Pinsent Masons has entered into an association with Saudi Arabian law firm Alsabhan & Alajaji (SJ).

Founded in 2003, the Riyadh firm is led by head of litigation Naif Alsabhan and head of transactional services Ibrahim Alajaji.

Pinsents and SJ have historically worked together on various Saudi, regional Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and international legal matters, predominantly in the infrastructure, energy and technology sectors.

The deal adds to Pinsents' existing Middle East presence, where it has offices in Qatar and Dubai.

Pinsents senior partner Richard Foley said: "Formalising our relationship with SJ is the next step in our development in the region as it will enhance our offering to clients who operate in Saudi Arabia, at such a dynamic time for the country."

Alajaji added: "Our close relationship with Pinsent Masons enables us to strengthen our response in the infrastructure, energy, real estate and technology sectors. What really excites me is that we can offer businesses connected to Saudi with deep industry sector knowledge and experience that operates out of so many global locations, as well as Saudi Arabia itself."

Other firms to strengthen ties in Saudi Arabia this year include Linklaters and CMS. In October, the magic circle firm agreed an alliance with Saudi Arabian firm Zamakhchary & Co.

Similarly, CMS strengthened its Middle East coverage in September by sealing an exclusive alliance with Saudi Arabian law firm Feras Al Shawaf.

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