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People

Nabil A. Issa is a partner in the Corporate, Finance and Investments Group of King & Spalding, working from Riyadh and the UAE offices.  Mr. Issa's experience includes work in the areas of funds, joint ventures, foreign investment, private equity, privatizations, venture capital, healthcare, energy, restructurings and real estate industry transactions. He is particularly known for his development of innovative funds and investment structures for real estate and private equity investments in Saudi Arabia.

Nabil is regularly cited by independent legal directories and client-based surveys. Chambers Global 2023 highly ranks Nabil for his corporate and investment funds work (Band 1) in the Middle East and recognizes him as an expert in Saudi corporate (Band 1) and capital market matters.  Chambers Global, identifies Nabil as a “renowned M&A and investment funds practitioner who splits his time between Dubai and the firm's associated office in Riyadh”. Clients describe him as an "excellent business lawyer" and commend him for "his knowledge and understanding of the business environment in Dubai and Saudi", mentioning that this "makes him one of the most valuable mentors for business managers in the region". 

Moreover, Nabil is listed as a “Leading Individual” for his corporate work in Saudi Arabia by Legal500 EMEA 2023 and on their "Power List" as a leading M&A lawyer in the Middle East.  He was again recognized in 2023 by Asian Legal Business in its MENA Super 50 list for outstanding client service.

Nabil received both his J.D. and a graduate certification in Middle East and Islamic Law from the University of Pennsylvania.  Following graduation, Nabil was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to UAE University. Nabil was a founding member and senior editor of the Journal of Constitutional Law at the University of Pennsylvania.  Nabil is proficient in Arabic as well as being fluent in English.

Full Bio

Credentials

J.D., University of Pennsylvania

B.A., University of California-San Diego, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

District of Columbia

New Jersey

New York

American Bar Association

Arabic

Recommended - Tier 1 Commercial, Corporate and M&A


Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Band 1: Investment Funds in the Middle East


Chambers Global, 2014–2022

Leading Individual: Corporate—Saudi Arabia


Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa, 2019-2023

Band 2: Corporate—Middle East


Chambers Global, 2022

Leading Corporate Lawyer


The Best Lawyers Saudi Arabia, 2016-2018

Leading Lawyer: All 15 categories


Islamic Finance News

Guide to the World’s Leading Islamic Finance Lawyers


Euromoney 2021

Guide to the World’s Leading Emerging Markets Lawyers


Euromoney 2021

Close

Recognition

Recommended - Tier 1 Commercial, Corporate and M&A


Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Band 1: Investment Funds in the Middle East


Chambers Global, 2014–2022

Leading Individual: Corporate—Saudi Arabia


Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa, 2019-2023

Band 2: Corporate—Middle East


Chambers Global, 2022

Leading Corporate Lawyer


The Best Lawyers Saudi Arabia, 2016-2018

Leading Lawyer: All 15 categories


Islamic Finance News

Guide to the World’s Leading Islamic Finance Lawyers


Euromoney 2021

Guide to the World’s Leading Emerging Markets Lawyers


Euromoney 2021

Matters

Private Equity/Venture Capital

Events Investment Fund – counsel in relation to various funds and joint venture agreement to develop iconic entertainment facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Gulf Islamic Investments – counsel on all aspects of structuring and documentation in relation to the acquisition of a majority stake in Al Meswak Dental Clinics.

Western Union – counsel in relation to structuring and acquisition of a minority stake in stc Pay, creating the first Unicorn in Saudi Arabia and the first fintech Unicorn in the Middle East and first Saudi digital bank as stc Bank (awarded “M&A, Equity & IPO Deal of the Year” for 2020 by Islamic Finance News).

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Close

Matters

Private Equity/Venture Capital

Events Investment Fund – counsel in relation to various funds and joint venture agreement to develop iconic entertainment facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Gulf Islamic Investments – counsel on all aspects of structuring and documentation in relation to the acquisition of a majority stake in Al Meswak Dental Clinics.

Western Union – counsel in relation to structuring and acquisition of a minority stake in stc Pay, creating the first Unicorn in Saudi Arabia and the first fintech Unicorn in the Middle East and first Saudi digital bank as stc Bank (awarded “M&A, Equity & IPO Deal of the Year” for 2020 by Islamic Finance News).

Gateway Fund I – counsel in relation to acquiring a stake in the Tim Horton’s franchise throughout the GCC (awarded “Cross Border Deal of the Year” for 2020 by Islamic Finance News).

Ikcon – counsel in relation to its Series A round and sale to REEF Technology (awarded both "Cross Border and UAE Deal of the Year" for 2021 by Islamic Finance News).

Gulf Capital counsel in relation to the sale of a chain of radiology clinics in Saudi Arabia to Mediterranea Capital through a fund structure and restructuring of the same (shortlisted for IFLR “M&A Deal of the Year” in 2020).

Soliman Fakeeh – counsel in relation to acquisition of a stake in Saudi Arabian Airline's medical center resulting in the first healthcare privatization in Saudi Arabia under the Vision 2030 program.

NMG – counsel in relation to acquisition of a stake in a Saudi Arabian company through a sukuk mudaraba (named Islamic Finance News "Most Innovative Deal of the Year" for 2019).

Jabal Omar Development Company – counsel in relation to sale and leaseback of various hotels in Mecca for SR 6 billion to a public fund managed by Alinma Invest and advice on potential restructuring.

NMC Healthcare plc – counsel on formation of a fund, structure and investments in multiple hospitals and medical centers in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Aramco Entrepreneurship Ventures (Wa'ed) – counsel on the structuring and acquisition of various early stage companies in Saudi Arabia.

Mizuho Gulf counsel in relation to formation of a fund and majority acquisition of a food & beverage company in Saudi Arabia.

Naqel Express – counsel in relation to sellers to Saudi post.

Wadi Makkah counsel in relation to a structure through ADGM and multiple acquisitions of early stage companies in Saudi Arabia.

Geidea – counsel in relation to sale of a stake to Gulf Capital utilizing a unique DIFC structure, which was the largest fintech deal at the time.

Investcorp – counsel on acquisition of a stake in Bindawood Group, which own one of the largest chains of grocery stores and related businesses in Saudi Arabia, which is Investcorp’s largest investment in the Middle East to date.

Malaz Capital – counsel in relation to the sale and leaseback of two BAE compounds in Saudi Arabia and eventual sale of the Salwa compound.

NBK Capital – counsel on its exit from Hanco, a leading fleet leasing and rental company in Saudi Arabia (awarded "The Deal of the Year" by The Banker in May 2012).

Jadwa Investment counsel to consortium regarding successful bid and acquisition of a stake in the Saudi Aramco Lubricating Oil Refinery Company (Luberef) in Saudi Arabia (awarded “Most Innovative Islamic Finance Deal of the Year 2008” at the 7th Annual Euromoney’s Islamic Finance Awards 2009) and documentation of a Shari’ah-compliant CMA fund (awarded “Best New Private Equity Fund” by Private Equity World (MENA) November 2008).

Corporate/Restructurings

Azmeel Contracting – counsel in relation to US$2 billion restructuring and a Saudi FRP utilizing a Sukuk mudaraba (awarded restructuring deal of the year by Islamic Finance News and shortlisted for the same by IFLR in 2023).

SME Authority – counsel on potential revisions to laws and regulations in relation to private equity and venture capital industries in Saudi Arabia.

Various Family Groups counsel in relation to restructurings in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and various private wealth mandates.

Diaverum counsel in relation to the structuring and successful bid for the privatization of dialysis centers in Saudi Arabia.

Al Borg Laboratories – counsel in relation to restructuring prior to partial acquisition by Investcorp.

Various major U.S. defense contractors – counsel in relation to their sales and joint ventures in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

Al Noor Hospitals Group PLC counsel on the restructuring of its Abu Dhabi operations, resulting in its £221m initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange.

Investment Funds

Sovereign Wealth Fund – counsel on the formation of a fund of funds over SR 4 billion focused on venture capital and private equity in Saudi Arabia.

Alinma Investment and Jeddah Economic Company – counsel on the formation and financing of a fund to develop the kilometer high tower in Jeddah.

Merak Capital counsel in relation to a CMA debt fund.

Various CMI's – counsel to multiple client in relation to forming Saudi CMA regulated REITs.

Solidere International counsel on the formation of a CMA fund and investments over SR 2 billion in Saudi Arabia in addition to advice in relation to a DIFC holding company.

Al Rajhi Capital and Arcapita Bank – counsel regarding formation of a Saudi Arabian property income fund and acquisition and sale-lease back of a warehouse from Savola, in addition to sale of the fund’s assets.

SHUAA Capital Saudi Arabia – counsel regarding documentation for a Shari’ah-Compliant SR2 billion hospitality fund in Saudi Arabia and related agreements with Rotana Hotel Management LLC, in addition to acquisition of various properties to develop hotel properties in Jeddah and formation of new sub-funds.

SEDCO Capital counsel regarding formation of a Shari’ah-compliant Saudi Arabian property income fund and a related REIT in Saudi Arabia.

Matters

Private Equity/Venture Capital

Events Investment Fund – counsel in relation to various funds and joint venture agreement to develop iconic entertainment facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Gulf Islamic Investments – counsel on all aspects of structuring and documentation in relation to the acquisition of a majority stake in Al Meswak Dental Clinics.

Western Union – counsel in relation to structuring and acquisition of a minority stake in stc Pay, creating the first Unicorn in Saudi Arabia and the first fintech Unicorn in the Middle East and first Saudi digital bank as stc Bank (awarded “M&A, Equity & IPO Deal of the Year” for 2020 by Islamic Finance News).

See more

Close

Matters

Private Equity/Venture Capital

Events Investment Fund – counsel in relation to various funds and joint venture agreement to develop iconic entertainment facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Gulf Islamic Investments – counsel on all aspects of structuring and documentation in relation to the acquisition of a majority stake in Al Meswak Dental Clinics.

Western Union – counsel in relation to structuring and acquisition of a minority stake in stc Pay, creating the first Unicorn in Saudi Arabia and the first fintech Unicorn in the Middle East and first Saudi digital bank as stc Bank (awarded “M&A, Equity & IPO Deal of the Year” for 2020 by Islamic Finance News).

Gateway Fund I – counsel in relation to acquiring a stake in the Tim Horton’s franchise throughout the GCC (awarded “Cross Border Deal of the Year” for 2020 by Islamic Finance News).

Ikcon – counsel in relation to its Series A round and sale to REEF Technology (awarded both "Cross Border and UAE Deal of the Year" for 2021 by Islamic Finance News).

Gulf Capital counsel in relation to the sale of a chain of radiology clinics in Saudi Arabia to Mediterranea Capital through a fund structure and restructuring of the same (shortlisted for IFLR “M&A Deal of the Year” in 2020).

Soliman Fakeeh – counsel in relation to acquisition of a stake in Saudi Arabian Airline's medical center resulting in the first healthcare privatization in Saudi Arabia under the Vision 2030 program.

NMG – counsel in relation to acquisition of a stake in a Saudi Arabian company through a sukuk mudaraba (named Islamic Finance News "Most Innovative Deal of the Year" for 2019).

Jabal Omar Development Company – counsel in relation to sale and leaseback of various hotels in Mecca for SR 6 billion to a public fund managed by Alinma Invest and advice on potential restructuring.

NMC Healthcare plc – counsel on formation of a fund, structure and investments in multiple hospitals and medical centers in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Aramco Entrepreneurship Ventures (Wa'ed) – counsel on the structuring and acquisition of various early stage companies in Saudi Arabia.

Mizuho Gulf counsel in relation to formation of a fund and majority acquisition of a food & beverage company in Saudi Arabia.

Naqel Express – counsel in relation to sellers to Saudi post.

Wadi Makkah counsel in relation to a structure through ADGM and multiple acquisitions of early stage companies in Saudi Arabia.

Geidea – counsel in relation to sale of a stake to Gulf Capital utilizing a unique DIFC structure, which was the largest fintech deal at the time.

Investcorp – counsel on acquisition of a stake in Bindawood Group, which own one of the largest chains of grocery stores and related businesses in Saudi Arabia, which is Investcorp’s largest investment in the Middle East to date.

Malaz Capital – counsel in relation to the sale and leaseback of two BAE compounds in Saudi Arabia and eventual sale of the Salwa compound.

NBK Capital – counsel on its exit from Hanco, a leading fleet leasing and rental company in Saudi Arabia (awarded "The Deal of the Year" by The Banker in May 2012).

Jadwa Investment counsel to consortium regarding successful bid and acquisition of a stake in the Saudi Aramco Lubricating Oil Refinery Company (Luberef) in Saudi Arabia (awarded “Most Innovative Islamic Finance Deal of the Year 2008” at the 7th Annual Euromoney’s Islamic Finance Awards 2009) and documentation of a Shari’ah-compliant CMA fund (awarded “Best New Private Equity Fund” by Private Equity World (MENA) November 2008).

Corporate/Restructurings

Azmeel Contracting – counsel in relation to US$2 billion restructuring and a Saudi FRP utilizing a Sukuk mudaraba (awarded restructuring deal of the year by Islamic Finance News and shortlisted for the same by IFLR in 2023).

SME Authority – counsel on potential revisions to laws and regulations in relation to private equity and venture capital industries in Saudi Arabia.

Various Family Groups counsel in relation to restructurings in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and various private wealth mandates.

Diaverum counsel in relation to the structuring and successful bid for the privatization of dialysis centers in Saudi Arabia.

Al Borg Laboratories – counsel in relation to restructuring prior to partial acquisition by Investcorp.

Various major U.S. defense contractors – counsel in relation to their sales and joint ventures in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

Al Noor Hospitals Group PLC counsel on the restructuring of its Abu Dhabi operations, resulting in its £221m initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange.

Investment Funds

Sovereign Wealth Fund – counsel on the formation of a fund of funds over SR 4 billion focused on venture capital and private equity in Saudi Arabia.

Alinma Investment and Jeddah Economic Company – counsel on the formation and financing of a fund to develop the kilometer high tower in Jeddah.

Merak Capital counsel in relation to a CMA debt fund.

Various CMI's – counsel to multiple client in relation to forming Saudi CMA regulated REITs.

Solidere International counsel on the formation of a CMA fund and investments over SR 2 billion in Saudi Arabia in addition to advice in relation to a DIFC holding company.

Al Rajhi Capital and Arcapita Bank – counsel regarding formation of a Saudi Arabian property income fund and acquisition and sale-lease back of a warehouse from Savola, in addition to sale of the fund’s assets.

SHUAA Capital Saudi Arabia – counsel regarding documentation for a Shari’ah-Compliant SR2 billion hospitality fund in Saudi Arabia and related agreements with Rotana Hotel Management LLC, in addition to acquisition of various properties to develop hotel properties in Jeddah and formation of new sub-funds.

SEDCO Capital counsel regarding formation of a Shari’ah-compliant Saudi Arabian property income fund and a related REIT in Saudi Arabia.

Credentials

J.D., University of Pennsylvania

B.A., University of California-San Diego, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

District of Columbia

New Jersey

New York

American Bar Association

Arabic

Recommended - Tier 1 Commercial, Corporate and M&A


Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Band 1: Investment Funds in the Middle East


Chambers Global, 2014–2022

Leading Individual: Corporate—Saudi Arabia


Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa, 2019-2023

Band 2: Corporate—Middle East


Chambers Global, 2022

Leading Corporate Lawyer


The Best Lawyers Saudi Arabia, 2016-2018

Leading Lawyer: All 15 categories


Islamic Finance News

Guide to the World’s Leading Islamic Finance Lawyers


Euromoney 2021

Guide to the World’s Leading Emerging Markets Lawyers


Euromoney 2021

Close

Recognition

Recommended - Tier 1 Commercial, Corporate and M&A


Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Band 1: Investment Funds in the Middle East


Chambers Global, 2014–2022

Leading Individual: Corporate—Saudi Arabia


Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa, 2019-2023

Band 2: Corporate—Middle East


Chambers Global, 2022

Leading Corporate Lawyer


The Best Lawyers Saudi Arabia, 2016-2018

Leading Lawyer: All 15 categories


Islamic Finance News

Guide to the World’s Leading Islamic Finance Lawyers


Euromoney 2021

Guide to the World’s Leading Emerging Markets Lawyers


Euromoney 2021