What are the most significant cases and/or transactions that you have been involved in over the past year? 

As general counsel, I played a key role in Miahona’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2024, overseeing all legal aspects of the process. This included regulatory compliance, coordination with external legal advisors, due diligence, and contribution to preparation of key disclosure documents. My involvement ensured the successful navigation of complex legal requirements, contributing to a smooth and compliant IPO launch. 

I was also actively involved in the financial close in May 2024 of an iconic project with Saudi Aramco as the client for the development of an industrial Waste Water Treatment plant and a wet oxidation plant. I have contributed with my team to the successful negotiation, documentation, and execution of key legal and commercial agreements. This high-profile transaction required close collaboration with stakeholders, advisors, and regulatory bodies, reflecting my ability to manage complex, large-scale projects in a high-stakes environment. 

I participated with my team in the legal aspects of the financial closing in Q1 2025 of  a project consisting of the development of an Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) with a 32 km transmission effluent system project with the client SWPC. This includes negotiation and finalization of project documents, risk allocation, regulatory compliance, and coordination with stakeholders to ensure a successful close. 

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about, and why?

As general counsel of a leading water infrastructure company, I have developed a deep passion for environmental protection and water conservation. Working in the Middle East — a region facing some of the highest levels of water stress globally — has given me a profound appreciation for the critical importance of sustainable water management. My role goes beyond legal oversight; it aligns closely with the broader mission of ensuring long-term water security and environmental resilience for future generations in compliance with Saudi Vision 2030. 

I am fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team to address the necessity of complying with stringent environmental regulations. In my role as General Counsel, I provide legal guidance on how we can not only meet these regulatory requirements, but also legally support the technical team in their research to innovate and develop projects to deliver technically sound, sustainable solutions.  

What innovations have you made to the way your legal team works in the past year? 

The digitalisation of our legal department has significantly enhanced productivity and operational efficiency. One key lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic was the realization that legal functions can operate effectively with far less reliance on paper, reducing our footprint by preserving our environment. Better access to documents within different departments of the company has resulted in improvement of awareness of the different project related documents, and team efficiency by stimulating better communication between team members on a dedicated platform.  

Embracing digital tools and workflows has not only streamlined document management and collaboration but also reinforced our commitment to more sustainable and agile legal practices. 

What do you think are the key things to remember to motivate and manage the other members of your legal team? 

One key aspect of motivating team members is to provide consistent support by maintaining open and accessible communication. I make it a priority to be available for my team, offering guidance when needed and fostering a collaborative environment. Additionally, I do not hesitate to step in and work alongside them — especially when facing complex matters — coaching them through challenges and reinforcing a team-oriented approach to problem-solving.  

Finally, I actively foster a culture of open communication and collaboration with other disciplines — such as commercial, financial, and technical. I believe that cross-functional alignment is essential to overcoming challenges and is a key driver of overall complex project development success.