Pinsent Masons has announced the launch of an independent office in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom’s new regulations allow for greater operational independence.
As of March 1, the international firm has commenced operations independent to Alsabhan & Alajaji, which it struck an alliance with in 2018.
While the two firms will operate independently, they will continue their exclusive collaboration, according to a statement. Alsabhan & Alajaji will focus on local courts and legislation drafting, ensuring a complementary approach to serving clients.
Ibrahim Alajaji, formerly a partner of Alsabhan & Alajaji, will join Pinsent Masons Saudi Arabia as managing partner. Alsabhan & Alajaji will be led by partner Naif Alsabhan.
“This is an exciting new chapter for the firm’s presence in the Middle East—both for our firm and for our many clients in the region,” said Catherine Workman, partner and head of the Middle East at Pinsent Masons. “The Saudi Arabian government’s ambitious Vision 2030 programme is creating new opportunities for domestic and international investors, while also transforming the Kingdom’s legal and regulatory landscape.”
“We are thrilled to launch Pinsent Masons Saudi Arabia and warmly welcome Ibrahim Alajaji and his team to Pinsent Masons,” she said. “We also look forward to continuing our strong and successful collaboration with Naif Alsabhan, whose leadership has been invaluable to our success in the country and without whom this exciting development would not have been possible.”
Ibrahim Alajaji, managing partner at Pinsent Masons Saudi Arabia, added: “Our collaboration has allowed us to deliver top-tier legal services in Saudi Arabia, and this new structure strengthens our ability to do so. It positions our transactional team to provide even greater value in the Saudi market while actively supporting the country’s economic transformation.”
Naif Alsabhan, managing partner at Alsabhan & Alajaji, said: “We have built strong client relationships across the Kingdom, and Alsabhan & Alajaji will continue expanding its litigation and legislation drafting practices. The new phase enables us to better support both domestic and international businesses operating in Saudi Arabia.”
“The launch of Pinsent Masons Saudi Arabia and Alsabhan & Alajaji reflects the success of our alliance over the years,” he added. “This next stage drives us to achieve even greater success.”
Pinsent Masons has Middle East offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh. It received a licence to operate in Saudi Arabia in November 2023.
