Allen & Overy (A&O) has re-established its presence on the ground in Saudi Arabia through an association with a new law firm launched by A&O Saudi-qualified lawyer Zeyad Khoshaim.

The magic circle firm announced the exclusive association with Zeyad S. Khoshaim Law Firm today (18 December) after former associate firm Abdulaziz AlGasim last week entered into a cooperation agreement with Linklaters. A&O had already opted to end its relationship with Abdulaziz AlGasim, where three A&O partners were based, including Saudi and New York qualified Khoshaim.

The new firm will operate from Riyadh, with Khoshaim, who has been a partner at A&O since August 2010, working alongside A&O finance partner Julian Johansen and corporate partner Johannes Bruski. UK firms can only operate in Saudi Arabia in association with a local firm.

A&O senior partner David Morley said: "Our association with Zeyad underscores A&O's continuing commitment to Saudi Arabia. Zeyad's practice is strategically aligned with A&O's and we trust that our association with him will enable us to better serve our global and regional clients.

"Securing an association with Zeyad and his team we will also provide great continuity for our clients and ensures our high standards of service will be maintained during this transition."

A&O originally signed a five-year deal with Abdulaziz AlGasim in 2007 that expired in May this year, after which the firm said it was in discussions about renewing the deal. The contract provided for an automatic one-year extension. However, the A&O team, which according to the firm's website comprises nine lawyers, left Abdulaziz AlGasim's premises in Riyadh a few months ago.