How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

I learned it by the hard way! your legal strategy needs to be proactive, aligned with the business strategy, and designed to keep the organisation not just afloat but moving forward. Here’s my structured approach:

Get ahead of the risk — starting by identifying potential issues, such as supply chain disruptions or sudden regulatory changes, legal audits are your friend to spot weaknesses before they escalate. It’s crucial not only to know what could go wrong but also to have contingency plans in place, which allow for quick, effective responses when challenges arise.

Stay tight with compliance — ensure you are up-to-date with the latest regulations could impact your business. This is especially critical when new laws or emergency measures are flying in fast. You need to keep your ear to the ground. The last thing you need during a crisis is a compliance failure. Review your operations, contracts, and everything in between to ensure you are on the right side of the law, no matter how much things change.

Master contract management — if a crisis hits and contracts become impossible to fulfil, look to your force majeure clauses. They can provide the legal cover you need to pause or renegotiate obligations. Wherever possible, avoid the courtroom. Let’s negotiate, don’t litigate.

Keep everyone in the loop — make sure your team is constantly in touch with other departments. They need to know the latest legal developments so they can adjust their strategies on the fly. Regulators, investors, and other stakeholders don’t like surprises—especially during a crisis. Keep them informed to manage expectations and maintain trust. You have to stay transparent externally.

Align with the big picture — your legal guidance should be more than just risk avoidance; it should help steer the company’s broader strategy. Whether it is pivoting the business model or entering new markets, ensure the company isn’t just surviving the crisis but is also set up to thrive in its aftermath. You need to build resilience and provide strategic legal advice.

Leverage technology — during a crisis, efficiency is key. Legal tech can help you manage contracts, compliance, and communications more effectively. Employ data analytics for risk prediction and decision-making. It is all about staying one step ahead.

Learn and adapt — once the dust settles, take a hard look at what worked and what didn’t. Use these insights to refine your legal strategies for the future. Based on what you have learned, update your governance and legal policies. This ensures you’re even better prepared for whatever comes next.

What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?

The KDIPA legal team has played a key role in significant achievements, including attracting KWD 195.37 million in new inward investments, raising Kuwait’s total approved investments to KWD 1.47 billion. This success was achieved through collaboration with other business units and active participation in global forums like WAIPA to advance Kuwait’s economic diplomacy. The team also developed risk management strategies to ensure compliance with FDI laws and enhance Kuwait’s appeal to investors. Additionally, they I led digital transformation initiatives by conducting Legal Technology workshops for KDIPA’s team. On the regulatory side, we are providing substantial tax relief for Investment Entities, further improving Kuwait’s investment climate. The real credit for these achievements belongs to the outstanding KDIPA legal team. Reem A. AlShaya’s leadership as director of legal affairs and Hanan H. Ashkanani’s insights in the advisory and legal opinion section have been pivotal. Every team member’s hard work has made a significant impact. I’m proud to be part of such a talented team.

What is a topic of business (or otherwise) that you are passionate about?

The intersection of Economic Zones, Offset Programs, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). These sectors blend legal frameworks with economic strategy, presenting a unique mix of challenges and opportunities. The goal here is to create environments that not only attract investment but also drive industrial growth and spur innovation, all while threading the needle between local laws and international standards. PPPs, in particular, raise the stakes—they demand careful navigation of risk-sharing, contract management, and long-term planning. This isn’t just about ticking legal boxes; it is about strategic execution, crafting frameworks that encourage business, safeguard public interests, and deliver tangible value. It is a dynamic space where corporate governance, economic policy, and legal tech converge, and that’s what makes it so compelling.