Roberta Fedele Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Leading UK-based International Law Firm Ashurst celebrated its launch and new venture in the Kingdom in partnership with Faisal Adnan Baassiri Law Firm at the British Consulate here recently. Hosted by British Consul General Mohammed Shokat and Head of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Michael Cockle, the outdoor event saw the participation of over 150 guests including prominent Jeddah-based businessmen. Shokat said: “I believe that Ashurst's vast international experience and Baassiri's profound knowledge of the Saudi market represent an ideal combination to offer clients the right expertise as well as a strong cultural awareness that can indirectly benefit the Saudi market.” Shokat praised the strong commitment that prominent UK legal firms like Ashurst are showing toward the Kingdom as part of their growth strategy. He also mentioned the rapid growth rate of the legal profession in the UK with the number of solicitors that has increased to over 120,000 in the last 30 years. Head of Ashurst in the Middle East Joss Dare highlighted the international experience and incredible development of his firm that has today a deep interest in the Saudi market. He said: “Ashurst has 400 partners and 1,700 lawyers across 24 offices in 14 countries. “The firm's mission is to be adviser to the world's most ambitious organizations. “We advise firms on the largest and most complex regional projects including power and water, transports, infrastructure, healthcare and PPP. "Jeddah represents the first step for us in the Kingdom and we have been very lucky to establish an association with such a highly rated practitioner as Baassiri. “The economy in Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant expansion and there are substantial business opportunities that fit well with our regional strategic focus. “In 1822, the founders of Ashurst would have unlikely imagined that one day their company would be opening an office in Saudi Arabia. “I would like also to mention the fact that, even before launching this new office, Ashurst was working with various clients on a number of projects in the Kingdom including the Haramain Railways and the Riyadh buses and metro.” A practicing lawyer with expertise in general corporate work, real estate and funds and former head of legal at the large Saudi Shariah-compliant wealth management company SEDCO, Baasiri said: “When I was at SEDCO, Ashurst was the best law firm with the best lawyers I worked with. “Today I'm delighted to help Ashurst offices in the Middle East grow and develop as well as to give my clients the opportunity, when dealing with me, to be also connected to a network of professionals across 14 countries.” Cockle concluded the series of speeches by pointing to the growing number of British companies working alongside Saudi partners. He said: “Ashurst is one of the many UK firms to have established a local presence. “The UK industry excels in producing firms and individuals with skills and expertise across many sectors that are now contributing to complex projects in Saudi Arabia. “British companies recognize their important role in supporting a sustainable expansion and diversification of the Saudi economy by transferring their knowledge to their Saudi partners and colleagues.”
