Rizwan H. Panchbhaya

Of Counsel

Email: r.panchbhaya@maklawfirm.net
Phone: +966 (0)560 528-680

Arabic 70%

English 100%

Overview

Mr. Rizwan Panchbhaya is an accomplished international lawyer with a degree in Common Law from Sultan-ul-uloom College of Law, India, one of India’s top law schools, specializing in Corporate Law. Mr. Rizwan was admitted to the Bar Council of India and the Bar Council of the State of Andhra Pradesh in 2013 and brings over a decade of diverse legal expertise to his role.

Since joining MAK Law Firm in 2017 as Of Counsel, he has significantly enhanced the firm’s international practice, leveraging nearly 10 years of experience in international law and business development. Mr. Rizwan has extensive experience advising international corporations and foreign investors on structuring and establishing mixed-capital and foreign-owned companies in Saudi Arabia through the MoC and MISA. He counsels clients on commercial contracts, joint ventures, M&A, corporate governance, and has supported embassies and consulates. His expertise includes US Tax (FATCA), enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitration awards in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman, and handling arbitration cases under ICC, DIAC, and Saudi Arbitration Law. He actively advises the Firm on diverse business strategies and development initiatives while also providing guidance on complex litigation matters, ensuring a comprehensive approach to both the Firm’s growth and its legal practices.

Practice Areas

Foreign Investment
Commercial
Corporate
Corporate Governance
Arbitration
International Law
Foreign Investment and labour lawsuit matters

Admitted

Education

(LLB, Bachelor of Law, ‘Common Law/Corporate Law’), Sultan-ul-uloom College of Law, Osmania University, India, 2012;
(MBA, Master of Business Administration), ‘Human Resources & Marketing‘, Mentoris School of Management, Punjab Technical University, India, 2011;
(Bachelor of Commerce) ‘Human Resource & Marketing‘, Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce, Pune University, India, 2009.

Certificates

Career

(Of Counsel), Sharif Akkad Law Firm (MAK), Saudi Arabia, May 2017 – present;
(Legal Associate), Alnowaiser Law Firm (formally known as Dr. Khalid Alnowaiser Law Firm and Partners), Saudi Arabia, September 2013 – April 2017;
(Business Development Executive), Global Pulse General Contracting, Saudi Arabia, December 2012 – August 2013;
(Legal Intern), the Law Firm of Hassan Mahassni, Saudi Arabia, March – April 2012;
(Business Development Executive), WizIQ AuthorGEN Technologies, Hyderabad, India, October 2011 – February 2012; and
(Customer Sale’s Representative), Zensar Technologies, Pune, India, February 2008 – July 2008.

Experience

Mr. Rizwan has been instrumental in assisting global corporations and foreign investors with structuring and establishing mixed-capital and wholly foreign-owned companies in Saudi Arabia, navigating complex regulations under the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA).

Mr. Rizwan regularly handles matters related to company formations in the UAE, overseeing the entire process from obtaining necessary approvals to managing free zone registrations with precision and efficiency.

Mr. Rizwan advises international clients on a range of corporate matters, including commercial contracts, joint ventures, mergers & acquisitions, and corporate governance. He has also provided legal counsel to various embassies and consulates, addressing specific legal needs on their behalf.

Mr. Rizwan has handled diverse legal issues such as U.S. Tax (FATCA) compliance, enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitration awards in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman. He has successfully managed arbitration cases under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Dubai International Arbitration Center (DIAC), and in accordance with the Saudi Arbitration Law. Beyond his legal advisory role, Mr. Rizwan actively contributes to the firm’s business development and supports complex litigation cases, making him an invaluable asset to MAK Law Firm’s global practice.