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Supporting one-of-its-kind ‘megaproject’ King Abdullah Economic City, general counsel Hani Gharbawi is in a unique position, particularly given his broad remit of responsibility. ‘The type of work the team is exposed to is unprecedented, as we build a city from the grounds up’, he says. ‘On a daily basis, the team covers legal advice on contractual matters and general compliance with legal and capital market rules for areas ranging from a sea port, to an industrial valley, housing developments, schools, a new college, a hotel, retail and utilities. Team members also participate in drafting policies and regulations that govern these areas and many others, while coordinating efforts amongst various functions within the group’. Gharbawi has recently rejoined KAEC, having previously worked for them in 2008, only three years following the City’s conception, when he established, what is now an eight-strong legal team, largely from scratch. ‘I am very proud to have compiled a team of lawyers who are highly skilled and very well coordinated’. Since he returned to the project in 2013, he has spearheaded steps to streamline processes and bring more legal work in-house. ‘Our team is also zealously attending court hearings to protect the groups interests’, he says. ‘It is better equipped than external counsel, to participate in drafting agreements, operational issues, and technical discussions with our engineers’. During his break from KAEC, Gharbawi took a wide-reaching legal, strategic and executive involvement in developing King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, situated 20km away from the city. Both projects, Gharbawi explains, hold both professional and personal significance to him. ‘The most memorable achievement for me is my leading role in drafting the formation documents for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’, he says. ‘The discussions leading to the final draft approved by the Saudi Arabia’s highest authority involved very complex legal and political strategic planning. The well-celebrated KAUST is the dream of the late King Abdullah and being part of realising that dream meant the world to me. Being able to serve the Kingdom through KAUST and KAEC in more than one career station is a most honourable blessing of mine’.