International firm HFW has agreed an association with a Saudi law firm as part of its efforts to expand its presence in the Middle East.

The firm said today it has joined forces with Mohammed Al Khiliwi in Riyadh, to practise as HFW in association with Mohammed Al Khiliwi (MAK).

Under the association, principal Al Khiliwi will become a partner in HFW, while the firm’s other lawyers will remain part of MAK.

HFW has been in the Middle East since 2006 and now has more than 60 lawyers – including 28 Arabic speakers – at offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait City and Riyadh. Last year, HFW added 24 new partners, including lateral hires in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Richard Crump, global senior partner at HFW, said: ‘The region is a priority for each of our global industry groups – aerospace, commodities, construction, energy, insurance and shipping – and is fast becoming a major centre for international dispute resolution, which is a key part of our practice globally.

‘Our Middle East practice has more than doubled over the past three years and we have ambitious plans for further growth across our core sectors and services, as we seek to establish HFW as the leading international law firm in the region.’