January 2025: Kinzah Khan is a London trainee currently doing her overseas seat in Riyadh. She tells us all about why she wanted to work in this fast-growing city and her experience so far in the Middle East.
I knew I wanted to work in the Middle East...
... specifically on energy, infrastructure, project and asset finance (EIPAF) projects. I quickly learned that the Riyadh office is key for projects in the region—it is extremely well positioned for client relations; some of the Firm's most important clients are centered in the jurisdiction. Other factors, such as the prospect of the 2034 World Cup here, and the increased focus on tourism in the Kingdom, is a hub for a diverse range of engaging, innovative developments.
The office was immediately welcoming
Everyone is extremely welcoming and keen to help you settle in, so the move from London was easy. There are about 40 lawyers, including approximately ten local trainees. The Riyadh office works closely with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and London, and there are good opportunities to travel to other offices. We're moving to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in early 2025, which is an exciting prospect.
The stereotypes associated with Riyadh are out of date
The city has become pretty liberal in the past few years, and it is a very open and welcoming place to live. There are no restrictions on men or women's mobility, and most public areas (e.g., malls, cinemas, etc.) are totally integrated.
Having said this, Saudi Arabia is still very much a country rooted in Islamic values, so there is an expectation to dress modestly, and places such as gyms and spas are still separated between men and women. Neither of these points are an issue for living in the city.
There's a good social scene here
There is no pub or bar culture in Riyadh, so socials are normally going out for dinner or partaking in an activity such as escape rooms. Outside of work, the Al Diriyah heritage site, Wadi Namar Waterfall and Edge of the World desert activity are particular highlights, and Riyadh Season—a cultural, entertainment and sporting event that runs from October to March—is a huge attraction and offers endless activities throughout the winter months.
I'm looking forward to traveling in the region
Riyadh is very well placed for traveling to other locations in the Middle East—Dubai and Abu Dhabi are short 90-minute flights from the main international airport. Oman and Jordan are also reasonably easy to get to by air. Saudi Arabia itself has beautiful places to visit—Jeddah and the Red Sea are upcoming tourist attractions, where some resorts in the Red Sea resemble the Maldives.
The work is excellent, and there's a variety of clients
We're excellently placed for EIPAF work here. Energy (both traditional and renewable) is a key focus, but given the development happening in the region, tourism projects also take center stage.
My work highlight has been seeing how the Middle East offices work together and recognizing that EMEA truly operates as a region, rather than as individual offices. The office is focused on both project finance and development, so there is a real opportunity to see a project through from start to finish.
