Gowling WLG has announced the launch of a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, through a joint venture with Talal Al Ghazzawi and in continuation of its association with AlGhazzawi & Partners. The expansion aims to enhance the firm’s legal service offerings across the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on Intellectual Property, Technology, and Energy & Infrastructure.
The Riyadh office will deliver a comprehensive suite of legal services, leveraging Gowling WLG’s established regional expertise. This development aligns with broader efforts to meet increasing demand for legal counsel in the region and to support Saudi Arabia’s economic growth.
David Fennell, CEO of Gowling WLG (UK) LLP, described the move as a pivotal step in the firm’s international growth strategy. He emphasized the importance of the Saudi market and the firm’s commitment to delivering innovative legal solutions globally.
Tim Casben, Partner and Head of Middle East operations, highlighted the strategic nature of the expansion, noting the region’s rapid development and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to its transformation. The partnership with AlGhazzawi & Partners was cited as a key factor in ensuring high-quality, locally informed legal support.
The new office will be led by Bachir Chakra and Imran Mufti. The joint venture combines Gowling WLG’s international capabilities with AlGhazzawi & Partners’ deep local experience. Dr. Belal Talal Ghazzawi, Senior Managing Partner at AlGhazzawi & Partners, described the venture as a natural progression of the firms’ collaboration, aimed at helping clients navigate global markets.
Hussam Talal Ghazzawi, Managing Partner at AlGhazzawi & Partners, noted that the joint venture reflects extensive collaboration and will enhance service delivery while fostering local talent.
Founded in 1968 by Dr. Talal Amin Al-Ghazzawi, AlGhazzawi & Partners operates offices in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam, and is recognized for its regional and international legal credentials.
Gowling WLG’s Middle East team, based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, specializes in technology, intellectual property, corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, and energy and infrastructure projects. The new office builds on a cooperation agreement established in 2021 and follows four years of joint work across sectors including government advisory, TMT, mergers and acquisitions, mining, project finance, construction disputes, and international arbitration.
Support for the Riyadh office will be provided by regional partners including Tim Casben, Jonathan Brufal (co-head of Energy and Infrastructure), Alex Brazeau (co-head of Technology), and Jon Parker (head of IP practice).
Gowling WLG is an international law firm offering a full spectrum of legal services across key sectors including technology, intellectual property, energy, infrastructure, and corporate law.
