Dentons’ partner in the Middle East, Anas Akel has been relocated to launch and lead the office after working for years in Riyadh. The new office will complement its Riyadh office in association with The Law Firm of Wael A. Alissa.

According to global chairman, Joe Andrew, "Our clients will benefit from better access to legal services in the Western province, close to many multinational corporations and home to Saudi Arabia's leading merchant families."

Located on the Red Sea and near the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, Jeddah is considered one of the most important commercial centers in the Middle East and the Firm's new office will focus on building a strong network of clients across the financial services, insurance, aviation, manufacturing and retail sectors.

In a press release, Jeremy Cohen, Dentons' CEO for the UK, Middle East and Africa, said, "Saudi Arabia is the largest market in the Middle East, accounting for 25 percent of the region's GDP, a quarter of the world's oil reserves and the lowest energy prices for investment projects. The combination of the Kingdom’s political, economic and social stability, modern infrastructure, inexpensive energy supplies and a geographic location uniquely poised between East and West and close to Africa, ensures that Saudi Arabia is of growing interest to foreign investors. We are delighted to be opening our second office in the Kingdom."

Dentons’ Riyadh office was opened in 2007. The firm’s presence has since largely grown in the Middle East, with other offices in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Doha, Dubai and Riyadh.