Denton Wilde Sapte expands into Saudi Arabia

Wael has practised law in Saudi Arabia for 15 years, establishing his own local law practice in Riyadh in 2004. This will share premises with, and sponsor the international law practice of, Denton Wilde Sapte, which will operate under the name The Law Firm of Wael Abdulrahman Alissa in association with Denton Wilde Sapte.

"Momentum in terms of privatisation and foreign investment, particularly in the energy sector, make this an ideal next step for us in the region," says Denton Wilde Sapte chief executive Howard Morris.

"This association gives us the means to establish a presence in the Kingdom and capitalise on the strength of our regional practice in what we see as an exciting and increasingly internationally-connected economy."

Denton Wilde Sapte has been working in the Middle East since 1964. The association in Riyadh adds to an unrivalled regional network of more than 80 lawyers spread across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Muscat and Dubai Internet City.

Commenting on the formation of an association with the firm, Wael says: "There are excellent synergies between my local experience and networks and Denton Wilde Sapte's leadership in the region. I look forward to working with them to build their Saudi and Middle East practice."

Fulbright lawyer to lead Denton Wilde Sapte team

Denton Wilde Sapte is also making a lateral partner hire of US-qualified corporate and commercial lawyer Amgad Husein from the Riyadh office of Fulbright & Jaworski. Amgad will manage the Riyadh association and spearhead its international work.

Other hires will follow shortly, says Gulf Managing Partner, Neil Cuthbert.

"We have already received a number of significant instructions from within the Kingdom and expect to make a number of further hires over the course of the year."

"This is a market of enormous potential and in Wael and Amgad we have found two individuals who can enable Denton Wilde Sapte to capitalise on these opportunities and strengthen our Middle East footprint," says Mr Cuthbert.

Commenting on his appointment to the firm, Amgad Husein added: "I am delighted to join Denton Wilde Sapte. The firm's reach and depth of expertise in the region are extremely powerful and I know we can leverage these to create a market-leading practice in Saudi Arabia."