Career Biography

Rahaf Alhamwi is a legal professional with a distinguished track record in dispute resolution, compliance, investigations, and anti-fraud. She currently serves as Senior Compliance Specialist within the Investigation and Anti-Fraud Unit of GRC Division at New Murabba Development Company.

Prior to joining New Murabba, Alhamwi worked as a Senior Case Counsel at the SCCA, where she managed 132 arbitration cases with a claim amount value exceeding SAR 60m.

Alhamwi represented the SCCA at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) in the session titled “Regional Perspectives on Cross-border Dispute Resolution.” She presented SCCA and Saudi Arabia’s recent legislative reforms supporting mediation before a distinguished audience that included the Korean Deputy Minister of Justice and delegates from 16 Asia-Pacific states. She was also selected as a panelist at the ICC YAAF event during Riyadh International Disputes Week 2025 (RIDW25), where she discussed mediation and expert determination in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region.

Alhamwi holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London, where she earned a Merit grade for her dissertation titled “Arbitration in Islamic Finance Disputes.” She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb).”

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

From November 2023 to September 2024, I led the Display Prototype Project for the Mukaab Icon, representing the legal department alongside our external legal consultant. The Mukaab is a groundbreaking development set to feature the world’s largest tower atop a spiral base, enclosed within a dome designed to provide fully immersive visitor experiences through advanced visual, acoustic, haptic, and other technological effects. To achieve this, the interior of the dome will be equipped with approximately 400,000 square meters of display technology.

My primary role involved drafting and negotiating a wide range of agreements, including those related to technology, intellectual property, construction, logistics, sponsorship, licensing, and funding. I take pride in having been the youngest member of the team working on one of the most visionary and complex projects in the Kingdom.

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

I am passionate about dispute resolution – especially arbitration – and one of my long-term goals is to help make Saudi Arabia a more arbitration-friendly jurisdiction. I believe that accessible, fair, and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms are crucial to fostering investor confidence and promoting sustainable economic growth.

With seven years of legal experience, including an LL.M. in International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the role arbitration plays in cross-border commerce. During my time as Senior Case Counsel at the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA), I administered over 130 arbitration cases and participated in international dialogues through platforms such as UNCITRAL. These experiences strengthened my commitment to shaping dispute resolution practices that reflect global standards while respecting the unique legal context of Saudi Arabia.

In my current compliance and investigations role within New Murabba, I continue to see how robust dispute resolution frameworks can prevent conflicts from escalating and support business integrity. I’m excited to keep contributing to this field — whether through thought leadership, institutional development, or policy advocacy—as part of the Kingdom’s broader transformation.

Based on your experience, what is the key to collaborating successfully with business partners?

For me, successful collaboration boils down to two main factors: a shared commitment to the project’s timeline and open, good-faith communication. When both parties are aligned on deadlines and take them seriously, it sets a solid foundation for trust and accountability.

As a legal expert, I also believe our role is to be a facilitator – not just a gatekeeper. This means anticipating potential issues early, translating legal complexities into practical guidance, and ensuring everyone is aligned on risk and compliance matters. It’s about being proactive, solution-oriented, and helping business partners move forward with clarity and confidence.

Challenges are inevitable in any project, but when they are addressed through honest dialogue and a collaborative mindset, they often result in stronger working relationships.