The international firm opened in Riyadh nine years ago. Its team of 20 lawyers includes 18 who are Saudi nationals who are internationally qualified. There are plans to increase lawyer numbers later this year.

Hospitality

Peter Somekh, regional managing partner of DLA, said: 'Saudi Arabia has always been a key country for both the regional and international firm and our expanded presence in the Kingdom is testament to our continued focus and investment.' The new Jeddah office will be run by Legal Director Rakesh Bassi who joined the firm from Clifford Chance in 2014. Dr Eyad Reda, Saudi managing partner, said: 'Our focus for the last five years has been to build a client base around the sectors that are key to the Kingdom and where the wider firm has strong expertise, namely banking and finance, energy, technology, hospitality and leisure and real estate.'

Bahrain link

The Eastern Province office - in the final stages of preparation - will serve clients locally and clients in Bahrain who have close contacts wtih that area. Source: DLA