Linklaters has agreed an alliance with Saudi Arabian firm Zamakhchary & Co that will see the firm send two of its lawyers to Riyadh to support its clients in the country.

The alliance will build on an existing relationship between the two firms that has seen them work together on corporate, capital markets, project finance and Islamic finance matters.

Zamakhchary is headquartered in the Saudi capital of Riyadh and also has an office in Jeddah. It is a full-service firm with more than 20 lawyers, including four partners, according to its website.

The two Linklaters lawyers moving to Saudi are banking and finance managing associate Omar El Sayed, who is relocating from Dubai, alongside one other as yet unconfirmed colleague.

Linklaters Middle East managing partner Scott Campbell said: "This agreement will significantly extend our ability to serve clients in Saudi Arabia, most notably as the Kingdom's transformational 'Vision 2030' plan is rolled out. We are particularly delighted that one of our leading lawyers, Omar El Sayed, will be relocating from our Dubai office to lead our operations in Saudi Arabia."

Linklaters has Middle Eastern offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with one and four partners respectively, according to its website.

Zamakchary managing director Monaji Zamakhchary said: "We have been working closely with Linklaters for a number of years and look forward to expanding our on-the-ground presence and foothold in the Saudi market together."

Last year, Linklaters' magic circle rival Clifford Chance formed an association with Saudi firm Abuhimed Alsheikh Alhagbani, while earlier this year CMS signed an exclusive alliance with Saudi firm Feras Al Shawaf.