Ontier launches its Middle East Desk
Ontier launches its Middle East Desk to advise companies with interests in the region and local companies in their international expansion. Kamal Khashoggi will lead the initiative, accompanied by Lucía Artola, a legal expert in Oman.
“Our aim is to be a strategic bridge between the Middle East and the West, facilitating access to key markets and offering our clients advice tailored to their specific needs and challenges,” says Kamal Khashoggi, a Saudi lawyer who will lead this new Ontier initiative.
Relevance of the Middle East
This move responds to the growing relevance of the Middle East as a business hub. As well, the strategic role the region plays in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, technology, entertainment and finance.
Ontier’s strong presence in the English-speaking world, through its offices in London (UK) and Miami (USA), “allows the firm to compete in complex and international projects in a region that, to date, has been dominated by English and American firms,” they shared in a statement.
Dual approach
The Middle East Desk was created with an international vision and a dual focus. The first is to accompany international companies in their establishment and business development in the Middle East. In addition, their aim is to provide advice on regulatory, tax, contractual and dispute resolution issues, as well as offering expert insight into local business customs and practices. The second is to advise Gulf companies and clients in their expansion into Western markets, supporting them in investment, setting up subsidiaries and representation in international litigation and arbitration.
The desk will initially operate from Madrid, taking advantage of the Spanish capital’s position as a hub connecting Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. As well, allowing it to effectively coordinate the firm’s global strategy in the region.
Strategic alliance with NSAC
As part of its commitment to offer first class legal advice, Ontier has signed a strategic alliance with NSAC (Alnowaisser and Alsuwaylimi Attorneys and Counselors at Law), a prestigious Saudi Arabian firm whose lawyers have worked in top international law firms such as Baker & McKenzie.
Leadership
The Middle East Desk will be led by Kamal Khashoggi, a US-trained Saudi lawyer admitted to practice in New York, Washington DC, Texas and Massachusetts. With a deep understanding of the region’s legal and business environment, his leadership will ensure a high value-added service for Ontier’s clients.
Alongside him, Lucia Artola, a lawyer with nearly a decade of legal advisory experience in Oman, will bring strategic insight into the needs of businesses and General Counsel in the region.
