Representing a diverse range of legal specialities, from corporate to capital markets, this inaugural list shines a spotlight on 12 up-and-coming associates at the nation’s top law firms. These rising stars have worked on the most complex deals, cases, or projects in the Kingdom, and are poised to become the next generation of legal leaders.
Saudi Arabia’s Rising Stars 2025 has been independently selected by the Law Middle East editorial team, based on in-depth market analysis over the past year. It considers each lawyer’s career progression, standout deals, cases, or projects, key clients, industry recognition, and potential for future leadership in the legal sector. It is not ranked, and listed alphabetically, by surname.
Abdulrahman Alangari
Firm: Pinsent Masons Saudi Arabia
Role: Associate
Practice: Corporate, commercial
Office: Riyadh
Abdulrahman Alangari has developed significant expertise in M&A transactions, preparing due diligence reports, SPAs, and SHAs for major deals. Notably, he advised SALIC on its acquisition of 42.4% of NAQUA. Currently, he participates in ongoing acquisitions in the engineering and automotive sectors, along with other industries, while also providing assistance to local investment companies on multi-billion-riyal investments across diverse sectors. He also assists with real estate transactions and the drafting of various commercial agreements. Pinsent Masons Saudi Arabia managing partner, Ibrahim Alajaji, said: “Abdulrahman’s dedication, sharp legal mind, and commitment to excellence set him apart. His ability to navigate complex matters with confidence and precision, along with his leadership skills, makes him a key contributor to Pinsent’s Saudi expansion strategy. We are proud to see his talent and hard work recognised and congratulate him on this well-deserved achievement.”
Omar Alaqib
Firm: Ashurst
Role: Senior associate
Practice: Projects & energy
Office: Riyadh
Omar Alaqib specialises in complex project and energy transactions. He has played a key role in advising on significant projects, including joint ventures for various industrial facilities. His experience includes supporting major entities on corporate and real estate matters, and advising lenders and borrowers on loan facilities. His project experience includes the privatisation of major infrastructure. He contributed to a SAR 2 billion (US$533 million) acquisition in the energy sector and advised on legal aspects of major development projects involving the construction of various facilities. Earlier in his career, he gained substantial experience drafting legal documents and handling diverse claims across multiple legal domains, providing him with a strong foundation in both transactional and dispute resolution matters. Commenting on his inclusion in this year’s list, Alaqib said: “It is rewarding to help shape Saudi Arabia’s future in line with Vision 2030, through my work in project and energy development.”
Bandar Al-Arifi
Firm: Squire Patton Boggs
Role: Associate
Practice: Disputes, restructuring
Office: Riyadh
Bandar Al-Arifi has extensive experience in dispute resolution, having represented clients before Saudi courts and in arbitration proceedings for several years. He has advised clients across various industries, including real estate, corporate, and commercial, handling high-stakes disputes with strategic precision. In addition, he possesses significant expertise in the Saudi bankruptcy regime, demonstrated by his involvement in major restructuring and creditor settlements, such as the SAR 35 billion (US$9.3 billion) Ahmad Hamad Algossaibi & Brothers case and the Pan Gulf Holding Group restructuring, among other high-profile insolvency matters. Al-Arifi also has substantial experience in construction disputes, handling both construction litigation and arbitration. “A safe pair of hands with versatility that allows him to adapt to the complex and special situations that we are known for handling well,” Looaye Al-Akkas, the managing partner of the firm’s Riyadh office, said about him.
Saud AlFantoukh
Firm: Baker McKenzie
Role: Associate
Practice: Real estate, regulatory
Office: Riyadh
Saud AlFantoukh joined Baker McKenzie six years ago as a trainee associate and has since become a key contributor to the firm. He has played an important role in various projects across practices, including supporting the Royal Commission of AlUla in drafting its enacting law and preparing the legal bases and implementation plan for its ten priority projects. He has also been involved in the establishment of another royal commission, which is currently in the process of being set up. AlFantoukh’s core expertise lies in real estate, where he has successfully executed numerous sales and purchase transactions for landmark assets valued at over SAR 5 billion (US$1.3 billion). Additionally, he has advised clients on the implications of real estate regulatory frameworks on their giga projects. Khaled Zowayed, partner and co-head of the real estate and hospitality practice at Baker Mckenzie Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, said: “Saud has really been a star in our team and likes to take initiative and challenge himself with the most complex legal problems that we have to solve—thinking outside the box and finding creative solutions. He is one of our safest pair of hands.”
Meshal Alkolaika
Firm: A&O Shearman
Role: Senior associate
Practice: Corporate
Office: Riyadh
Meshal Alkolaika specialises in Saudi corporate and commercial law across a range of sectors, focusing mainly on joint ventures, private and public M&A transactions, and corporate governance and restructuring. Key transactions he has advised on include: a landmark share exchange involving Rajhi Steel, Rajhi Invest, PIF, Hadeed, and SABIC, which resulted in the creation of a national champion in the Saudi Arabian steel industry; the acquisition of two football clubs as part of a privatisation project of various football clubs in Saudi Arabia; and Luberef’s 2022 IPO. Hosam Ibn Ghaith, managing partner of the firm’s Riyadh office, said: “Meshal is a stellar corporate lawyer. His deep Saudi law expertise, attention to detail, and commercial acumen allow him to effectively lead transactions and provide innovative and pragmatic solutions for our clients. With excellent client care skills as well, he is a remarkably well-rounded lawyer.” Alkolaika added: “I look forward to continuing to grow and contribute to making an impact in the legal profession in Saudi Arabia.”
Ibrahim Al-Mansour
Firm: AS&H Clifford Chance
Role: Senior associate
Practice: Banking & finance
Office: Riyadh
Ibrahim Al-Mansour has built a reputation for his expertise in debt capital markets, derivatives, and structured products, playing a key role in some of the most complex financial transactions in Saudi Arabia. His experience includes advising Al Rajhi Capital in establishing a SAR 10 billion (US$2.7 billion) Additional Tier 1 (AT1) sukuk programme, the first public debt issuance under the OSCO Rules; SAB on the dual-issuance of SAR 3.65 billion (US$973 million) and floating rate SAR 350 million sukuk (US$9.3 million) under its AT1 sukuk programme; and SEC on a SAR 10.3 billion (US$2.75 billion) dual-tranche certificate issuance. “Ibrahim is an exceptional lawyer in the banking & finance sector, demonstrating deep expertise, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients,” said Yasser Al-Hussain, head of banking & finance at AS&H Clifford Chance. “His ability to navigate complex transactions, particularly in debt capital markets and structured products, sets him apart as a rising star in the industry. Ibrahim’s leadership, technical excellence, and dedication make him a valuable asset to our team and a key player in shaping the future of financial services in the region.”
Maymunah Almohaimeed
Firm: Hogan Lovells
Role: Senior associate
Practice: Administrative law, public policy
Office: Riyadh
Maymunah Almohaimeed focuses on administrative law, comparative public policy, and legislative affairs, with a focus on the intersection of law, governance, and emerging technologies. Since 2018, she has been involved in key mandates relevant to Vision 2030, contributing to drafting and amending various laws and regulations, restructuring, and optimising legal departments, and advising on strategic initiatives. Her expertise in law and technology is particularly distinguished. She has worked on developing the Communications and Information Technology Law, advised the Communications, Space & Technology Commission, and provided counsel to key clients on data, platform liability, and the broader regulatory challenges posed by digital transformation. Perhaps one of the most exciting projects for her now is advising the Ministry of Sports and the KSA World Cup 2034 Hosting Higher Authority. Abdulrahman Alrashed, partner at Hogan Lovells’ Riyadh office, stated: “Maymunah is an exceptionally dedicated member of our team, bringing a sharp legal acumen and a forward-thinking approach that sets her apart. I look forward to seeing her continued success and career growth as she supports key clients on world-class matters in the Kingdom.”
Sadeem AlTuraif
Firm: Linklaters
Role: Associate
Practice: Corporate, capital markets
Office: Riyadh
Sadeem Alturaif focuses on capital markets and corporate matters, specialising in IPOs, rights issues, investment funds, and M&A within Saudi Arabia. She has been involved in high-profile IPOs across diverse sectors, including oil & gas, finance, information technology, and human resources. Additionally, she has advised major government-owned companies in establishing private real estate funds and drafting related project documents. In the corporate domain, Alturaif has advised on acquisitions of significant stakes in a regional gas company, a company that provides global network services, and a business incubator. Alturaif has experience in regulatory and legislative matters, having drafted legislation and provided regulatory advice for entities, including the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, the Saudi Data & AI Authority, and Red Sea Global. Linklaters’ Saudi Arabia managing partner, Waleed Rasromani, said: “Sadeem is an outstanding young lawyer, and her hard work and rapid development have been remarkable, playing a key role in some of Linklaters’ most important transactions in the Kingdom. This recognition is well deserved—we are proud to have Sadeem on our team and look forward to seeing her continued growth and success.”
Elaf Al-Wohaibi
Firm: Latham & Watkins
Role: Associate
Practice: Project development, finance
Office: Riyadh
Elaf Al-Wohaibi is recognised for her expertise in project development and finance transactions for both Saudi Arabian and international clients. Her expertise spans a range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, transportation, hospitality, and technology. Al-Wohaibi advises major government and private entities, with previous experience including advising Saudi Aramco, the Saudi Power Procurement Company, and NEOM. She has recently assisted clients including Mubadala Investment Company with matters in the oil & gas sector, and Kingdom Holding Company with matters in the hospitality sector. Latham & Watkins’ regional managing partner and Saudi Arabia practice chair, Salman Al-Sudairi, said: “Congratulations to Elaf on this well-deserved recognition. Her industry knowledge, commercial acumen, and work ethic make her a huge asset to our team—and we are excited to see what she goes on to achieve in the project development and finance world. We take great pride in creating an environment that empowers talents like Elaf to thrive, and we continue to be inspired by the significant contributions they make to the ever-evolving legal landscape in Saudi Arabia.”
Meshaal Alyahya
Firm: King & Spalding
Role: Associate
Practice: Corporate, capital markets, real estate
Office: Riyadh
Meshaal Alyahya focuses on capital markets, real estate, investment funds, and related disputes. He also leverages his in-depth local knowledge to support the firm’s real estate team on large-scale transactions. For example, he advised an asset manager on the conversion of a real estate fund into a REIT. Additionally, he has advised a leading cinema operator in Saudi Arabia with the restructuring of its lease portfolio across the Kingdom, and led a capital markets deal with unusual features including the conversion of debt to equity. “Meshaal’s strong grasp of Saudi Arabian law and practice, particularly in the areas of capital markets and real estate, has made him a valuable contributor to our team and our clients,” said King & Spalding’s Middle East managing partner, Nabil Issa. “His collaborative approach and focus on practical, client-oriented solutions make him a trusted adviser on complex transactions.”
Faris Alzamil
Firm: Kirkland & Ellis
Role: Senior associate
Practice: Public policy, corporate, disputes
Office: Riyadh
Faris Alzamil advises major government entities and corporations on projects and transactions, with a focus on Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives. He advises on legislation and policy development, and steering strategic investment. He also handles complex disputes, achieving favourable outcomes for clients in high-stakes cases. His recent transactions include: advising a major government entity on energy transition and green technologies under Saudi and public international law; advising a fintech company on its cross-border corporate restructuring; and representing a real estate developer in a construction dispute exceeding SAR 500 million (US$133 million). “Faris has been a key asset to our launch in Riyadh, demonstrating the maturity and leadership needed to establish himself as a core member of the team,” said Kamran Bajwa, Kirkland & Ellis’ Middle East head. “His ability to navigate complex regulatory and corporate matters makes him an effective problem solver, allowing him to deliver top-tier legal advice to our clients. Faris’ recognition is a true testament to Kirkland’s strategy and growth in the Middle East since our expansion into the region less than two years ago.”
Husam Azhar
Firm: White & Case
Role: Associate
Practice: Corporate, capital markets
Office: Riyadh
Husam Azhar advises on capital markets, corporate M&A, and corporate governance transactions. He has advised issuers, including Saudi Aramco on its landmark IPO, as well as those of Fakeeh Care Group, Nayifat Finance Company, and Tanmiah. He has also advised the underwriters on the Umm Al Qura, Bin-Dawood Holding Company, and Entaj IPOs. His practice extends to rights issues, accelerated book buildings and public company transactions, including public M&A. Notable transactions include advising Saudi Aramco on its US$11.2 billion secondary public offering, the largest in EMEA since 2000. “Husam is a talented, enterprising, commercially-minded capital markets lawyer whose commitment to the highest standards of client service and team player approach helps clients achieve their key business goals and benefits his White & Case colleagues in Riyadh and more broadly across our firm’s practice in the Middle East,” said Majed Alkuraydis, a partner in the firm’s Riyadh office. “His inclusion in Law Middle East’s ‘Saudi Arabia’s Rising Stars 2025’ is recognition for his many significant contributions.”
This article was first published in the April 2025 print issue of Law Middle East.
