Clyde & Co has moved its regional headquarters to Saudi Arabia after securing a licence to operate in the Kingdom.
The largest international law firm in the Middle East, which has been operating in the Kingdom for 15 years, announced the approval of its Regional Headquarters (RHQ) licence from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA).
“This exciting development cements and confirms our dedication to our clients, specifically public bodies and government agencies in the Kingdom,” said Abdulaziz Al-Bosaily, managing partner of Clyde & Co’s office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “This year, we have also spent a significant amount of time advising clients across various sectors on their own RHQ requirements, and I look forward to continuing working alongside them.”
Sara Khoja, partner and chair of Clyde & Co’s Middle East and Africa board, added: “Clyde & Co’s Middle East story started over 30 years ago, and we have the largest footprint in the region. Saudi Arabia continues to be an important part of the firm’s regional development plan, and our team in Riyadh have played an active role in driving forward initiatives aligned with Vision 2030.”
Clyde & Co has five offices in the Middle East, including in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha. In Riyadh it has grown significantly in the past year as market opportunities and client priorities have matured. The office has seven partners and over 30 locally based legal professionals who advise international and domestic businesses exploring the emerging commercial opportunities and the legal considerations of doing business in the Kingdom.
Saudi Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid A. Al-Falah, said: “We commend Clyde & Co for their enduring role in the Saudi Arabian legal market and welcome the approval of their Regional Headquarters licence in the Kingdom. This significant milestone is anticipated to bring forth valuable contributions and advancements in our legal landscape in the coming years.”
The RHQ programme came into effect on January 1, 2024, requiring multinational businesses to move their regional headquarters to Saudi Arabia should they wish to contract with government organisations, agencies, or funds.
Other law firms to establish Riyadh as their regional headquarters include DWF, White & Case and Kirkland & Ellis.
