget deficit.
  • Advising Tamasuk Holding Company in relation to its financing arrangements for two clusters of the NEOM Construction Village, a 10,000-worker accommodation camp, providing facilities for the labourers who will be involved in the construction, planning and execution of the NEOM Project over a 10-year period.

Saudi Arabia > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal‘s corporate and commercial practice, primarily based in the firm's Jeddah office, handles a diverse range of matters, including legal due diligence, competition law, joint ventures, market entry, business expansion, and commercial contracts. Asad Abedi leads the team and is well-positioned to act on complex M&A and cross-border joint ventures. Co-head Ali Abedi, who is also accomplished at cross-border joint ventures, has deep experience in the energy, utilities and infrastructure sectors, while co-head Dana Halwani is praised for her ability to provide ‘accurate and practical solutions‘. Andreas Haberback, Abdulaziz Alsulmy and Jamal Farsi provide further corporate support.

Practice head(s):

Asad Abedi; Ali Abedi; Dana Halwani

Other key lawyers:

Andreas Haberbeck; Abdulaziz Alsulmy; Jamal Farsi

Testimonials

‘We have always entrusted this firm with important work. Specifically, the team consisting of Andreas Haberbeck, Abdulaziz Alsulmy and Jamal Farsi is excellent. They always respond to our requests with the highest level of work.’

‘The amount of knowledge that Abdulaziz Alsulmy has is tremendous. He does thorough research on every question and offers perspectives that we may not be aware of. I must also mention the excellent work of Jamal Farsi. He is always quick to respond and very sharp.’

‘Practical advice, very responsive to requests, show excellent local knowledge, and have excellent English communication skills.’

‘Dana Halwani is very responsive. She has fantastic English skills and provides accurate and practical solutions.’

 

Key clients

Adnan Sundra & Low

BAGS Grain Handels GmbH

Tamasuk Holding Company

Al Majal Al Arabi Group Company

Work highlights

  • Assisting BAGS Grain Handels GmbH in the incorporation of a single-shareholder foreign owned limited liability company in Saudi Arabia.
  • Advising Al Majal Al Arabi Group Company in relation to corporate matters in connection with two clusters of the NEOM Construction Village, a 10,000-worker accommodation camp, providing facilities for the labourers who will be involved in the construction, planning and execution of the NEOM Project over a 10-year period.
  • Advising Tamasuk Holding Company in relation to corporate matters in connection with two clusters of the NEOM Construction Village, a 10,000-worker accommodation camp, providing facilities for the labourers who will be involved in the construction, planning and execution of the NEOM Project over a 10-year period.

Saudi Arabia > Projects and energy Tier 2

With an established local presence in Saudi Arabia, Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal’s projects and energy team excels in advising lenders and borrowers on complex and precedent-setting project financings. The team is well equipped to serve domestic and international clients, guiding them on local regulatory requirements in a variety of sectors. The team is helmed by Ali Abedi, who specialises in privatisation, joint ventures and project finance. The team’s reach was extended with the arrival of Jeddah-based Basel Barakat from Baker McKenzie Law Firm. Barakat joined the team in early 2024, contributing his expertise in traditional financing and structuring services for project developers. Dana Halwani also comes recommended for projects and energy-related disputes.

Practice head(s):

Ali Abedi

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The Derayah team is versatile and available to cover most legal topics that arise in various jurisdictions in the KSA. It is also generally a very high quality team both in terms of availability and consistency of its legal advice.’

‘Ali Abedi stands out.’

Key clients

Tamasuk Holding Company

Al Majal Al Arabi Group Company

Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited

Riyad Bank

Apicorp

Saudi National Bank

Warba Bank

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

Work highlights

  • Advising Tamasuk Holding Company concerning its financing arrangements for two clusters of the NEOM Construction Village.
  • Advising Al Majal Al Arabi Group Company concerning its financing arrangements for two clusters of the NEOM Construction Village.
  • Advising Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited concerning its multi-option Islamic financing facilities relating to the construction of King Saud University and its amendments.