Kirkland & Ellis has added a partner to its growing construction and projects practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Law Middle East can reveal.
Ahmed Alrikhaimi has relocated from Houston to Riyadh, where the firm has established its regional headquarters.
He was recently promoted to the firm’s partnership on October 1.
Alrikhaimi will work alongside construction and projects partner James Clark, who joined the firm in October 2023 to launch the practice in Riyadh.
Alrikhaimi focuses on project development, financing, and associated corporate transactions in the energy & infrastructure sector. He advises on a broad range of energy transactions and projects, including engineering, construction and procurement (EPC) contracts and related development agreements.
A mechanical engineer by training, who previously worked for Aramco, he has represented sponsors, owners, and developers in a wide range of projects generally ranging from $100 million to over $2 billion in value.
Alrikhaimi’s move to Saudi Arabia comes at a time when the Kingdom undergoes major transformations, backed by a number of gigaprojects and government initiatives, in line with Vision 2030.
Kirkland & Ellis opened its Riyadh office in October 2023. Under founding partner and Middle East practice head Kamran Bajwa’s leadership the office has grown to over 20 legal professionals, with core specialisms including corporate, capital markets, projects, and restructuring.
“We expect some organic growth, but we do not approach new offices with a specific headcount in mind,” Bajwa told Law Middle East in an interview in August. “Our focus is on assembling the highest quality team available to service our clients, and we will adjust as we see opportunities.”
Husni Almousli was recently appointed to the firm’s partnership in Riyadh. He relocated from London earlier this year to lead the capital solutions and financial restructuring practice in Riyadh.
