Reed Smith Expands in the Middle East with Saudi Arabia Office Launch

Reed Smith has received its license to operate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from the Saudi Ministry of Justice, and has opened its office in Riyadh. The new office builds on the firm’s long-standing presence in the Middle East, having opened its Abu Dhabi office in 1978. The firm now has three offices in the region – in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh – and 34 offices globally.

The firm’s Riyadh office includes three new arrivals from local law firm Mahassni & Co, namely Emad Alshaikhi (partner), Foram Majmudar (senior associate) and Sami Saafa (government relations officer).

Alshaikhi previously served as co-managing partner of Mahassni & Co. He also led its dispute resolution practice, and brings more than 15 years of experience advising clients on high-value commercial disputes, major government projects, and landmark transactions in the Kingdom.

Majmudar is US-qualified and advises on joint ventures, securities, M&A, restructurings, incorporations and liquidations for regional and multinational companies operating in the KSA. She has advised on some of the largest projects in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh Metro, Green Riyadh, NEOM, PIF-backed projects and port concessions. Saafa will play a key role in supporting the firm’s regulatory and client initiatives.

Reed Smith’s EME managing partner, Gregor Pryor, will be seconded from London to Riyadh to support the firm’s clients and team, grow the office, and help ensure the seamless integration of the KSA office within the firm’s wider global platform.

“For more than 45 years, we have proudly partnered with clients across the Middle East, and we are committed to further strengthening our presence in this dynamic and rapidly evolving region. The relocation of one of our senior management team members to work in the Kingdom and build our capability underscores our commitment to be a leading force in this fast-growing legal market,” said Reed Smith global managing partner Casey Ryan.

“Our new Saudi Arabia office is the natural next step in the evolution of our client offering in the region. The Kingdom’s ambitious economic diversification program, as part of Vision 2030, continues to generate significant business opportunities across a wide range of sectors that align with Reed Smith’s long-standing industry focus on finance, energy, entertainment and media, life sciences, and transportation,” said Gregor Pryor, Reed Smith’s EME managing partner.

“We are now extremely well-positioned to help our clients capitalize on these opportunities, with on-the-ground support working in close collaboration with the strength of our wider global platform. I am excited to be working in Riyadh and look forward to collaborating closely with the new team and growing our capabilities to ensure we can continue to deliver the very best possible service to our clients,” Pryor added.

“I’m delighted to join Reed Smith as we establish our new office in Saudi Arabia. With the Kingdom undergoing rapid economic transformation, this step will facilitate the transfer of know-how and the introduction of advanced resources, enabling us to keep pace with the fast-growing market, and to better support clients across a wide range of business needs and high-profile projects, while also contributing to the Saudi market’s growth,” said Emad Alshaikhi.

Reed Smith’s Middle East headcount is now over 25 lawyers, including seven partners. The Riyadh team is based in offices in the Laysen Valley complex on King Khalid Road.