Akin has today announced the addition of a new partner after Law Middle East exclusively revealed the firm plans to open an office in Riyadh later this year.
Jennifer Riddle, a project finance specialist, will be based in the Abu Dhabi office until the firm receives its licence to operate in Saudi Arabia. She joins from White & Case, where she was a local partner.
Her arrival closely follows that of former White & Case corporate and finance partner, Alexander Malahias, who will co-lead the firm’s launch in Riyadh.
Akin will announce the other co-lead of the Riyadh office in due course, a spokesperson for the firm told Law Middle East.
The firm is awaiting final approvals on its application for a licence to operate in Saudi Arabia.
“Launching our office in Saudi Arabia is a pivotal move in our long-term strategy, reflecting our commitment to the region’s evolving market,” said Akin co-chair-elect Abid Qureshi. “Our strengths in corporate finance, energy and infrastructure are well-aligned with the Kingdom’s ambitions, and we see significant, sustained growth opportunities. Clients value advisors who offer both global experience and deep regional knowledge, and this expansion ensures we continue to meet that need.”
Riddle brings experience in energy and infrastructure financing, with a strong focus on renewable energy. Her expertise in asset-backed finance and Export Credit Agency (ECA) finance structures has contributed to projects across the region.
Together, Riddle and Malahias have worked with key regional entities including Red Sea Global, NEOM, and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC).
In addition to White & Case, Riddle has previously worked in the Abu Dhabi offices of Clifford Chance and Ashurst, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“Jennifer’s in-depth understanding of the Middle East market and her outstanding track record in project finance greatly enhance our capabilities and are key to our expansion in the region,” said Sebastian Rice, partner in charge of Akin’s international markets. “Arriving hot on the heels of Alex, Jennifer further deepens our Middle East presence and our KSA expertise.”
Akin has two offices in the UAE. It opened an office in Abu Dhabi in 2008 and further expanded its Middle East presence to Dubai in 2014.
The firm’s upcoming launch in Riyadh comes as Saudi Arabia reforms its rules to allow foreign law firms to operate independently in the Kingdom.
