Global law firm Dentons has expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia with the launch of its second office in the kingdom.

The new office in Jeddah will complement the firm's long-standing full-service office in Riyadh in association with The Law Firm of Wael A Alissa.

"As one of the largest law firms in the Middle East, with a presence stretching back over 50 years, our new office in Jeddah underscores Dentons' continued commitment to the region," said global chairman Joe Andrew. "Our clients will benefit from better access to legal services in the Western province, close to many multinational corporations and home to Saudi Arabia's leading merchant families."

Located on the Red Sea and near the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, Jeddah is considered one of the most important commercial centres in the Middle East and the firm's new office will focus on building a strong network of clients across the financial services, insurance, aviation, manufacturing and retail sectors, it said.
 
"Our goal is to connect clients to talented lawyers wherever those clients operate," said global chief executive officer Elliott Portnoy. "As the largest importer of oil from Saudi Arabia, China in particular is looking to undertake outbound transactions to the Middle East and our new Jeddah office will help facilitate those client needs."

The Jeddah office will provide a mix of Arabic and Western language legal capability in an important market that has been overlooked by some global law firms. It will be led locally by Partner Anas Akel.

Jeremy Cohen, Dentons' CEO for the UK, Middle East and Africa, said: "Saudi Arabia is the largest market in the Middle East, accounting for 25 percent of the region's GDP, a quarter of the world's oil reserves and the lowest energy prices for investment projects. The combination of the kingdom’s political, economic and social stability, modern infrastructure, inexpensive energy supplies and a geographic location uniquely poised between East and West and close to Africa, ensures that Saudi Arabia is of growing interest to foreign investors. We are delighted to be opening our second office in the kingdom."

Paul Jarvis, managing partner for the Middle East, added: "We are committed to having a strong presence in the kingdom with Saudi Arabia Managing Partner Amgad Husein's long and successful track record in Riyadh, combined with Anas Akel's talented Jeddah-focused practice. Launching this office in Jeddah enhances our ability to serve clients throughout the kingdom as they grow their businesses."  - TradeArabia News Service