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?

Especially in times of instability or crises, it is important to demonstrate strong leadership skills and partner with the management team. In addition to managing the corporate legal function, I consider it my duty to safeguard the business against new risks. This can be addressed by maintaining a strong regulatory and compliance infrastructure as well as addressing health and safety issues. The legal department needs to be proactive in managing these risks and work closely with the business and management.

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

Advising on the Neom Green Hydrogen Project which will be the largest green hydrogen facility in the world based in Neom, KSA. The project investment value is USD8.4 bn and the project achieved financial close in May 2023. In addition to the Neom Green Hydrogen Project, we advise on other industrial gas opportunities in KSA, UAE, Oman, India and Egypt.

What role does the legal department play in promoting and ensuring corporate social responsibility in your organisation?

The legal department helps shape company culture and corporate decision making as part of compliance and the regulatory function. The legal department needs to ensure expectations are met and needs to be a visible partner for CSR implementation. The legal team is instrumental when it comes to championing the organisation’s values and encourage employees to uphold those standards and expectations. CSR needs to be more than a set of internal policies and regulations. It needs to be lived from the top involving the Board and Chairperson.