Litigation
Our bilingual litigation team represents Saudi and international clients in complex, high-value and cross-border disputes across the Kingdom. Our experience includes significant contractual and commercial disputes involving substantial financial and strategic interests. We bring together strong advocacy, knowledge of Saudi law and commercial judgement to navigate complex proceedings and pursue favorable outcomes for our clients.
Our experience extends across all levels of the Saudi judicial system, including the Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Combining a strong understanding of Sharia principles with extensive knowledge of Saudi law and judicial practice, we provide clients with clear insight into how courts may approach legal issues, the procedural and substantive challenges that may arise, and the potential implications of proceedings. Our insight into Saudi judicial practice allows us to identify potential challenges early, shape appropriate litigation strategies, and provide clear, strategic guidance throughout the proceedings.
We develop litigation strategies that reflect each case's legal merits while considering our clients’ commercial and strategic priorities. Our team brings together experienced Saudi and internationally qualified lawyers with substantial experience in complex disputes before the Kingdom’s courts. Combining rigorous legal analysis, effective advocacy and practical judgement, we focus on protecting our clients’ interests and pursuing positive outcomes.
Relevant Experience
Our litigation team, led by Managing Partner Mr Saleh Almoghairy, combines extensive experience in Saudi law and judicial practice with a strategic, commercially focused approach to dispute resolution. We develop litigation strategies tailored to each matter, drawing on our understanding of the Kingdom’s legal and judicial landscape. Our team has represented clients in over 1,000 cases before the Saudi Administrative Courts and has acted in significant, complex and high-value disputes, where we have achieved favorable outcomes including:
- Acted for a prominent public figure in a capital markets dispute valued in excess of USD 100 million.
- Represented a client in a complex commercial transaction dispute valued at approximately USD 80 million. Our strategy combined detailed legal analysis with a clear understanding of the commercial issues at stake, enabling us to pursue an approach aligned with the client’s broader objectives.
- Assisted a client in major real estate disputes with an aggregate value exceeding USD 3 billion.
- Acted for clients in disputes concerning White Land Tax assessments, involving claims valued in excess of USD 150 million.
Arbitration
A&M represents Saudi and international clients in complex domestic and international arbitrations arising from commercial, construction, and investment matters. Our experience includes proceedings conducted under the rules of leading arbitral institutions, including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA). We provide strategic guidance throughout the arbitration process, from early case assessment and procedural strategy through to the resolution of disputes.
We also advise foreign investors and international businesses across key sectors, including construction, energy, real estate, technology, and financial services, on arbitration-related matters in the Kingdom. Our work includes advising on dispute resolution provisions, contractual issues, and disputes arising from significant commercial and investment arrangements.
Our arbitration practice is further strengthened by the thought leadership of our Partner, Mr Ahmed Alawaji, author of the Thomson Reuters Practical Law UK Practice Note, Arbitration Awards and Challenges in Saudi Arabia. The publication reflects our team’s knowledge of Saudi arbitration law and its practical application, including the requirements governing arbitral awards and the framework for challenging awards before the Saudi courts.
Relevant Experience
Our arbitration experience spans the full lifecycle of a dispute, from early case assessment and procedural strategy development through to written submissions, hearings, and the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards. At each stage, we combine rigorous legal analysis with strategic planning and clear communication, while remaining focused on our clients’ commercial priorities and minimising disruption to their business. Some examples are listed below:
- Achieved a favorable outcome for a client in an ICC construction arbitration involving approximately USD 50 million in dispute and complex contractual and project-related issues.
- Secured a favorable outcome for a client in a construction arbitration involving approximately USD 30 million in dispute.
- Acted successfully for a client in an SCCA construction arbitration involving approximately USD 10 million in dispute.
Real Estate
A&M advises Saudi and international clients on complex, high-value real estate matters throughout the Kingdom. Our experience spans acquisitions, development and investment matters, real estate transactions, land-related matters, and contractual and regulatory issues. We act for businesses, institutional investors, developers, and high-net-worth individuals, providing practical advice on structuring transactions, navigating regulatory requirements, and addressing legal and commercial risks.
Our litigation team has substantial experience in significant real estate disputes before the Saudi courts, including matters involving ownership, development, contractual rights, and other property-related claims. We advise clients throughout the dispute process, from early assessment and strategy through negotiation, court proceedings, and resolution, with a focus on protecting their legal and commercial interests.
Relevant Experience
Our real estate experience includes significant transactions, developments, and disputes across the Kingdom, including:
- Acted for a client in a real estate matter valued in excess of USD 130 million, concluding the matter on terms that protected the client’s legal and commercial interests.
- Secured a favorable result for a client in a dispute concerning White Land Fees assessments valued in excess of USD 450 million, following proceedings before the competent Saudi courts.
- Advised and represented clients on real estate matters across the commercial, residential, and industrial sectors, with an aggregate value exceeding USD 1 billion.
- Advised and represented clients on real estate, mortgage, and related contractual matters with an aggregate value exceeding USD 4 billion.
- Advised clients on major real estate development matters, including development contracts, financing arrangements, mortgages, and custody-related matters, as well as regulatory and land-use requirements, transaction structuring, Sharia-compliant arrangements, and complex negotiations involving Saudi and international stakeholders.
- Acted on international hospitality-related mortgage and contractual matters valued in excess of USD 130 million.
Inheritance
A&M advises individuals, families, and high-net-worth clients on complex inheritance, succession, and estate matters. Our experience encompasses estate planning, succession arrangements, estate administration and distribution, and disputes among heirs. We provide clear and practical guidance on sensitive matters involving significant assets, taking into account the legal, financial, and family considerations involved.
Our team advises in accordance with applicable Saudi laws and Sharia principles, with discretion, sound judgment, and strict confidentiality. We tailor our approach to each client’s circumstances, focusing on preserving estate assets, addressing potential disputes, and facilitating the effective administration and distribution of estates.
Relevant Experience
- Acted in a complex royal inheritance matter spanning Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, involving assets valued at over USD 2 billion.
- Handled a significant royal inheritance matter involving assets valued at over USD 200 million.
- Managed the liquidation of a significant inheritance estate valued in excess of USD 250 million.
Banking & Finance
A&M advises financial institutions, businesses, and investors on a broad range of banking and finance matters in Saudi Arabia. Our capabilities encompass transactional financing, lending arrangements, security structures, debt restructurings, regulatory requirements, and disputes arising from financial arrangements.
Drawing on our knowledge of Saudi banking and finance laws and regulations, we advise clients on transaction structures, documentation, regulatory requirements, and associated legal and contractual risks. Our team works with banks, financial institutions, and corporate clients throughout the financing process, from structuring and documentation through implementation.
We also advise on disputes arising from banking and financial arrangements, assessing the legal and commercial issues and developing strategies tailored to the circumstances of each matter, with a focus on protecting our clients’ financial and commercial interests.
Commercial & Corporate
A&M’s Corporate & Commercial practice advises Saudi and international businesses on transactional, operational, and corporate matters. Our experience includes advising a leading multinational company on establishing its regional headquarters in Riyadh, including the legal and corporate structuring requirements for its establishment and operations in the Kingdom.
Our capabilities span corporate structuring and establishment, transactions, reorganizations and restructurings, joint ventures, shareholder arrangements, governance, and regulatory compliance. We also advise on business acquisitions and disposals, commercial agreements, distribution and franchise arrangements, and internal corporate policies.
Drawing on our knowledge of Saudi corporate and commercial law and the wider regulatory landscape, we advise clients throughout the development, negotiation, and implementation of corporate transactions and commercial arrangements, providing practical guidance tailored to their commercial objectives and the circumstances of each matter.
Relevant Experience
Our Corporate & Commercial practice advises Saudi and international clients across key sectors, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and energy. Our team includes Saudi and internationally qualified lawyers with experience in complex corporate and commercial matters, including domestic and cross-border arrangements. Representative matters include:
- Advised on share purchase agreements (SPAs), business acquisitions, and disposals.
- Conducted legal due diligence (LDD) in connection with corporate and commercial transactions.
- Advised on joint venture arrangements, from developing the commercial framework to preparing and negotiating term sheets and shareholders’ agreements.
- Advised on corporate governance frameworks and policies.
- Established Saudi and foreign-owned business entities in the Kingdom and advised on associated corporate requirements.
- Prepared and reviewed founding and constitutional agreements.
- Prepared and reviewed sponsorship agreements.
- Advised on the preparation, negotiation, and contractual framework of a wide range of commercial arrangements.
- Advised on business transactions and related corporate and commercial matters.
Construction & FIDIC
A&M provides legal support to clients operating across the construction sector, drawing on the capabilities of our corporate, commercial and dispute resolution practices. Our team has experience advising on FIDIC-based contracts and combines knowledge of Saudi law with an understanding of the contractual and commercial issues that arise on construction projects in the Kingdom. We advise on project-related agreements, contractual matters, and disputes, helping clients identify and address legal risks while protecting their commercial interests throughout a project.
Our team combines knowledge of Saudi law with an understanding of the contractual and commercial issues arising in the construction sector. We provide practical guidance on contract interpretation, project-related risks, subcontractor matters, and regulatory considerations. This allows us to identify emerging challenges early and develop practical responses tailored to each matter. Throughout a project or dispute, we prioritize safeguarding the client’s contractual position and broader commercial objectives.
Relevant Experience
- Reviewed and advised on various FIDIC-based construction contracts for ECEC in connection with major projects in the Kingdom.
- Reviewed construction and project-related contracts for companies undertaking projects for the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and private-sector clients.
- Advised ECEC on joint venture arrangements with international consultants in connection with giga-projects in the Kingdom, including the review of related contractual arrangements.
Digital & Data
A&M advises businesses on legal and regulatory matters arising from the evolving digital economy. Our capabilities include data protection and privacy, cybersecurity, technology transactions, e-commerce, and digital compliance. We help clients navigate the legal requirements governing the use, management, and protection of data and technology, while taking into account their operational and commercial priorities.
We provide practical guidance on digital and regulatory requirements, helping clients assess legal risks, strengthen compliance frameworks, and establish appropriate safeguards for their digital activities. We advise organizations across sectors, including financial services, healthcare, retail, and technology, providing advice that reflects the regulatory, commercial, and operational considerations relevant to each client.
Tax
A&M advises businesses and individuals on a range of Saudi tax matters, including corporate income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), Excise Tax, and Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT). Our practice combines legal analysis with practical insight into interpreting and applying the Kingdom’s tax framework.
Our tax capability is strengthened by our Managing Partner, Mr Saleh Almoghairy, who previously served at the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) as Supervisor of the Policies and Legislation Department and Head of Tax Treaties. His work included tax treaties, tax evasion matters, Excise Tax, and the formulation and revision of tax implementing regulations.
This background provides our team with valuable insight into tax-related legal and regulatory matters. We advise clients on tax issues and represent them in disputes and proceedings involving ZATCA and before the General Secretariat for Tax Committees (GSTC).
Relevant Experience
Our tax experience includes:
- Represented clients in settlement negotiations with ZATCA concerning outstanding Zakat and tax liabilities.
- Represented clients in proceedings before the GSTC involving ZATCA.
- Advised clients on complex legal and regulatory matters arising within the Saudi tax framework.
- Defended clients in Zakat and tax evasion matters involving ZATCA and in proceedings before the GSTC.
- Participated in negotiations concerning tax treaties.
- Worked on matters involving tax evasion and Excise Tax.
- Contributed to the formulation and revision of tax implementing regulations.
Capital Markets
A&M advises and represents clients on legal and regulatory matters arising in the Saudi capital markets, including securities-related disputes and contentious regulatory matters. Our team combines knowledge of the applicable Saudi legal and regulatory framework with experience handling significant matters involving individuals, public figures, and companies.
Our lawyers regularly act in matters before the Committee for Resolution of Securities Disputes (CRSD), advising clients from the early assessment of a dispute through to resolution. Our work encompasses preparing claims and responses, addressing regulatory inquiries, representing clients at hearings, and conducting negotiations. We develop strategies tailored to the circumstances of each matter, with a focus on protecting our clients’ legal, financial, commercial, and reputational interests.
Relevant Experience
Our capital markets experience includes:
- Acted for a prominent public figure in a capital markets dispute valued at over SAR 400 million, concluding the matter on terms that protected the client’s financial and reputational interests.
- Represented clients in proceedings before the Committee for Resolution of Securities Disputes (CRSD) in a dispute valued at approximately SAR 400 million, concluding the matter on terms that protected the clients’ financial and commercial interests.
- Handled and litigated securities disputes involving related corporate, real estate, and labor matters, addressing interconnected legal and commercial issues arising across these areas.
Sports Law
A&M advises clients in the sports sector on legal, commercial, and regulatory matters. Our services include strategic legal advice, sports-related contracts, commercial arrangements, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.
Our team advises on agreements relating to sporting events, service providers, sponsorships, and other commercial arrangements, as well as contractual and regulatory issues arising in the sports sector. We combine knowledge of Saudi law and regulation with an understanding of the commercial considerations relevant to the industry, helping clients manage risk and protect their legal and commercial interests.
Relevant Experience
Our experience in the Saudi sports sector includes:
- Advised the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) on commercial, contractual, and regulatory matters, including the review and interpretation of agreements relating to major sporting events, service providers, and commercial arrangements.
- Advised on sports-related contracts and agreements, including the assessment of contractual rights, obligations, and associated legal risks.
- Provided strategic guidance on regulatory and dispute-related matters arising in connection with sporting and commercial arrangements.
White-Collar Crime
A&M advises and represents clients in complex white-collar, financial, and economic crime matters in the Kingdom. Our experience encompasses fraud, embezzlement, bribery, money laundering, and other financial offenses, with careful consideration of the legal and commercial implications involved.
Our team provides strategic advice from initial assessment through investigations and related proceedings, analyzing the legal and factual circumstances, identifying potential risks, and developing strategies appropriate to each matter. Given the sensitive nature of white-collar matters, we act with discretion, sound judgment, and strict confidentiality, focusing on protecting our clients’ legal, financial, and reputational interests.
