Languages - Arabic and English
Jurisdictions - England & Wales
Jawahir holds a BSc in Computer and Information Systems and an MA in Law, a combination that allows her to understand how technology works and how the law applies to it. Drawing on this background, she provides holistic and commercially astute guidance to government, semi-government, and multinational entities in Saudi Arabia on:
- data protection and privacy, including data-governance frameworks, cross-border data transfers, and compliance with national and sector-specific regulations;
- cybersecurity, including security-by-design obligations, incident-response arrangements, vendor-risk management, and alignment with national cybersecurity controls across critical sectors;
- AI governance and AI-related regulatory and contracting issues;
- technology transactions, including complex procurement and outsourcing of technology, software licensing and cloud services, IP licensing, and technology transfer;
- digital platforms and emerging technologies, including e-commerce and m-commerce, e-sports and e-mobility, and the development and operation of EV-related infrastructure;
- technology, IP and data-related aspects of M&A and private equity transactions; and
- commercial contracting across a range of operational and strategic arrangements.
Jawahir previously held leadership roles as acting head of legal at NEOM and general counsel and company secretary at Jada (the PIF’s Fund of Funds), giving her practical insight into the needs, priorities and challenges of in-house legal teams.
Data Protection and Privacy
Advised a broad range of clients on Saudi data protection and privacy regimes, including developing compliance programmes and data-governance frameworks, negotiating data protection terms in commercial and technology contracts, and advising on regulatory issues in relation to AI-enabled technologies.
Technology Transactions
Advised multiple KSA entities on major technology projects, including system integration, outsourcing and long-term services arrangements, and collaborative technology initiatives.
Government Entity in the Sports Sector
Advised on a micro-mobility project, including structuring the legal and commercial framework.
State-Owned Company in the EV Sector
Advised on the rollout of a national EV-charging infrastructure project in Saudi Arabia.
State-Owned Company in the Telecoms Sector
Advised on a major telecoms project, including drafting and negotiating network services, public works, professional services, IT services, and master framework agreements.
Giga Project
Advised on the development and structuring of a gaming accelerator programme aimed at supporting and scaling gaming studios and building the gaming ecosystem.
State-Owned Company in the Technology Sector
Advised on the technology, IP and data aspects of the sale of 100% of its shares in its subsidiary which provides engineering, technology, and geospatial services.
Giga Project
Advised on cybersecurity regulations in Saudi, including security-by-design obligations, vendor-risk management, the application of national controls to critical infrastructure, and the legal implications of a major cyber incident including incident response obligations.
Sovereign Wealth Fund
Advised on data privacy issues in relation to an investigation by the US Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
Government Entity in the E-Sports Sector
Advised on the drafting and negotiation of cross border data transfer agreements across the EU, UK, and Saudi data protection regimes.
