Derek McKinley > Latham & Watkins LLP > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Lawyer Profile
Latham & Watkins LLP Offices

ICD Brookfield Place, Level 16
Dubai International Financial Centre
PO BOX 506698, DUBAI
United Arab Emirates
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Derek McKinley

Position
Derek McKinley advises government-related procurers, lenders, and sponsors on all aspects of complex energy and infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia.
Mr. McKinley leverages more than 15 years’ on-the-ground experience in the GCC to provide deep insight into the successful development and execution of projects within the energy and infrastructure sectors, including:
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- Oil and gas, as well as petrochemicals
- Utilities (power, desalination, and wastewater treatment)
- Transport (aviation, ports, rail, and road)
- Social infrastructure (education and healthcare)
He partners with clients’ executive management to quickly triage crisis situations with an eye toward commercially focused advice, extending to both foreign investors and national developers.
Mr. McKinley is a member of the International Project Finance Association’s Middle East chapter and has served on the firm’s Recruiting Committee and First Generation Professionals Committee.
A recognized thought leader, he regularly speaks and writes on energy and infrastructure opportunities and regulations in the Saudi market. Mr. McKinley maintains an active pro bono practice and contributes to a wide range of public issues, including refugee rights and combatting human trafficking, climate change, and female genital mutilation.
Lawyer Rankings
Saudi Arabia > Projects and energy
(Next Generation Partners)With a strong international presence and an expanding footprint in Riyadh, Latham & Watkins LLC is well-positioned to advise on both domestic and cross-border transactions, across sectors such as energy, transport, construction, and digital infrastructure. The team is sought after by major clients to advise on foreign investments, joint ventures, and privatisation matters. The team is co-led by Derek McKinley, a specialist in project acquisitions, privatisation, and operations; Marc Makary, who brings extensive experience in guiding clients through project financing and development ventures; and the ‘exceptional’ Harj Rai.
Saudi Arabia > Real estate and construction
Commended as ‘extremely knowledgeable,’ Latham & Watkins LLC’s key strengths lie in real estate acquisitions, construction, developments, and leasing. Derek McKinley co-leads the team and is often engaged in hospitality, infrastructure, petrochemical, and transportation matters. Marc Makary is well-versed in international project financing, and often advises financial institutions and public sector entities on real estate developments.