Zamakhchary & Co

Tax Partner at Z&Co., Osama Kurdi, explains how establishing a new Tax Disputes & Advisory department at Z&Co. brings new opportunities and improves client service.   What do you see as the main points that differentiate Z&Co. from your competitors? At Z&Co., we combine deep local expertise with international best practices, making us uniquely positioned to navigate Saudi Arabia’s evolving legal landscape. Our team comprises Saudi and internationally qualified lawyers, including former members of the judiciary and Shariah experts, enabling us to deliver tailored, comprehensive advice. From my perspective, a key point of differentiation is that we are the first law firm in Saudi Arabia to have a dedicated tax partner and establish a fully-fledged Tax Disputes & Advisory practice. This reflects our commitment to building specialized expertise in tax law, allowing us to provide clients with focused and highly informed advice on tax, Zakat, VAT, and other tax-related matters. Furthermore, our pioneering work in regulatory drafting and our close interactions with key judicial bodies ensure that we stay ahead of developments, delivering innovative solutions that set us apart from competitors.   Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that? We expect growth across all our practice areas, with a particular focus on tax and commercial and corporate advisory. Our tax practice is set to expand significantly as businesses adapt to the evolving Zakat, VAT, and transfer pricing regulations. Increased enforcement by tax authorities and the growing complexity of compliance requirements are driving demand for specialized advisory and dispute resolution services. We are well-positioned to support clients with tailored solutions in this dynamic environment. In addition, our Commercial and Corporate Advisory practice continues to grow as both local and international businesses seek legal expertise to navigate the rapidly evolving economic landscape under Vision 2030. From structuring cross-border transactions to regulatory compliance and corporate governance, our team provides clients with the tools they need to thrive. Other key areas, such as transactional advisory and regulatory drafting, are also experiencing growth. The surge in foreign investments and the introduction of new regulations are prompting clients to seek comprehensive legal and strategic support. Our ability to combine expertise across these practices ensures that we deliver integrated solutions that address our clients’ diverse needs.   What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients? One of the most impactful changes we’ve made is strengthening our specialized practice areas by expanding our leadership team. This includes adding the first dedicated tax partner in a Saudi law firm and a new partner in our Commercial & Corporate Advisory practice. These additions have significantly enhanced our ability to provide expert guidance in key areas like tax compliance, transactions, and corporate governance. With these enhancements to our team, we are better positioned to deliver specialized, proactive, and innovative solutions tailored to our clients’ business needs.   Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business? We assisted a multinational ride-hailing app in a VAT dispute escalated to the Tax Committees, which came down to the critical issue whether VAT should be charged on the entire trip fare, or only the commission charged by the app. After ZATCA issued an assessment requiring VAT to be charged on the full trip fare (which fundamentally affected our client’s business model), we prepared a comprehensive defense, demonstrating that our client had correctly charged VAT only on its commission. We represented the client before the Tax Committees, at both first instance and appeal levels, presenting robust arguments aligned with Saudi VAT regulations and industry standards. Both the first instance and appeal levels of the Tax Committees ruled in our favour, confirming that our client’s application of VAT had been correct. Not only did this save our client from the additional VAT charges and potential penalties, but it also set a landmark precedent for all apps operating in the gig economy.   Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time? Clients are indeed seeking stability and strategic direction from their legal advisors, especially in the evolving tax and regulatory landscape in Saudi Arabia. They value firms that can provide consistent, reliable advice while adapting to changing laws and business needs. In three years, I see the firm establishing itself as a leader in integrated legal and tax advisory services. This would involve: Investing in technology, such as AI-driven compliance tools, to deliver efficient and precise solutions for clients. Building strategic partnerships with international firms to provide seamless cross-border services, particularly for tax structuring and compliance. Strengthening industry-specific expertise to provide tailored solutions for sectors like technology, energy, and manufacturing, ensuring we remain aligned with clients’ operational and strategic needs. This direction will ensure the firm remains a trusted partner for its clients, providing the stability and forward-thinking strategies they need to navigate the complexities of their businesses effectively.