Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer expands Riyadh team with regulatory and public policy partner

Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer announced today that Abdullah Al‑Obaid has joined the firm as a partner establishing a Regulatory and Public Policy practice, based in Riyadh.

Abdullah joins the firm from AS&H Clifford Chance in Riyadh. Prior to that, he spent almost four years at the National Centre for Privatisation & PPP (NCP) where he advised on the procurement of high-profile privatisation and public-private partnership (PPP) projects as well as on regulatory development, including policy drafting and legislative work.

Abdullah has extensive experience advising on legislative and regulatory matters, including the drafting and review of laws, regulations, implementing regulations, rules, policies, and guidance manuals. He has advised government entities and private sector participants on a broad range of regulatory and privatisation projects that support Saudi Vision 2030.

During his time at the NCP, Abdullah participated in the drafting of the Private Sector Participation Law (Privatisation and PPP Law), its Implementing Regulations, related rules and manuals, and other key legislative and regulatory frameworks governing private sector participation in the Kingdom. He also played a key role in the development and procurement of high-profile privatisation and PPP projects across multiple sectors.

Sarosh Mewawalla, Co-Managing Partner for the Middle East, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, said: “Abdullah will be a great addition to our Riyadh office and Middle East team. He brings deep experience in privatisation and PPP matters and a strong network of relationships in the Saudi market. These will enhance the support we provide to clients on projects in the region."

Martin Kavanagh, Regional Head of Projects, Energy and Infrastructure (PEI) (UK and EMEA), Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, said: “Abdullah's broad corporate and regulatory experience across the projects and project finance space will strengthen our PEI capabilities in the Middle East as well as globally. A warm welcome to Abdullah."

Commenting on his appointment, Abdullah said: “Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer distinguishes itself with its extensive global platform, highly experienced projects, construction and project finance team in Riyadh and its commitment to innovation and excellence in client service. I look forward to supporting our clients in delivering some of the most important regulatory, public policy, privatisation and infrastructure projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it continues its ambitious transformation agenda.”

Abdullah's arrival in Riyadh demonstrates the firm's continued investment in its Middle East platform, following Mohammed Al Eshaikh who joined as a Corporate partner in September 2025.

The Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer team in the Middle East provides corporate, finance, projects, construction and real estate advice to clients, and helps to resolve disputes involving energy & infrastructure, TMT, construction and corporate commercial matters. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer operates from offices in Riyadh and Dubai with a team of around 40 lawyers. The firm has advised international and regional clients on Middle East matters for over 40 years.