In the fast evolving world of corporate law, few professionals stand out as distinctly as Hamed Matawi. Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Matawi has carved a name for himself as a skilled corporate lawyer, specializing in corporate commercial, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate structuring. His story is more than just a professional journey, it is a tale of persistence, expertise, and vision, inspiring aspiring lawyers and business professionals alike.
Building a Strong Foundation
Hamed Anmar Matawi’s early life in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, laid the groundwork for a career marked by ambition and versatility. His academic path demonstrates a rare blend of creativity and legal expertise. He earned his Bachelor of Laws from King Abdulaziz University, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Saudi legal frameworks.
Gaining Hands-On Experience
Matawi’s professional journey began with valuable internships that allowed him to experience legal work across both domestic and international contexts. Early on, he joined The Emirate of Makkah Province where he worked on government sponsored community outreach projects for Saudi youth. Completing over 550 hours of practical work, he developed a strong sense of responsibility and community awareness.
Following this, Matawi gained international exposure as an intern at the United Nations in New York. Working with senior officials, he supported various committees, including Human Rights, Elections, and Health. This experience helped him build a global perspective on legal practices and diplomacy, skills that would later influence his approach to corporate law in Saudi Arabia.
Rising Through the Ranks
Today, Matawi is a recognized Associate Lawyer in Riyadh, where he works on high profile corporate cases and advises clients across industries regionally and globally. His work has been instrumental in projects that range from compliance and initial public offerings to corporate structuring and cybersecurity regulations.
Matawi has also provided legal guidance for major fintech acquisitions, prepared comprehensive red flag due diligence reports required by the Capital Market Authorities, and helped transform a single shareholder company into one of the first simplified joint stock companies in Saudi Arabia. Beyond corporate transactions, he has contributed to family charters and projects involving personal data protection, showing his versatility in commercial legal matters.
For several years, Matawi served at one of the region’s leading law firms, where he supported over 360 clients across a wide range of industries, including aviation, defense, healthcare, construction, and entertainment. During his time there, he played an integral role in mega and giga government projects, including mergers of leading insurance companies, public private partnerships, and high value retail acquisitions by government entities.
His work also involved legal due diligence for multi-million dollar acquisitions, ensuring clients were fully aware of potential risks. Matawi also supported clients in establishing regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, helping international companies navigate complex legal and regulatory environments. His contributions significantly shaped the corporate landscape, particularly in emerging sectors aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Prior to the regional law firm, Matawi handled a diverse portfolio at a local firm in Jeddah that included labor, commercial, and tax litigation, often involving disputes exceeding SAR 200 million. He also provided advice on structuring trust funds, incorporating more than 40 foreign and local entities, and supporting international arbitration, large scale liquidations, and mergers and acquisitions.
This period helped Matawi develop a 360 degree understanding of corporate law, preparing him for his subsequent high level roles.
Areas of Expertise
Hamed Matawi’s expertise spans multiple critical areas in corporate law, making him a sought after professional for complex legal challenges. His specialties include:
- Corporate Structuring and Governance: Guiding companies through formation, restructuring, and compliance with Saudi regulations.
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Conducting thorough legal due diligence reports and advising on high stakes corporate transactions.
- Foreign Investment and Capital Markets: Helping international companies establish operations and investments in Saudi Arabia and helping existing companies with their initial public offerings.
- International Arbitration: Representing clients in cross border disputes.
- Contract Law and Negotiation: Drafting and negotiating agreements to protect client interests.
His wide ranging expertise enables him to provide legal solutions that are both practical and strategic, a key factor behind his success.
Publications and Legal Thought Leadership
Matawi has contributed to legal knowledge through publications focusing on healthcare law and business structuring. His articles discuss the intricacies of health insurance policies and strategies for structuring healthcare businesses, reflecting his commitment to sharing expertise and influencing industry best practices.
These contributions demonstrate not only his technical knowledge but also his dedication to guiding the next generation of legal professionals and helping businesses understand and navigate complex legal landscapes.
Achievements and Recognition
Hamed Matawi’s career is marked by achievements that reflect his dedication, strategic thinking, and adaptability. From facilitating high profile mergers to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s first fashion IPO, his work has helped shape the corporate and legal environment in the country. His clients consistently benefit from his meticulous legal research, negotiation skills, and problem solving abilities.
His journey, from internships and global exposure to leading complex corporate projects, demonstrates a remarkable trajectory of growth, vision, and impact.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Hamed Anmar Matawi’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and innovation in the legal field. His career is a testament to how dedication, expertise, and cross cultural competence can lead to impactful contributions in corporate law. By navigating complex corporate challenges and supporting clients across multiple sectors, Matawi continues to shape Saudi Arabia’s legal and business landscape.
For aspiring lawyers and professionals, his journey offers a blueprint for success: a combination of education, hands on experience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. As Saudi Arabia continues its rapid transformation under Vision 2030, legal experts like Hamed Matawi play a vital role in ensuring that growth is guided by robust legal frameworks, strategic insight, and ethical practice.
Hamed Matawi’s life and career remain a source of inspiration, demonstrating that with passion, diligence, and vision, one that can leave a lasting impact on both the legal profession and society at large.
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