Gowling ties up with GPA to increase its Saudi Arabian footprint

Gowling ties up with GPA to increase its Saudi Arabian footprint

Gowling WLG partnership with Al Ghazzawi Professional Association (GPA) will enable the Anglo-Canadian firm to cater to its clients seeking legal advice in Saudi Arabia

Anglo-Canadian firm Gowling WLG has entered into a partnership with Saudi Arabian law firm Al Ghazzawi Professional Association (GPA) with a view to offering its clients legal support in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

GPA is a full-service law firm with offices in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. Gowling has plans to recruit a team in Riyad to support relationship leads Jonathan Brufal and Tim Casben and ensure better coordination between the two firms.

GPA was founded by current chairman Talal Amin Al-Ghazzawi in 1968. Gowling partner and UK head of international projects Brufal and Dubai managing partner Casben are leading the firm's relationship with GPA. Ruba El-Sayegh, the Canada-based partner who co-leads Gowling's Arab States country desk, will support Brufal and Casben.

"Our firm has considerable experience and strength in the Middle East and establishing a presence in Saudi Arabia is a natural step in our expansion strategy. The agreement with GPA will further bolster our expertise in the region and support clients to take full advantage of a wide range of commercial opportunities in Saudi Arabia," Brufal said.

Under the cooperation agreement, the two firms will work together across sectors and services including government advisory, corporate and M&A, energy and infrastructure, project development, finance and disputes, international arbitration, among others.

According to Belal Ghazzawi, senior managing partner at GPA, the partnership has come at a time when the Saudi economy is witnessing a transformative evolution, with the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy central to the growth of the Middle East's largest economy.

"This agreement demonstrates our commitment to forging a strong relationship with Gowling WLG and a platform for our clients to navigate the global marketplace with confidence alongside one of the world's leading law firms with an impressive international presence," Belal Ghazzawi added.