Shaima is a Saudi-qualified associate based in Gibson Dunn’s Riyadh office and a member of the International Arbitration and Administrative Law and Regulatory groups, with a focus on international treaties and dispute resolution, primarily centered on investment treaties. Her expertise encompasses active assistance and advising on negotiation rounds for Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) agreements with more than 10 countries. Her contributions include assisting in drafting and updating a BIT Model to ensure it aligns perfectly with the policies and objectives of the state. Shaima is widely recognized for her role in preparing negotiator guidelines for BIT negotiations and providing valuable insights into the positions taken by different countries.

Before joining Gibson Dunn, Shaima worked at a leading international law firm in Riyadh, specializing in litigation. Her litigation experience includes representing clients before courts and arbitration tribunals. Notable achievements include advising a well-known development construction company in a construction contract dispute and representing a distinguished hotel chain in a case related to hotel construction and renovation.

Representative Experience*

• Advised State entities on international investment agreements including reviewing and amending international treaties.
• Participated and supported in the representation of a client in an investor-State dispute.
• Represented a leading telecommunication company in Saudi Arabia before the Saudi Arabian courts in a litigation dispute.
• Advised government entities on drafting regulations including preparing baseline, benchmark and drafting regulations.
• Represented a branch of a foreign company in an SCCA commercial arbitration.
• Represented a branch of a well-known foreign company in a tax dispute before the competent tax authority in Saudi Arabia.

*Includes prior firm representations.