Reed Smith deepens Middle East footprint with Saudi debut

Reed Smith has opened an office in Riyadh, becoming the latest international firm to establish a base in Saudi Arabia as the country's diversification drive continues to attract global legal players.

The move follows approval from the Saudi Ministry of Justice and marks its third location in the Middle East, joining Abu Dhabi (which it opened in 1978) and Dubai.

It’s the firm’s third new office opening this year, following launches in Atlanta in January and Denver in February. Reed Smith says it has hired over 125 new lawyers in 2025.

Personnel moves

The Riyadh office opens with three new hires from local law firm Mahassni & Co, including partner Emad Alshaikhi, who previously served as co-managing partner and led its disputes practice. He brings more than 15 years of experience advising on commercial disputes, government projects, and landmark transactions in the Kingdom.

Joining him are US-qualified associate Foram Majmuda and government relations officer Sami Saafa.

Additionally, Reed Smith’s Europe and Middle East managing partner Gregor Pryor has been seconded from London to Riyadh to support the integration of the new office and oversee its growth.

Bigger picture

Reed Smith’s launch comes amid a wave of City firms expanding into Saudi Arabia. Freshfields opened in Riyadh in August, as did Simmons & Simmons in June and Pinsent Masons in March. Bird & Bird confirmed plans to open there in May, while BCLP announced plans for dual offices in Riyadh and Al-Khobar in February.

The move also takes Reed Smith’s Middle East headcount to more than 25 lawyers, including seven partners.

What they said

Casey Ryan, Reed Smith’s global managing partner, said: "For more than 45 years, we have proudly partnered with clients across the Middle East, and we are committed to further strengthening our presence in this dynamic and rapidly evolving region.

"The relocation of one of our senior management team members to work in the Kingdom and build our capability underscores our commitment to be a leading force in this fast-growing legal market".

EME managing partner Pryor commented: "Our new Saudi Arabia office is the natural next step in the evolution of our client offering in the region.

“The Kingdom’s ambitious economic diversification program, as part of Vision 2030, continues to generate significant business opportunities across a wide range of sectors that align with Reed Smith’s long-standing industry focus on finance, energy, entertainment and media, life sciences, and transportation".