Bird & Bird LLP advises international corporations and franchisors on market and operational establishment, as well as contractual and compliance matters. Simon Shooter and Raya AlKhatib have relocated to the firm’s Riyadh office, and Nick O'Connell joined from Al Tamimi & Company in October 2024.

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang Lawyers and Consultants continues to expand its capabilities in the Kingdom, with Rizwan Osman remaining busy on cross-border transactions and JVs, and the firm also advises major global clients on Saudi franchising arrangements. Harry Taylor is another key name.

Abuhimed Alsheikh Alhagbani Law Firm (AS&H) in co-operation with Clifford Chance‘s ‘truly exceptional’ corporate and commercial practice has a track record of success in a diverse range of precedent-setting transactions including M&A, joint ventures, and equity stake sales. The firm integrates experience in capital markets, financial regulations and antitrust and merger control to lead on complex mandates, with strengths in mining, projects and energy, and real estate. The ‘brilliant’ corporate law specialist Majid Al-Sheikh heads the team, and he is joined by Mansoor Alhagbani and the ‘class act’ Omar Rashid who act in large public M&A. Aysh Chaudhry focuses on joint ventures and private equity work.

With ‘a strong reputation among clients and competitors’, Al Tamimi & Company leverages its position as a leading Gulf-wide firm to act on high-value and complex cross-border corporate transactions in Saudi Arabia. At the cutting-edge of the market, recent instructions have included the Saudi market entry of global tech clients, negotiation of franchise and intellectual property agreements, share capital acquisitions, and dual representation transactions in mergers. Helmed by experienced M&A lawyer Philip Kotsis, the practice can boast strength in depth, with the ‘consistently first-rate’ Ahmed Mahomed and Omar Al Humaid also leading on mandates.

Clyde & Co LLP advises on share acquisitions and cross-border joint ventures, with particular strength in FDI, Saudi market entry and regional headquarters establishments. Its client base spans professional services, legal, education and energy. The team also supports multinational companies with corporate restructurings and commercial agreements arising from legislative and regulatory developments. Leading names in the practice include Alain Sfeir, whose broad corporate expertise spans regulatory and transactional instructions, and the ‘strategically astute’ Alan Wood. Other names of note are Atif Mulla, Ranjith Kumar, and Elie Mikhael .

Gibson Dunn continues to grow its presence in Saudi Arabia and is retained by the Public Investment Fund on joint ventures and acquisitions in the manufacturing, construction, and renewable energy sectors. The practice also advises financial services and digital infrastructure clients on innovative investments and market entry mandates. Mohamed A. Hasan and Jonathan Langley both lead for national clients on share acquisitions and proposed joint ventures, and Lojain AlMouallimi and Hadeel Tayeb assist on corporate regulatory matters.

Khoshaim & Associates applies strong Saudi law expertise across a broad mix of commercial, corporate and transactional matters. The team has a solid track record in complex cross-border M&A, including real estate asset-to-equity integrations, mergers in regulated sectors such as health insurance, and the use of W&I insurance to manage transactional risk. One of the most experienced all-around corporate lawyers in the Kingdom, the group is led by Zeyad Khoshaim, and the practice’s capabilities were enhanced in 2024 by the arrivals of ‘seasoned corporate lawyer’ Christian Both and Omar Iqbal from leading international firms, who act on strategic investments and M&A as well as on merger control regulations.

King & Spalding‘s Saudi corporate and commercial practice is ‘able to cover complex matters across jurisdictions’, integrating global and regional expertise in projects, foreign direct investments, and funds to act as lead counsel on major acquisitions, joint ventures, sales and divestments. ‘Extremely competent with his stewardship and negotiations’, Martin Hunt is renowned in the logistics, healthcare, and energy sectors for his transactional experience, and Nabil Issa – who split his time between the KSA and UAE – represents both private equity investors and governmental clients. In January 2025, the firm merged with established Saudi firm Abdulaziz H. Al Fahad & Partners, adding on-the-ground strength.

Latham & Watkins LLC continues to act on big-ticket transactions and investments, including instructions from PIF and a number of its subsidiaries. The practice has recently led in acquisitions, joint ventures, and asset transfers in areas as diverse as biopharmaceuticals, AI, cybersecurity, education, and telecommunications. With deep Saudi and regional experience, Salman Al-Sudairi has broad commercial and corporate expertise, and Ahmed el-Gaili focuses on large private and public M&A. Leen Zaza joined the firm in September 2024 from Khoshaim & Associates, and brings experience in corporate restructurings and IPO preparation. Other key names include Ahmed El Banna and Mira Fayad.

Baker McKenzie Law Firm leads on share acquisitions and foreign direct investments, advising international joint venture partners on Saudi law aspects of market entry and expansion. The team also supports negotiations with Saudi investors and handles a broad range of regulatory compliance matters linked to corporate and transactional activity. The practice often leverages the firm’s capabilities in banking and capital markets to assist on mandates, and is also present in the digital and insurance sectors. Karim Nassar and Zahi Younes co-lead the practice, and Marcos Spanos, Tamim AlKhudhayri, and the ‘exemplary’ Stephanie Samuell are other key names.

Providing ‘quality service and full access to an international network’, Linklaters is recognised for its role in foreign investment mandates in Saudi Arabia, advising pension and investment funds on share acquisitions. The team also represents banking institutions on disposals via accelerated bookbuild offerings and is active across energy, infrastructure, and construction-related transactions. Praised as 'a master negotiating and navigating complex transactions’, Waleed Rasromani leads the group alongside public M&A specialist Amro Bakhaidar.

BLK Partners has a‘ very knowledgeable and supportive’ team noted for its tax, IP and licensing expertise, advising on internal restructurings, market entry and corporate governance matters. The practice also handles follow-on acquisitions and joint ventures, acting for multinational construction, healthcare and hospitality companies, as well as Saudi family offices. Wissam Hachem leads the firm in this area and is a key contact on M&A as well as investments, recapitalizations and share issuances. Hachem is joined by the ‘consistently strategic, commercially astute’ Jeffrey Greene, as well as contractual specialist Mashael Bakhashwein.

Derayah LLPC – Saudilegal‘s fields a team that is ‘professional with good Saudi law knowledge’, specialising in mandates covering internal restructurings, cross-border reorganisations, and the licensing and incorporations of subsidiaries and joint ventures. The firm is particularly active in the infrastructure and utilities sectors, with a multidisciplinary bench spanning project finance, banking regulation and competition law. Ali Abedi, Asad Abedi , and Dana Halwani co-lead the practice and together provide a comprehensive corporate and commercial service to an extensive domestic and multinational client base.

 

Greenberg Traurig Khalid Al-Thebity Law Firm‘s corporate team advises on regulatory and transactional matters for clients in media and sports broadcasting, events and hospitality, and the construction and mining sectors. Leveraging the firm’s international network, the practice handles both cross-border and domestic mandates. Practice head Khalid Al-Thebity is retained by government ministries and foreign investors on regulatory matters and also represents shareholders in large sales, and Chadi Salloum is a regional transactional specialist experienced in M&A and joint ventures. Marwa Al-Siyabi also comes recommended.

With ‘deep local expertise combined with a clear understanding of the commercial realities clients face‘, Law Firm of Hassan Mahassni acts on M&A, complex public company restructurings, commercial contracts, corporate finance, and joint ventures, carve-outs and spin-offs. Faisal Linjawy brings experience to the fore on mandates in the power and energy, medical and pharmaceutical, and technology sectors. Faisal Alhashmi also comes recommended.

Hourani & Partners advises foreign companies on the legal and regulatory aspects of doing business in Saudi Arabia, including the structuring and negotiation of mergers and joint ventures, due diligence and documentation for sales and acquisitions, and ongoing tax and competition law matters. Particularly strong at honing relationships between international and domestic clients, Chadi Hourani and Hayel Hourani are experienced in cross-border M&A, JVs, and equity sales in manufacturing, retail and logistics. Salim Sader and Edoardo Betto are other names of note.

 

Kirkland & Ellis International Law Firm LLPC continues to strengthen its position in the Saudi market, working for a client roster including the PIF and a number of its subsidiaries as well as international investors in energy and manufacturing. The firm advises on joint ventures, asset consolidations, share purchase agreements, and has a strong funds practice representing private equity clients on market-first investments and acquisitions. Kamran Bajwa and Noor Al-Fawzan co-lead the practice, both key contacts for governmental and public clients. Osama Lone recently contributed to PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners' acquisition of Electronic Arts Inc.

 

Baker Botts advises foreign investors and domestic developers on joint ventures, regulatory compliance and a range of transactional matters, including share transfers, capital raisings, initial investments and partial acquisitions. The practice is active on cross-border mandates across the energy, media and life sciences sectors, acting for both strategic and financial stakeholders. Shadi Haroon leads the firm’s efforts from Riyadh and has experience in market entry and corporate structuring matters.

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s transactional practice advises on joint venture formation, acquisitions of listed companies via capital increases, corporate governance, shareholder and framework agreements, merger control in takeovers and sales, and the restructuring and management of Saudi operations for global corporations. Mohammed Altammami leads the team. Anwar Ouazzani has acted for government entities and public companies on complex transactions in construction, energy and infrastructure, and Faisal Aldhayaan has a strong background in competition regulations.

White & Case remains a key advisor to Saudi Aramco, PIF and many of its subsidiaries, with the firm leading on a range of acquisitions, asset transfers, and cross-border funding rounds and investments in petrochemicals, renewable energy and telecommunications. The practice also has a prominent commercial presence in the fields of real estate and retail. Sami Al-Louzi is experienced in M&A across the MENA region, and Sonia Abdul-Rahman has developed expertise in joint ventures and divestitures in the energy sector.

Dentons Arabia Law advises shareholders, government ministries, and investment consortiums on large strategic acquisitions, sales, and divestments, representing buyers and sellers on cross-border deals, with notable activity in the education, IT, and energy sectors. Practice head Ziad Saad‘s broad corporate experience covers both transactions and advisory mandates on commercial and securities law, while Nick Simpson acts on market entry mandates and M&A in the leisure and hospitality sectors.

Addleshaw Goddard‘s cross-border corporate team is particularly impressive in advising global conglomerates and investment companies on transactions include brand establishment, investment agreements, subsidiary formation as well as conventional M&A, divestments, and joint ventures. Ibrahim Siddiki has experience on corporate transactions in the projects sector and is trusted by government clients, and Homam Khoshaim has a background in corporate advisory and merger control.

Share acquisitions and joint venture establishments are the central strengths of AlDhabaan & Partners in association with Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s corporate and commercial practice. The team has recently advised on acquisitions in the healthcare, medicine, and EPC sectors, counsels JVs on regulatory approvals and terms, and supports market entry into Saudi Arabia. Matters are led by Walid Salib, public sector specialist Ibrahim AlSultan, and Musab Aljammaz, who joined from the Ministry of Justice in 2024 and specialises in commercial advisory mandates.

HFW‘s ‘strong team’ advises joint ventures in media, technology, manufacturing, and energy, covering establishment and licensing, ongoing operations, shareholder management, and asset restructuring. The firm also acts on corporate matters in insurance, data privacy, and logistics. Practice group head Abdulrahman Al Ohaly works with Euan Pinkerton and insurance specialist Justin Whelan.

Khalid Nassar & Partners‘s advises on complex acquisition structures for buyers, including investment funds and holding groups, and specialises in real estate investment funds, CMA regulations, and Sharia-compliant frameworks. The firm also handles financial framework reviews and transactional regulatory due diligence. Khalid Nassar is an experienced transactional lawyer, Mohamed Alnafea integrates experience in banking and finance on corporate matters, and new arrival from the TGA Abdulaziz Al-Farraj is a M&A regulatory specialist.

SuhailPartners LLP is instructed by a client roster spanning public and private companies in the construction, energy, real estate and media sectors on a range of corporate and transactional matters, including the review and termination of distribution agreements, cross-border M&A, and share and capital issuances.  Corporate advisory specialist Fahad AlDehais AlMalki leads in this practice area, and Ghada Al Abdulwahab is another key contact.

Zamakhchary & Co has notable strength working with international joint ventures, counselling clients on restructurings as well as shareholder and corporate governance arrangements. The firm also demonstrates capabilities in competition law, market entry mandates, and commercial contracts. The ‘experienced and knowledgeable’  Martin Creek is the resident corporate transactions specialist with experience in M&A, and Reina Hashash is retained on ongoing advisory matters. Osama Kurdi is a go-to for tax expertise.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner leads on complex commercial contracts in a variety of regulated industries, most recently retail and education. The firm is also instructed regarding changes in management structures and on Saudi regulatory compliance. ‘One of the deans of the international bar in Saudi', Sam Eversman joined the firm’s El Khobar office in April 2025 from AlSawaed Law Firm, and is joined by Othman Alshmry.

Faisal Adnan Baassiri Law Firm in association with Ashurst LLP advises across the full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters for clients active in Saudi Arabia, with strengths in restructurings, compliance and licensing agreements, and corporate governance frameworks. Share acquisitions and privatisations of listed companies are another area of focus. Faisal Baassiri is an experienced Saudi lawyer renowned for his work with financial institutions and corporates. Simon Rahimzada co-leads the team.

Feras Al Shawaf Law Firm leads on regional headquarters and subsidiary establishments and governance for international clients in the energy and construction sectors, and advises on Saudi corporate law matters and standardisation agreements across both public and private sector mandates. Managing partner Feras Al Shawaf and Fareed Yaldram have experience in transactions and regulatory negotiations.

Hammad & Al-Mehdar Law Firm‘s particular strength is in merger control and competition filings in the context of international M&A. The firm is also capable acting as local counsel concerning regulatory compliance in group restructurings and share purchase agreements for investment groups in technology and real estate. The team is led by corporate deal specialist Suhaib Hammad.

Naji Khairan Advocates & Legal Consultants advises leading global clients on Saudi market entry, operational structuring and regulatory compliance, specialising in IP and employment law elements as well as on JV agreement negotiations. Aviation, logistics, transportation, and engineering are sectors of focus for the firm. Akhil Reda leads the team and has a broad range of corporate and commercial experience.

NSAC (Alnowaisser & Alsuwaylimi) specialises in the construction sector, advising development companies on shareholding, commercial and contracting agreements. The firm also leads on buyer-side M&A across a variety of sectors. Ahmad Kamel and Wassim Khoueiry co-head the group, bring multidisciplinary experience in ECM and project development respectively.

Sharif Akkad Law Firm (MAK)‘s corporate and commercial practice frequently acts as Saudi counsel on cross-border mandates, advising foreign investors on licensing, franchising, and market entry, while also handling complex M&A transactions, restructurings, and shareholder agreement matters. With a background in banking regulations, the group is led by Sharif Akkad.

SPB Al-Akkas leads on M&A in the technology sector and advises investment funds and professional service firms on shareholder agreements, share subscriptions, and establishing joint ventures. In Riyadh, the firm is led by Looaye Al-Akkas. Matthew Powell brings strong capabilities in cross-border M&A and PE deals.