Member Profile

Ziad has more than 20 years of experience in Lebanon and the Middle East region and has formerly served as global partner at two leading international law firms in Riyadh and Beirut.Throughout these years, Ziad has developed a wide range of experience in corporate, financial, regulatory and civil law matters with particular emphasis on telecommunications, banking and financial, corporate, business and commercial matters. He has also handled matters involving bankruptcy, real estate and construction, litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Ziad has a good handle on stand-alone projects as well. Ziad represented major corporations and business interests in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and the Middle East covering a wide range of activities and on behalf of numerous European, American and Middle Eastern clients. He has assisted several governments in the region on a wide range of projects. For example, he assisted the Government of Bahrain in a labour related legislation; the Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Rural Affairs, the Arriyadh Development Authority and other government entities in Saudi Arabia in a range of projects; the State of Kuwait in utilities projects; and the State of Qatar in the liberalization of the telecommunications sector. Ziad has been a leading lawyer in numerous structuring and restructuring transactions advising corporations, investor groups and high-net-worth individuals in the structuring and negotiation of multimillion-dollar transactions. Ziad is described by market sources as “highly rated for his healthcare knowledge and takes a leading role in the firm’s spectrum of corporate and commercial mandates. ” He is also listed as a leading lawyer in several market listings and in different jurisdictions. Ziad has an LL.M in International Business Law from the American University (Washington, DC); and a JD (equivalent) in Lebanese law from Universite La Sagesse (Beirut, Lebanon). He is admitted to the Beirut Bar Association and is fluent in Arabic, English and French.

EKP's experienced team of corporate lawyers understands the intricacies of doing business under local legal regimes and can easily identify potential risks, recommend ways to address them and close transactions accordingly. EKP's experience includes advising local and foreign investors on M&A, joint ventures and corporate structuring and set-up from negotiations to completion. We also provide advice on all forms of commercial contracts and arrangements to support our clients day-to-day and strategic business activities. EKP has extensive experience working with major players involved in a variety of business sectors. 

• Asset Finance

• Aviation

• Banking & Finance

• Capital Markets

• Corporate compliance and investigation

• Family business, succession planning, wealth management

• Franchising and agency

• General commercial

• Healthcare

• Insurance & reinsurance

• Intellectual property

• Joint Ventures

• Labor and Employment

• Private equity

• Restructuring and insolvency

• Retail and wholesale

• Technology, Media and Telecoms

EKP advised Gulf Union Cooperative Insurance Company in relation to its proposed merger with Ahlia Cooperative Insurance Company being the first merger among two insurance listed companies in the Saudi market and is now advising Walaa Cooperative Insurance Company in relation to its merger with Metlife AIG ANB this being the second merger of its kind in that market. EKP also Represented Arabian Shield Cooperative Insurance Company in its intended merger with Al-Ahli Takaful Insurance Company through a swap of shares in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Capital Market Authority.