Umera Ali

Experience

Attorney, New York State Bar, 2018

Advocate, Sindh Bar Council, 2002

Solicitor, Senior Courts of England and Wales, 2002

Confidential client: Acting for a regional real estate developer in relation to AED 1.05 billion term and revolving facilities provided by regional banks. The financing was secured by several real estate mortgages, share pledges, assignments of proceeds, receivables and insurances, as well as various other securities.

Confidential client: Acting for a regional bank in relation to a SAR 1.65 billion murabaha financing facility for a water and power company, which was secured by share pledge, an account pledge, assignment of receivables, assignment of insurance proceeds and a direct agreement.

Confidential client: Advising a mining company in relation to a US$3.8 billion multi-tranche project financing of a phosphate mine and beneficiation plant at Al Jalamid, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a fertilizer production complex at Ras Az Zawr, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Financing was provided by a combination of commercial banks, KEIC, K-Exim, PIF and SIDF, and was provided on Islamic and conventional basis.

Confidential client: Acting for a KSA holding company in relation to its restructuring of a financing under a murabaha facilities agreement. As a basis for the restructuring, BSH was asked to provide additional forms of collateral and security.

The collateral requested included upstream guarantees, real estate and the assignment of dividends and contracts by the various subsidiaries within the group located across several jurisdictions, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Cayman Islands.

Confidential client: Acting for a global aluminium manufacturer in relation to guaranteed senior notes in an amount not to exceed US$600 million due in 2029, issued through its subsidiary pursuant to Regulation S and Rule 144A, and guaranteed jointly and severally by a number of existing and future subsidiaries, as well as certain existing Canadian and non-US subsidiaries. The proceeds of the funds are to be used for certain eligible green projects in compliance with the Green Bond Principles 2018 issued by the International Capital Market Association. The bond is listed on the Official List of the International Stock Exchange.

Practice Areas

Banking and Finance Banking, Capital Markets, Corporate, Energy, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Financial Institutions, Infrastructure, Transportation, Freight and Logistics

Career

Umera Ali is a partner leading the Banking & Finance practice in Saudi Arabia. She specializes in banking and finance matters with a particular focus on Islamic finance and project finance. Umera brings a wealth of knowledge in handling multi-sourced financings, including those supported by export credit agencies. Her advisory skills extend to debt capital market deals, structured finance transactions and she is well-versed in financial restructuring. Recognized for her proficiency, Umera holds rankings in both Chambers and Legal 500. With more than 15 years of experience in Saudi law, she has been a pivotal advisor in the region.

Languages Spoken

English, Urdu

Education