Simmons & Simmons expands Middle East presence with new office in Riyadh

Simmons & Simmons has announced that its new office in Riyadh is now open and fully operational. This marks the firm’s first presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the largest economy in the Middle East and one of the fastest-growing globally.

Building on its established, decades-long regional presence, the new Riyadh office will enhance Simmons & Simmons’ offering across key sectors including asset management and investment funds (AMIF), financial institutions (FI), healthcare and life sciences (HLS), and technology, media and telecommunications (TMT). The office will also have a focus on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure (ENRI), recognising its pivotal role in supporting the Saudi economy and achieving the objectives of Vision 2030.

The Riyadh office is led by new partner Amer Al Amr, a seasoned Saudi lawyer with 26 years of experience in the KSA. Amer Al Amr will head the office, supported by construction partner Niall Clancy, local KSA nationals, and international colleagues. Additional support will be provided by Umera Ali, a banking & finance partner with more than 15 years of Saudi market experience, further strengthening the team’s capabilities.

Muneer Khan, Partner and Middle East regional head, stated, “The launch of our Riyadh office represents a pivotal moment for Simmons & Simmons in the region. It not only reaffirms our commitment to meeting the unique legal needs of the Saudi market but also underscores our drive to deliver innovative, world-class solutions to our clients as the region evolves.”

Amer Al Amr added, “I am honoured to lead Simmons & Simmons’ new Riyadh office. This development blends our deep local expertise with a robust international platform, enabling us to navigate the complexities of a dynamic market. I look forward to building strong local partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for our clients in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

The fully operational Riyadh office reflects Simmons & Simmons’ ongoing commitment to strengthening its presence in the Middle East and delivering premium legal services to both local and international clients.