I started my career in 2007 with the world’s largest oil company, Saudi Aramco. As a high performer, Aramco awarded me a scholarship to complete my studies in the UK.
As a new joiner, I was eager to learn about the company, how its functions are connected and its activities managed, given the size of its operations – everything seemed complex, yet very interesting. Noticing that it was often accountants who knew the answers to my questions, I realised that accounting is the language of business. It was then that I decided to pursue a career in the profession.
With Aramco, I worked alongside some of the brightest minds in the kingdom and led multiple projects
In my 10 years with Aramco, I worked alongside some of the brightest minds in the kingdom and led multiple projects. In 2016 I was nominated to lead the company’s value-added tax (VAT) project. Like many people I had little VAT knowledge at the time, so I had to do a lot of self-learning to get up to speed. I prepared a project to be VAT ready, as well as a successful implementation plan involving many stakeholders.
In 2017, I moved to Dubai with my family and joined EY’s indirect tax team as a manager providing advisory services. I conducted several VAT impact assessment studies and VAT awareness and training workshops for businesses operating across different sectors, gaining recognition for my exceptional client services.
It was a step out of my comfort zone. Not only did I have to be client facing, but I was assisting with the introduction of VAT, which was completely new in the region. I was also living in a different country, away from my wider family and friends. That said, I have no regrets as the experience was priceless.
In 2020, I moved back to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and joined Deloitte where I am honoured to be the firm’s most senior Saudi female. Currently, I am leading Deloitte’s KSA indirect tax controversy and litigation practice, an area that is growing massively. In my role, I support businesses with compliance, best practice, arbitration, appeals and objections, including personally representing taxpayers at tribunal hearings.
As part of the ambitious 2030 Vision for the kingdom, Saudis are working to overcome many challenges. These include building synergies in the government sector, increasing transparency, introducing new laws, and amending existing ones. This also provides the opportunity to reset elements of the economy that have lagged behind the rest of the world.
As an emerging market, Saudi Arabia offers many opportunities for private investors and for youth employment. I have seen so much change for the better in my life and career so far.
I enjoy the adrenaline rush of appearing in tribunals as a tax advisor, where I need to think creatively and with agility
I like the technical challenge of litigating in complex areas of tax law and regulation. I enjoy the adrenaline rush of appearing in tribunals as a tax advisor, where I need to think creatively and with agility.
I am also passionate about mentoring and developing people by sharing my knowledge and experience. However, if I was not an accountant, I would probably be a tax lawyer.
My biggest achievement is reaching where I am today professionally in a male-dominated and historically culturally conservative environment, while also being a wife and mother. I often question myself and have considered quitting, but I stop myself by thinking with gratitude about what I have achieved and reflecting on how this is important to me.
Outside of work I like spending time with my husband and daughters. I also enjoy cycling and exercising. Travelling and exploring new countries, cuisines and landscapes is another passion of mine.
