Herbert Smith is boosting its Saudi offering with the relocation of the co-head of its technology, media and telecoms (TMT) practice group from London to Riyadh.

Christopher Rees is set to move to Riyadh in March next year and will be based with Herbert Smith's Saudi alliance firm Al-Ghazzawi Professional Association (GPA), which the top 10 City firm entered into an exclusive association with last year.

Rees, who advises on corporate and projects deals in the TMT sector, will be the first Herbert Smith partner seconded to GPA, joining four associates. His brief will be to launch a Middle East TMT hub, strengthen the Riyadh office and raise awareness of the Saudi practice among Herbert Smith's global clients.

Rees commented: "Saudi Arabia is a pivotal player on the world stage and the demand for legal services is growing significantly, both from Saudi clients and international companies and financial institutions investing in the Kingdom."

Herbert Smith entered the Middle East in 2007 and has its own offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The firm has grown the regional practice to 10 partners this year, with the relocations of City partners Nick Turner and Stuart Paterson to Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively.