Allen & Overy has recruited its first Saudi Arabian partner from its associate firm – Abdulaziz Al Gasim Law Firm (AAG) – for its officein Riyadh in a move that seeks to integrate the international transaction practice of AAG and strengthen the firm's standing in the region.

Corporate partner Zeyad Khoshaim, who has been admitted to the bar in both New York and Saudi Arabia, will continue to be based in AAG's Riyadh's office. He has significant experience in corporate, transactional, energy projects, and capital markets work.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a strategically important market for us, both in its own right and globally. We have been active in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for voer 30 years with a physical presence in Riyadh through our association with local firm Abdulaziz Al Gasim for over two years," A&O Middle East regional managing partner Simon Roderick said.

According to Roderick, hiring Khoshaim benefits both AAG and A&O. For A&O, having a Saudi national on the team gives the practice more credibility with the locals, while AAG gains the ability to utilise A&O's international platform.

A&O launched its fourth office in the region earlier this year – in Qatar – by relocating London real estate partner Robert Porter.  It also has associate offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh.ALB

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