Moves mark further UK law firm expansion into Saudi Arabia’s fast growing legal market
Gowling WLG and Stephenson Harwood have become the latest UK law firms to expand into Saudi Arabia, with both announcing plans to establish offices in the Kingdom.
Gowling WLG has opened a new base through a joint venture with Saudi lawyer Talal Al Ghazzawi, building on its existing partnership with AlGhazzawi & Partners. The Riyadh office strengthens Gowling’s presence in the Middle East, where the firm already operates from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
According to the firm, the new office will offer a full range of legal services, initially focusing on intellectual property, technology, and energy and infrastructure. The Riyadh practice will be co-led by Bachir Chakra and Imran Mufti, supported by partners across the firm’s regional network.
David Fennell, Gowling WLG’s chief executive, described the launch as “an essential regional step in the growth of our international platform,” adding:
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“By expanding our presence in Saudi Arabia, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional value and innovative solutions to our clients worldwide. We look forward to contributing to the dynamic and rapidly evolving market in the region.”
The move comes as UK law firms continue to increase their presence in Saudi Arabia’s developing legal sector. Several international firms — including Reed Smith, which announced a new Saudi office last week — have expanded into the Kingdom over the past year.
Meanwhile, Stephenson Harwood is preparing to launch its own Saudi operations, with offices planned in Riyadh and Al Khobar. The new venture, set to open in November 2025, will be led by corporate specialist Marcus Latta, who joins from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle, alongside a three-partner team.
Eifion Morris, chief executive officer at Stephenson Harwood, said:
“Stephenson Harwood has a long-standing presence in the Middle East, a region which is critically important for our clients and a key focus of our growth strategy.
We want to carve out a distinct position by leveraging our strengths as a European, Middle Eastern, and Asian firm, and our offices in the Kingdom are another step in extending our geographic footprint. Off the back of strong financial growth, this strategic investment reflects our confidence in Saudi Arabia as a market full of potential and opportunity, which we are well placed to service.”
The announcements underline continuing international interest in Saudi Arabia’s expanding legal market as the Kingdom implements reforms to attract foreign investment and professional services.