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?

At ADNOC, I’m proud of how we work in lockstep with senior leadership, core business units, and functions. This integrated approach ensures we are well-prepared to handle any challenges, including potential crises. By aligning our strategies across teams, we create a clear vision and maintain operational stability. Within my Legal, Governance and Compliance team, our collaborative efforts drive both innovation and effective results, enabling us to adapt quickly and support our broader business objectives. This integration strengthens our resilience and helps us navigate challenges effectively.

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

We have been involved in several exciting deals recently. We secured a $3 billion green financing facility with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to advance our decarbonisation efforts and support our Net Zero by 2045 goal. Another major development is the Hail and Ghasha Offshore Development project, which aims to achieve net zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2040. Additionally, our $2.2 billion sustainable water supply project with TAQA exemplifies our focus on transforming operations for greater energy efficiency and lower carbon footprints, reinforcing our leading role in the energy transition.

What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in the region over the next 5 years and how are you preparing to address them?

It’s a good question—navigating the rapid transition to cleaner energy, adhering to stricter environmental regulations, and adapting to the evolving global economic and geopolitical climate are among those challenges. Under the leadership of ADNOC’s Managing Director and Group CEO, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, we are addressing these challenges through significant investments in decarbonisation and climate technologies, and we are working to ensure a secure, reliable, and responsible supply of energy to support a just, orderly, and equitable global energy transition.

Embracing technology into our legal processes has been both exciting and transformative. At ADNOC, we are placing innovation and technology at the heart of our operations as we work towards our vision of becoming the world’s most AI-enabled energy company. With the support and direction of our MD & GCEO, we are focusing on how AI can streamline our operations and elevate our strategic capabilities. By automating routine tasks, our team can concentrate on high-value activities like strategic legal advice and risk management. This approach is vital as we navigate rapid business expansion. Our commitment to leveraging advanced technologies—like AI for horizon scanning and data insights—ensures we stay ahead of regulatory changes and enhance both efficiency and compliance.

What are you passionate about?

I love travelling and running. Travelling isn’t just about seeing new places for me; it’s about diving into different cultures and experiences that challenge and inspire me. Each trip is a chance to break out of my routine, learn something new and in doing so grow personally. Running, on the other hand, keeps me grounded and energised. It’s my way of staying fit and clear-headed, which is crucial for maintaining focus and balance in my demanding role. Both passions are essential to how I stay sharp and motivated.