McGrigors has opened its first base in the Middle East with the launch of an office in Qatar.

The Doha office, which opened today (14 March) in the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), will be headed by energy and infrastructure partner James Elwen, who has relocated from the firm's London office.

The launch gifts McGrigors its eight office and its second outside of the UK alongside the firm's satellite office in the Falkland Islands. The Scots firm's UK presence includes bases in London, Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

McGrigors managing partner Richard Masters (pictured) said the new office would build on the firm's existing activities in the Middle East, particularly in the infrastructure, energy and professional and financial services sectors.

"We already have a very significant and loyal client base in Qatar and are opening an office in the QFC in Doha principally to service existing demand. However, the requirement for legal services in the region seems likely to increase in the future," he said.

Elwen said: "The state of Qatar is ambitious, with a clear vision for its future. We are confident that we can make a valuable contribution towards meeting its aspirations. For some time we have been committed to the Qatari market and are pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate that in a very tangible way through this new office."

The news comes after Clifford Chance announced plans to open in Qatar in January this year, while Allen & Overy also confirmed its intention to launch in the region in February last year.