---

Tell me about your background.

I am an Engineer with a dual master’s in project management from the University of Warwick and an LLM in Construction Law from Robert Gordon University. I come from a planning background, having moved to the dispute resolution field, where I provide delay and disruption analysis, planning and contract advice, arbitration support, and expert services.

I also hold other certifications, such as the MRICS, MCIArb, and PMP. Most of my career has been in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (my birthplace), focusing on oil and gas, infrastructure, hospitality, and other major capital projects.

Describe a typical week in your role.

A typical week at work is like a whirlwind adventure! I dive into solving challenges for my clients through deep analysis, crafting reports, and juggling meetings that keep things exciting, especially depending on the commissions I’m handling.

My work involves a lot of travel. It’s all about connecting with people from all walks of life, generally across different cities in KSA. I like interacting with clients, collaborating with project teams, and chatting with legal pros as we dig into the details, present our arguments, and negotiate settlements. It’s incredibly rewarding to help navigate complex issues and uncover practical, fair solutions. Every week brings something new, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

How do you and your team contribute to the growth of Saudi?

I was born and raised in Dammam/Khobar, Saudi Arabia – the home of the world’s largest oil company, Saudi Aramco. I grew up in the city where oil was first discovered in Saudi Arabia; therefore, my connection with Saudi Aramco has always been special. It was special for me to work on some major Saudi Aramco projects, particularly Sadara Chemical Company, one of the world’s largest petrochemical plants ever to be built. My role was during the plant’s construction, where I was a lead planning engineer for the construction and commissioning works. I thoroughly enjoyed my role as I built a thoroughly integrated commissioning and start-up systems-based schedule.

I am fortunate to work on major PIF projects such as NEOM, Red Sea, Diriyah, and KAFD. Generally, my role is to lead the HKA teams in providing solutions for our clients related to contractual, delay, and project control issues. We had strong teams, particularly from our KSA office, that assisted me in the project’s delay, disruption, quantum, and contractual analysis.

Through these initiatives and our work, we contribute not just to the success of individual projects but also to Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation into a thriving, diversified economy.

In your opinion, what makes HKA a standout employer?

HKA stands out as an employer for several reasons. What I really appreciate about HKA is the flexibility it gives me to work according to my schedule. It helps me plan my day, which often helps me spend time with my family as needed. The daily flexibility often allows me to pick up my kids from school, which, as a young parent, are priceless moments. Overall, it is a two-way trust that is established between me and HKA’s leadership, which means that you would complete a job if you are needed while on vacation and have the liberty to work in accordance with your own schedule, while the pressure is not so high.

In addition, our KSA team makes HKA a great place to work. Our close-knit team of 25 people in KSA includes people from 11 different nationalities who complement each other. HKA KSA has a wonderful team in KSA.

Everyone has brilliant complementary characteristics, and I learn something from everyone. Husam Gawish, for example, is very easy to talk to, and although he is quite senior to me, he is like a long-lost friend of mine out of college. He is an incredible KSA team leader, making it very easy to work with him! Tim Whealy, on the other hand, exemplifies discipline. Collaborating with him for a few days reveals his remarkable approach and dedication. His influence is profound; simply spending time with him imparts valuable lessons.

What are your passions outside of the office?

Outside of work, I’m passionate about both cars and football. I spend a lot of my free time exploring new cars and staying updated with the latest automotive trends. I’ve been fortunate to own some really good cars, especially living in KSA, which is popular for its obsession with cars. It’s a hobby that helps me detox while also allowing me to connect with fellow enthusiasts. I also participate in local car meets and occasionally help friends with DIY projects, which is always a rewarding challenge.

Football is another major interest of mine. I am a huge Real Madrid supporter. I play in a friendly local league, which keeps me active and sharp. Whether on the field or supporting my favorite teams, football is a big part of my life, and it helps me stay engaged with my community while improving my leadership and communication skills. I looked up to Zinedine Zidane as a teenager, and later Cristiano Ronaldo, who I still adore. It is amazing to see Cristiano play in Saudi Arabia now; I’ve watched him and Messi play live several times. I also witnessed the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including the finals at Lusail Stadium.

Over a year ago, I led and played a pivotal role in establishing the alumni community for my former school, International Indian School, Dammam. I am actively involved in managing this alumni community, “IISDians“. This institution is one of the largest schools globally, averaging a strength of 16,000-18,000 students annually. On November 29, 2024, we organized the inaugural alumni reunion in Khobar, which saw the attendance of over 1,200 former students and was live-streamed to an audience of over 19,000 worldwide. The event was honored by the presence of several prominent business figures from KSA, and the highlight was the attendance of Bollywood star, Mr. Suniel Shetty. I am committed to fostering the growth of this alumni community, where we have successfully conducted networking events, sports tournaments, social gatherings, and much more. We aim to uplift each other by forming bonds and providing a platform for ex-students to network and forge new connections that strengthen our community spirit. It is truly heartwarming to witness the bonds and connections that continue to flourish within our community.

Is this career path what you had originally set out to do? As a teenager, what did you want your career to look like?

I was one of those kids who didn’t fully understand business until later in life. However, when I entered the dispute resolution and construction claims field, I quickly realized that this was where I wanted to focus my career. I find great satisfaction in working on construction claims, and given the scale of the construction industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I have the opportunity to work on some of the most complex and high-profile cases in the world.

Like many others, I had a passion for sports as a teenager. I dreamed of becoming a professional footballer or cricketer, but my interests eventually evolved into my current career path.

What is your favourite thing about living in Dammam/Khobar (Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia)?

My parents moved to Saudi Arabia 45 years ago and have lived in Dammam/Khobar ever since. I was born here, so I naturally consider it my hometown. For those unfamiliar, the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia is centered around Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest company, which employs over 70,000 people.

Al Khobar is known for its modern skyline, bustling waterfront, and proximity to the Arabian Gulf. It’s a key business hub, particularly in the oil and energy sectors, offering a blend of cosmopolitan living with a rich cultural heritage. The city’s picturesque corniche, lively shopping districts, and diverse dining options make it a popular destination for locals and expatriates. I love the Eastern Region for its calm vibe, the friendly people, the food, and the fact that I have all my childhood friends living here as well.

If you would like to find out more about joining HKA,
visit our careers page.