Firm names Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar as potential locations for local tie-ups 

Taylor Wessing is planning to dramatically increase its Middle East presence, with the firm eyeing launches in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar (pictured).

The firm is in talks over how to grow in the region, with a string of strategic local tie-ups thought to be the likely option. Any new offices or alliances would be managed from the firm's Dubai base, its only current outpost in the Middle East.

Incoming Middle East managing partner Mark Fraser, who is set to succeed Christopher Dixon next month, said: "When it comes to international offices, it is so important to get it right. If we take Doha as an example, it is a heavily lawyered market so determining the appropriate strategy is key.  

"While Doha has obvious attractions given the extent of infrastructure investment, some international firms have already had their fingers burned and have downsized their operations there. We are also looking closely at Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which present the firm with a range of opportunities on the back of existing contacts in the financial and corporate sectors.

"Kuwait, which is under-lawyered, is an attractive prospect on the back of existing client and contact demand."

The firm is considering establishing a Saudi presence in the next six months. Fraser declined to name any target firms, but said the decision would involve those Taylor Wessing had already formed local relationships with in each jurisdiction.

The Dubai office is currently staffed by 22 lawyers, which the firm hopes to ramp up to 30 in the next 12 months, including two new partner additions. The firm is also looking to expand its corporate finance capabilities in the region.

Taylor Wessing merged with Dubai ally Key & Dixon in 2008, having establishing a formal association with the boutique in 2003. Dixon, who was name partner at the legacy firm, has held the managing partner role since the tie-up.