International law firm Bird & Bird has strengthened its Media, Entertainment & Sports (MES) team with the appointment of Commercial Partner Bandar Al Hamidani in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Bandar, a Saudi Arabian-qualified lawyer, brings a wealth of experience in advising public and private sector clients in the sports industry on a broad range of Commercial matters. His expertise spans commercial and corporate structuring, government projects, legislative drafting, and regulatory and public policy guidance. In addition, he has a proven track record of establishing companies and branch offices for foreign investors.
Having worked at leading law firms in Saudi Arabia, Bandar also has a strong background in corporate matters and litigation, complementing his Commercial practice. As a licensed arbitrator with both local and international arbitration centres, he notably became the first Saudi lawyer appointed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Building on the appointments of Raya Alkhatib and Nick O’Connell in the region, Bandar’s arrival further enhances Bird & Bird’s growing presence and expertise in the Middle East. Despite the Riyadh Office being open for less than six months the TMT (including sports law) teams have been placed in Tier 1 of Legal 500 and Bandar’s joining the Media, Entertainment & Sports team means that the office will have three out of six named ‘Leading Individuals’ in the Kingdom and the only firm with more than one.
Simon Shooter, Head of Bird & Bird’s Riyadh office, commented: “Bandar’s arrival plants the flag for Bird & Bird as the leading Sports Law practice in the Kingdom. Bandar’s first-class reputation and encyclopaedic understanding of the Saudi Arabian sports sector combined with the firm’s international Sports Group’s stellar expertise offers Saudi Arabian sports entities a best in Kingdom sports law support service. The Riyadh office takes great pride in our mission to deliver expert, practical and commercially savvy solutions to legal issues – as opposed to simply pointing out the problems. Bandar’s focus fits our mission perfectly. Having known Bandar as a friend for a decade it is huge fun now to have the chance to work with him. Mashallah!”
Andy Danson, Head of Bird & Bird’s International Media, Entertainment & Sport Group, said:
“Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans for the international sports market, as well as continuing to bring in top talent and further develop its local market, make Bandar’s arrival particularly exciting for the international Media, Entertainment & Sport Group. Leveraging the existing strength of Bird & Bird’s sport team internationally with Bandar’s profile, connections and reputation within the Saudi business world will enable us to capitalise on the massive potential of Saudi Arabia and the wider region.”
Bandar added: “Bird & Bird’s sector led approach aligns seamlessly with the Kingdom’s strategic vision. The firm’s exceptional reputation in sport and its international network provides me with a strong platform to support clients in the sports industry and the broader Saudi business landscape. Together, we are well positioned to make the most of the significant opportunities within the legal market and to contribute to Saudi’s Vision 2030 and its long-term growth.”
