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

Over the past few years, I have been honoured to bring my international experience and advisory services to a range of sectors in Saudi Arabia.

I have advised and supported the Chairman of the Board on governance matters, including board structure, the formation of board committees, the appointment of the external auditor, the annual report, and new regulations relating to directors’ remuneration, among other issues.

I advised the Steering Committee on the organisation’s corporate strategy and helped establish the roles and responsibilities of the Board Secretariat. I also enhanced board documentation and reviewed the charters of various committees. In addition, I reviewed and developed the organisation’s Delegation of Authority Matrix, along with its broader corporate governance framework and policies.

Finally, I have been committed to training and mentoring junior colleagues, ensuring knowledge transfer and capacity building within the team.

Which political, economic or regulatory changes have impacted your work the most in the past year?  

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant and rapid economic and regulatory changes, which have collectively reshaped the job market, making it more diversified, competitive, and inclusive. At the same time, these changes have presented both challenges and opportunities for employers and employees.

One of the key regulatory changes was the Cabinet Resolution No. 92, dated 24/1/1446, which approved the Guidance Manual for the Governance of Public Entities. This manual aims to promote and highlight the concept of governance across all public entities, unify it, and enhance the application of its key principles and practices in a manner that aligns with their mandates, responsibilities, and the nature of their work. This is consistent with the Kingdom’s broader regulations and policies, which aim to increase the efficiency of public spending, achieve optimal use of resources, and reduce financial waste in the national budget.

Another key development has been the regulatory changes surrounding women’s empowerment and workforce participation. Saudi Arabia has implemented a series of regulatory reforms aimed at increasing women’s participation in the workforce, including granting women the right to drive in 2018, which facilitated their mobility and access to employment opportunities. The Kingdom has also relaxed restrictions on women working in various sectors, including retail and the military, contributing to a rise in female employment. These changes have had a significant impact on the labour market by increasing the participation of women, with various industries benefiting from a more diverse workforce.

Additionally, the nationalisation of jobs through the Saudisation programme (Nitaqat) has led to changes in hiring practices, with businesses being incentivised to hire local talent, which has impacted both employment opportunities for Saudis and the overall workforce composition. The Saudi Labour Reform Initiative, introduced in 2021, allows for more flexibility for foreign workers, including the ability for workers to switch employers without needing the consent of their current employer, as well as greater freedom regarding mobility and contract terms. This reform has impacted the labour market by empowering workers and offering more choices to foreign employees.

Furthermore, the Kingdom has introduced reforms to employment contracts, ensuring that workers have clearer agreements and better protections. This includes standardising contracts and ensuring that employers meet certain conditions for worker treatment, which has contributed to improved worker satisfaction and a more stable labour market in Saudi Arabia.

On the economic side, the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan and its focus on economic diversification have led to the emergence of new job opportunities, particularly in sectors like information technology, renewable energy, and entertainment, creating a demand for skilled workers. Saudi Arabia has also focused on embracing technology and innovation to modernise its economy, which has led to the promotion of startups and tech entrepreneurship as part of the Vision 2030 agenda. This focus on the digital economy has encouraged more young people to enter the workforce in areas such as IT, software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity.

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

I am very keen on elevating the knowledge, understanding, and practices of Compliance and Governance in the private and public sectors in Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, I am passionate about influencing and empowering Saudi women in the workplace, encouraging them to aim for and qualify for executive positions and take on leadership roles. I achieve this through mentoring and coaching fresh graduates and junior lawyers within the organisation and in public settings, sharing knowledge and experience through ongoing training and leading by example.