Gibson Dunn Expands into Riyadh, Signals a New Era for Legal Services in Saudi Arabia

Gibson Dunn Expands into Riyadh, Signals a New Era for Legal Services in Saudi Arabia

In a strategic move to capitalise on the region s burgeoning legal market, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher (Gibson Dunn) is poised to solidify its presence in the Middle East with the establishment of a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh team boasts seven experienced partners, each possessing a deep understanding of the Saudi Arabian legal landscape and a proven track record of success in serving clients across the country.

Gibson Dunn’s expansion in the Gulf region over the past year has been remarkable, with the firm welcoming 14 new partners and 19 new associates. This substantial investment represents the largest by any international law firm in the region during this period.

Building on the success of its established offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Gibson Dunn has marked the next chapter in its Gulf expansion with the strategic opening of a new office in Riyadh. This expansion aligns seamlessly with the firm’s leading international practices in energy, project finance, M&A, capital markets, regulatory affairs, and international arbitration.

Gibson Dunn’s Chair and Managing Partner, Barbara Becker, highlighted the firm’s commitment to the region, stating, ”The establishment of our Riyadh office, led by a team of highly accomplished lawyers, represents the next phase of our growth strategy in the Gulf. We are excited to deepen our roots in Saudi Arabia and continue providing our clients with the exceptional legal services they have come to expect from Gibson Dunn.”

Megren Al-Shaalan, the newly appointed Partner-in-Charge of Gibson Dunn’s Riyadh office, exuded enthusiasm as he embarked on this exciting chapter in the firm’s growth trajectory. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 driving significant economic transformation, Al-Shaalan is eager to contribute his expertise and leadership to the firm’s newest venture.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Gibson Dunn’s expansion into Riyadh,” Al-Shaalan stated. “The firm’s commitment to the region and its unwavering focus on providing exceptional legal services align perfectly with my own aspirations. I am confident that our team of highly skilled lawyers will play a pivotal role in serving our clients’ needs, both locally and internationally,” Al-Shaalan stated.

Marwan Elaraby, Partner-in-Charge of Gibson Dunn’s Dubai office, expresses his optimism about the synergies that will emerge from the firm’s expansion into Riyadh. Elaraby recognises Megren Al-Shaalan’s leadership in Riyadh as a crucial factor in driving the firm’s market share and propelling its success to new heights.

“The opening of our Riyadh office marks a significant milestone in Gibson Dunn’s expansion across the Gulf region. Megren’s leadership and expertise in the Saudi Arabian legal landscape will be instrumental in fostering collaboration between our offices and teams. I am confident that this seamless integration will allow us to provide our clients with an unparalleled level of service, both locally and internationally,” Elaraby said.

Gibson Dunn’s Riyadh office is poised to become a cornerstone of legal expertise in Saudi Arabia, offering a comprehensive range of services to address both domestic and international legal matters. The team’s deep understanding of the Saudi Arabian legal landscape, coupled with their extensive experience in key practice areas, positions them as trusted advisors for clients across a diverse spectrum of industries.

For over four decades, Gibson Dunn has been a steadfast presence in the Middle East, serving as a trusted advisor to the region’s most prominent companies, financial institutions, and government-affiliated entities. The firm’s lawyers, renowned for their expertise in handling complex deals and disputes, are uniquely positioned to navigate the diverse sectors, disciplines, and jurisdictions that characterize the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region.

The seven partners stepping into the Riyadh office bring a wealth of diverse expertise, each contributing a unique set of skills and insights to the team.

Megren M. Al-Shaalan, the Founder and Managing Partner of The Law Office of Megren M. Al-Shaalan, stands at the forefront with extensive experience in public law, regulatory matters, legislative affairs, and advisory services related to Vision 2030 initiatives.

Mohammed M. Bashir is a specialist in government advisory, public policy, and international law. His noteworthy contributions include drafting legislation and crafting legal frameworks for special economic zones.

Mahmoud Abdel-Baky focuses on advising major financial institutions and corporations, specializing in corporate finance, project development and finance, Islamic finance, and general local corporate matters.

Jonathan Langley is a seasoned advisor to corporate, private equity, and sovereign wealth fund clients. His expertise lies in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and general corporate matters spanning various industries.

Mohamed AlHasan provides counsel to regional sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, large corporations, and multinational companies. His proficiency is evident in navigating complex mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings.

Lars Petersen specialises in public and regulatory law, representing clients before regulatory authorities in Germany and the European Union. His involvement in Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives underscores his commitment to impactful legal advocacy.

Ibrahim Soumrany, a capital markets partner, brings his advisory prowess to equity and debt offerings, listing requirements, securities, corporate governance matters, and reporting obligations. His reach extends across the Middle East, the U.S., and Europe, providing a global perspective to the partnership.