Dubai: DLA Piper, the global law firm, has been appointed by the Kuwait Foreign Investment Bureau (KFIB) to act as part of a consortium advise on the feasibility of the development of three Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Kuwait. The consortium is led by Skidmore Owings & Merrill Inc. (SOM), in association with Dar Gulf Consult, and includes Happold Consulting.
 
The firm will provide regulatory and on-going legal advice to KFIB in its delivery of the zones, designed to further enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of Kuwait to foreign investors. The sites will be the first Special Economic Zones under the jurisdiction of KFIB, launched in 2001 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the State of Kuwait.
 
'This is an extremely exciting project for Kuwait and we are looking forward to working with KFIB and other strategic partners to support the delivery of special economic zones that will enhance the business landscape in Kuwait even further,' commented Abdul Aziz Al-Yaqout, Regional Managing Partner, DLA Piper Middle East.
 
'The challenges of navigating a complex legislative environment, as well operating in a rapidly changing one play to the strengths of the firm here in the Middle East. This, combined with a thorough and in-depth understanding of Kuwait's economic objectives mean that we are well placed to support the project throughout its lifespan.'
 
DLA Piper has a strong presence across the Middle East region, with offices in all six GCC countries as well as a group firm in Egypt and an Iraq desk, and is the only international law firm in the Middle East region with an Arab national at the helm.