International law firm Clyde & Co has opened an associated office in Oman with local law firm Fatma Al Mamari Advocacy and Legal Consultancy Firm. The office will be based in Muscat and led by former Dentons Central Asia leader Marla Valdez and Legal Director Stephen McKenna who relocates from Clyde & Co's office in Abu Dhabi. Ms Valdez was  co-chair of her previous firm's global mining and natural resources sector as well as chair of its global oil and gas group. She has advised clients on a range of energy and infrastructure projects, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory and compliance matters. It is the second Oman office for Clyde which opened an office specialising in IP in 2016. Commenting on the launch, Ms Valdez says of the move: 'We look forward to bringing to Clyde & Co our Oman specific experience for the benefit of our clients, together with our expertise in key sectors, further boosting Clyde & Co's market-leading presence in the Middle East. Clyde & Co's service offering and core sector focus are a good match for our team and we look forward to strong growth in Oman.'

Foreign direct investment

The Oman office will advise clients on foreign direct investment into the country and a broad range of corporate and commercial law issues, including mergers & acquisitions, employment, intellectual property and regulatory and compliance matters, with a strong focus on shipping, insurance, education, infrastructure and energy sectors. The association is the latest phase of Clyde & Co's growth in the Middle East, where it is has over 40 partners and 400 staff. Dubai partner Niall O'Toole added: 'Clyde & Co provides a full-service offering from locally-based specialist lawyers. Opening an associated office in Oman will allow us to extend, more directly, our reach in the Middle East and offer clients in the region and beyond a seamless service across borders.'