Call to seize Saudi opportunities

English solicitors have a big role to play in the economic development of Saudi Arabia if they seize the chance, a leading Saudi lawyer visiting the UK with a top-level delegation has told the Gazette.

Dr Hasan Al Mulla - who owns a law firm by that name in the Saudi capital Riyadh - visited London with Saudi ministers and businessmen and women to discuss the economy, investment, law and politics of Saudi Arabia.

Dr Hasan, who sits on the board of the Saudi Arabian Investment Authority, said there were opportunities for lawyers involved with oil, gas, water, electricity, telecoms and rail projects.

He added: 'Don't let the opinion that the Americans have the upper hand [in Saudi contracts] control your thinking about coming to Saudi Arabia.'

He said ties were being strengthened between the UK and Saudi by the fact that many young Saudis are studying in the UK in preference to the US - where they have difficulty in obtaining visas and sometimes do not feel as secure.

Andrew O'Keefe, a senior assistant in the banking department of City firm Simmons & Simmons, who attended the conference, said: 'There are historical links between the UK and Saudi Arabia that have survived the terrible events of two years ago [the 11 September attacks].

In the UK, Saudis have not been tarred with the same brush.'

Asked whether Simmons would look to business opportunities in Saudi, he said: 'I think we will post a watching brief on it, yes.'

John McHugo, a partner in City firm Trowers & Hamlins' international department, who met delegates from the conference, said: 'I believe that there are great opportunities for international firms in infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia, particularly for those firms - like ours - that have Islamic finance expertise.'

Jeremy Fleming