Ashurst is to launch an office in Saudi Arabia via an association with local partner Faisal Adnan Baassiri.

Baassiri, who is currently legal head of Saudi Shariah-compliant wealth management company SEDCO (Saudi Economic and Development Company), will join the firm in mid-December and move into permanent offices in Jeddah the New Year.

Prior to working at SEDCO, Baassiri was based at Jeddah law firm Osama Yamani.

The new office will focus on energy, transport and infrastructure, as well as corporate services, complementing the firm's Middle East presence in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

"The economy in Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant expansion, which is set to continue over the next few years," said Ashurst Middle East head Joss Dare, who cited opportunities in energy, transport and infrastructure that fit with the firm's regional strategic focus.

"The market also provides extensive opportunities for general corporate, finance and other legal work. This is the first step for us in the Kingdom and we are confident that our offering will grow in breadth and depth." Dare added the firm has a longstanding relationship with Baassiri.

The moves comes after Ashurst last year announced plans to restructure in the Middle East, with the firm refocusing its Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices around energy and infrastructure.

Corporate partner and Middle East chief Nick Williamson and Abu Dhabi real estate partner Matthew Hooton returned to London after several years in the region, with Dare becoming the firm's regional managing partner. Global energy head Geoffrey Picton-Turbervill was also transferred to the Middle East with a remit to develop the practice in the region.