Middle East

Keystone’s aviation team advises airlines, financiers, investors, and insurers across the Middle East on high-value transactions, strategic joint ventures, innovative finance structures, and complex disputes. We deliver commercially focused, sector-led expertise across fleet acquisitions, sale‑and‑leasebacks, insurance claims and regulatory issues, supporting clients on matters spanning multiple jurisdictions and high‑stakes operational environments.

• Acted for a UAE client on the purchase of a new Global 6500 from the original manufacturer which included advising on bank financing and ownership structuring.
• Advised Etihad Airways on over 25 aircraft sale and leaseback and secured financing transactions (including Islamic financing structures and Jolcos) for A380, B777 Freighter and B787 aircraft.
• Advised a foreign Government of a non-European Union member state on the acquisition of a VIP Aircraft in “green condition”, including negotiating a Sales Proposal and a Purchase Agreement and Interior Completion Agreement with a US aircraft completion centre.
• Advised Etihad Airways on a transaction which was awarded Sale and Leaseback Deal of the Year by Airfinance Journal.
• Advised Etihad Aviation Training on all commercial matters including pilot and crew training, service agreements, purchase of simulators and training service agreements with other airlines.
• Advised Etihad Catering on all commercial matters including catering service agreements, catering agreements with other airlines and catering service agreements with airports.
• Acted for a Middle Eastern cargo airline against its insurers and broker arising from damage caused to two CF6 engines whilst being transported for maintenance in 2018. Claim against insurer under the policy and the broker for negligence in failing to ensure appropriate cover.
• Acted for Royal Jordanian Airlines’ insurers in respect of passenger claims arising from the detonation of a grenade following a hijacking shortly after having departed from Amman, Jordan, in 2000.
• Acted for Royal Jordanian Falcons’ insurers in relation to claims by dependants of deceased persons arising from the crash of an aircraft at an airshow in Ostende, Belgium, in 1997.
• Acted for Kuwait Airlines Corporation against Iraqi Airways Company in relation to claims for theft of aircraft following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Claim valued at $1.2 billion.
• Advised a major Middle Eastern airline on a strategic joint venture project for its duty-free business, involving the establishment of retail and food & beverage operations at a new airport in the Middle East.
• Advised Etihad Airways on innovative aircraft finance structures incorporating Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) and cash advance sale and leaseback finance structure for aircraft acquisitions.
• Advised Etihad Airways on the first ADGM asset finance transaction which was awarded Middle East & Africa Debt Deal of the Year by Airline Economics.
• Advised on the first double exposure Murabaha facility for Etihad Airways.
• Advised on the first sustainable financing for Etihad Airways.

Our banking and financial specialists support regional and international lenders, state entities, and corporate borrowers on sophisticated financings, sukuk issuances, sanctions matters and cross‑border regulatory issues. With deep experience across major Middle Eastern banking groups, we deliver pragmatic, commercially astute advice on structured finance, wealth management, listings, and large-scale syndicated and sustainability‑linked facilities.

• Advised on the disposal of a Dubai regulated asset manager and transition of its investment funds to the management of an UK FCA authorised AIFM.
• Acted in the first reported case concerning the Iranian sanctions and a sanctioned Iranian bank in London under a facility granted before the sanctions came into effect.
• Negotiated a multimillion-dollar Murabaha trade commodity-based revolving credit facility with a major Middle Eastern banking group.
• Advised a large public company in Qatar on the potential listing of GDRs on the London Stock Exchange.
• Advising a Saudi real estate company on the issuance of a sukuk in Saudi Arabia.
• Advising a Qatari entity on the termination of its sukuk worth USD 270 million.
• Advised international banks on their Shariah-compliant derivatives product.
• Advised Qatari Diar on several transactions including the mixed-use development of the 5.3-acre Shell Centre in central London.
• Advised on fundraising activities in Middle East.
• Advised a UK social housing fund on its Shariah compliant Islamic notes of up to £500m.

Keystone provides commercially driven advice to global brands, governments, and corporates operating across the Middle East. Our team supports clients with licensing, technology contracts, joint ventures, market expansion, smart‑contract governance, virtual court innovation, and high‑value commercial negotiations, offering practical guidance shaped by cross‑sector insight and extensive regional experience.

• Advised Wyndham on a number of operational matters for hotels under various Wyndham brands in the UK, Europe, Middle East and India.
• Negotiation and contracted with Middle Eastern Procurement Authority for design services.
• Advised governments in CIS, the Middle East and Asia on the use of Smart Contracts to mitigate cross-border legal risk.
• Established and operated the first Virtual Court in the Middle East, in collaboration with Microsoft.
• Acted for Porsche and Mercedes in the Middle East on agency arrangements, distribution arrangements, defending defect claims in court, disclaimers for driving days, contracts with marketing and PR companies, employment disputes.
• Negotiation and contracted with the Middle Eastern Procurement Authority for design services.
• Negotiated a Formula 1 Gulf Air-Bahrain Grand Prix sponsorship agreement together with related licensing agreements.
• Leading lawyer negotiating the legal and commercial settlement of a long-term consultancy agreement between a Kuwaiti trading company and a multi-national oil company, which resulted in a 20-fold increase in settlement payment to the client.
• Legal advisor to National Bank of Kuwait regarding its implementation of an Internet-based funds supermarket investment service.

Our construction and property lawyers advise developers, investors, lenders, and contractors on major regional projects, cross‑border financings and complex real estate investments. We assist with hotel developments, petrochemical and energy infrastructure, museum fit‑outs, EPC matters, FIDIC contracts, and strategic acquisitions, providing commercially focused guidance aligned with regional market conditions and international standards.

• Represented a HNW KSA family on the purchase of UK hotels and residential investment properties.
• Advised an Iraqi owned investment company on the acquisition and proposed development of a site to become a large commercial unit with 59 flats above.
• Represented a Bahraini HNWI on the acquisition of various properties and land for the purposes of obtaining planning permission and selling on.
• Advised a high-profile Iraqi family on the acquisition and disposal of commercial development and residential dwelling properties throughout the UK.
• Ongoing advice to a Lebanese HNW individual (owning property via a foreign investment vehicle) on all commercial property matters relating to his English property portfolio.
• Advised a UK super-prime residential developer on establishing tax-efficient offshore fund and JV structures backed by mainly MENA UHNW investors, to acquire, redevelop and sell London super-prime residential properties (in the £5 – £50m value range) and related acquisition and development debt financings (typically Sharia-compliant).
• Acting on the c.£50m equity investment in an Egyptian port development infrastructure project.
• Provided SDLT advice in the reliefs available to a Middle Eastern property investor on the purchase of a development block with nine residential properties.

Keystone’s corporate team supports Middle Eastern families and corporates on acquisitions, restructurings, fundraising, market expansion, and regulatory compliance. We advise on cross‑border transactions involving super‑prime real estate, marine assets, funds, and multinational holdings, delivering clear, strategic guidance across complex multi‑jurisdictional structures and long‑term investment activities.

• Acted for a Saudi Arabian family on its corporate acquisition of a UK office and retail park.
• Acted on the corporate acquisition of a Middle East super-yacht marina design consultancy.
• Acted for a Saudi Arabian family on its corporate acquisition of a UK office and retail park.
• Acted for a Qatari UHNW family on the establishment of a tax-efficient multi-jurisdictional holding structure to invest in pan-European hotels and commercial real estate assets.
• Acted for a Middle East UHNW family on the restructuring of its equity investment in a London riverside real estate development project.
• Advised on fundraising activities in Middle East, US (Regulation D) and Far East.

Our dispute resolution specialists act in major arbitrations and litigation across the Middle East, representing governments, HNW families, corporates and financial institutions. With deep experience in DIAC, ICC, LMAA, LCIA and GAFTA disputes, we handle high‑value fraud, real estate, commercial, and cross‑border claims requiring sharp strategy, sector insight, and robust representation.

• Advised a commodities trader on recovery of a $30m consignment of jet fuel impounded in the Middle East.
• Represented a claimant in an ICC Dubai arbitration, the subject matter of which was a dispute between shareholders in a space and satellite risk insurance intermediary company relating to the manipulation of its accounting policies to reduce the earn-out payable to the claimant, with a value of $15m.
• Represented a pay-tv operator in arbitration proceedings over the sale and licensing of pay TV rights and sports content for the Middle East and North Africa region (the contract spanned 22 countries) with a value of $1.8bn.
• Represented a leading franchisor in the food & beverage industry in the MENA region in arbitration proceedings against a franchisee, and in subsequent English court proceedings to enforce the arbitration award in their favour in excess of $8m.
• Represented a prominent Middle-Eastern family in $30m litigation proceedings before the Commercial Court against Credit Suisse in relation to a claim for the mis-selling of structured products arising out of the financial crisis.
• Represented a company against whom DIFC-LCIA arbitration proceedings had been brought for specific performance of a sale and purchase agreement relating to their business with a value of $35m.
• Representing as global coordinating counsel the defendants in the long-running Masri litigation with a value of £75m in cross-border proceedings in England and four other jurisdictions.
• Representing National Bonds Corporation in the DIFC Courts in proceedings relating to the non-payment of financing provided by NBC to a borrower for the purchase of certain property interests located in the DIFC.
• Instructed by the family of a deceased KSA billionaire businessman in connection with a claim for cash deposits paid for Bentley, Maybach and Brabus cars, a $500,000 loan agreement and deposit or equivalent asset for £1.25bn land purchase agreement.
• Advised a UAE shareholder in respect of £1.5bn alleged conspiracy to defraud claim in respect of trades and tax claims.
• Advised a KSA client in respect of recovery of and/or declaration of ownership of a £25m property arising out of a purchase agreement dispute.
• Advised a KSA client in respect of a £5m loan dispute.
• Represented a UAE client in respect of allegations of fraud/conspiracy to defraud regarding loan monies of 50m euros.
• Acted for a UAE client in a breach of warranty claim against a yacht vendor.
• Advised two Israeli scientific mining engineers in an ICC arbitration who had developed and sold a unique mining extraction process to one of the world’s major mining companies.
• Successfully mediated a dispute between a UAE boat owner, marina and boat yard regarding defective works and unpaid marina charges.
• Advised a commodities trader on a dispute concerning a $30m consignment of jet fuel impounded in the Middle East.
• Acted on a dispute relating to the supply of oil rigs to the Middle East.
• Advised a Middle-Eastern state on a substantial fraud relating to the purchase of an executive jet.

Our e‑gaming specialists advise international operators on licensing, regulatory compliance and corporate structuring for market entry. We support clients with the establishment of underlying holding entities and successful gaming licence applications, offering commercially grounded guidance aligned with a fast‑moving and highly regulated global sector.

• Advised an Asia-owned e-gaming business and its Asia-based owners on a successful application for an Isle of Man e-gaming licence and structuring the underlying holding and operating companies.

Our employment team advises on cross‑border workforce matters, outsourcing arrangements and senior‑level disputes involving Middle Eastern businesses and employees. We handle issues ranging from multi‑jurisdictional service delivery to complex tribunal matters, offering clear, pragmatic guidance that reflects the operational realities of large international organisations and regionally based executives.

• Provided specialist equine law and employment advice in structuring the creation of a club and syndicates for a Middle East based equine lifestyle opportunity.

Keystone advises NOCs, contractors, and energy companies on oil and gas developments, LNG projects, refinery construction, joint operating agreements and complex supply arrangements. Our team provides commercially grounded guidance across procurement, contract negotiation, disputes and infrastructure development, supporting clients in navigating the regulatory and technical demands of major Middle Eastern energy projects.

• Represented a HNW KSA family on the purchase of UK hotels and residential investment properties.
• Advised an Iraqi owned investment company on the acquisition and proposed development of a site to become a large commercial unit with 59 flats above.
• Represented a Bahraini HNWI on the acquisition of various properties and land for the purposes of obtaining planning permission and selling on.
• Advised a high-profile Iraqi family on the acquisition and disposal of commercial development and residential dwelling properties throughout the UK.
• Ongoing advice to a Lebanese HNW individual (owning property via a foreign investment vehicle) on all commercial property matters relating to his English property portfolio.

Keystone supports Middle Eastern UHNW families and family offices on multi‑jurisdictional structuring, Sharia‑compliant planning, asset protection, tax strategy, and cross‑border succession. Our team advises on trusts, estate administration, governance, pre‑nups and inter‑generational transfers, offering discreet, specialist guidance tailored to complex wealth portfolios and international regulatory frameworks.

• Advised a family on UK and coordinating Sharia law advice in relation to a worldwide restructuring of assets held in Dubai prior to return to the UK.
• Advised on a Cayman STAR trust structure for a Dubai-based family.
• Advised an Israeli family office on succession issues in the UK and in liaison with Israeli advisers.
• Acted in gifting UK properties from the patriarch of a Middle Eastern family to the younger generation for succession planning. Prepared the relevant estate planning documents, including Deeds of Gift, Declarations of Trust, Capital Gains Tax Returns, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney for seven Middle Eastern property co-owners.
• Advised an UHNW Middle Eastern family on succession and tax rules applicable for a deceased client with multiple assets in different jurisdictions, including the UK rules of intestacy, Sharia succession, French, Panamanian and Gibraltar succession rules.
• Instructed to act as the lead legal counsel for the probate and estate administration of an ultra-high-net-worth Middle Eastern deceased holding a substantial UK property portfolio in various entities and different jurisdictions.
• Provided estate planning, succession and tax advice to family members resident and domiciled in the Middle East in relation to their UK properties.
• Advised various families in the Middle East on the structuring of their investments and the establishment of family offices.

Our immigration lawyers advise UHNW individuals, families and family offices across the Middle East on investor visas, citizenship, skilled worker routes and complex Home Office engagements. We specialise in exceptional‑circumstance applications, cross‑border mobility, and long‑term UK residency strategies, ensuring clients receive responsive, secure and strategically aligned immigration support.

• Advised a UHNW Middle Eastern family in exceptional circumstances applying for entry clearance in their home country for Tier 1 Investor extensions, working closely with Home Office officials to ensure correct process for this family of five.
• Assisted a large Middle Eastern family office with immigration applications, enabling family members to exceptionally switch status within the UK, bypassing the need for them to apply overseas at a time when it was dangerous to return to their home country.
• Acted for a dual KSA/UK national with a request from His Majesty’s Passport Office to change her name on her KSA passport which the client was successful in rejecting.
• Gained a UK visa extension for the family of a deceased KSA billionaire businessman based on his profile and investments made within the UK.
• Acting for Syrian PEP and family on general UK immigration matters including an overseas domestic worker, a UK permanent residency and UK naturalisation.
• Represented an Iranian billionaire on their application for Investor status and subsequent UK residency.
• Advising a Lebanese HNWI for the past 10 years as an Investor, Entrepreneur, ILR and now on UK citizenship, together with advice for children by surrogacy from the USA.

Keystone advises high‑net-worth individuals, families, and governments on major luxury‑asset matters, including fine art, yachts, aircraft, and equine ventures. We support clients with acquisitions, authenticity disputes, loans to institutions and specialist structuring, providing detailed, sector‑specific guidance on high‑value transactions and cross‑border ownership arrangements within the luxury market.

• Acted for a UAE client in a breach of warranty claim against a yacht vendor.
• Successfully mediated a dispute between a UAE boat owner, marina and boat yard regarding defective works and unpaid marina charges.
• Advised a UAE client on the purchase and conversion of a 70m motor yacht including drafting all supplemental agreements and advising on ownership structuring and VAT.
• Advised a Kuwait-based client on the purchase of a semi-completed motor yacht from a French yard and her export to Kuwait.
• Acted for a UAE client on the purchase of a new Global 6500 private jet.
• Advised a Middle Eastern buyer on the build of a very high profile 55m sports fishing yacht “Special One” — a first of its kind. Having dealt with the initial build contract, we then dealt with completion matters enabling the yacht to be showcased at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show where it received a huge amount of interest
• Provided specialist equine and employment-law advice in creating a club and syndicates for a Middle East–based equine lifestyle opportunity, structured in accordance with BHA rules.

Our reputation management experts act in high‑profile, multi‑jurisdictional disputes involving allegations of fraud, conspiracy, state immunity and cross‑border misconduct. We support international corporates, state‑linked entities and high‑net-worth individuals in protecting their interests and resolving complex, sensitive matters across diverse legal and media environments.

• Acted for a claimant in a leading case concerning state immunity and the question of whether state immunity can protect a Middle Eastern state and state individuals in relation to allegations of torture.
• Acted for an international Middle Eastern conglomerate in claims for fraud, conspiracy and deceit in proceedings which took place in the courts of three different jurisdictions.
• Advised two Israeli scientific mining engineers in an ICC arbitration who had developed and sold a unique mining extraction process to one of the world’s major mining companies.

Keystone advises Middle Eastern families, investors and royalty on the acquisition, financing, development and management of prime and super‑prime UK residential property. We provide comprehensive guidance on tax structuring, enfranchisement, Islamic finance, high‑value transactions and portfolio management, working discreetly across major London estates and landmark developments.

• Advised a Middle East consortium in the development and sale of 76 high end luxury apartments and town houses in the historical landmark Regent’s Crescent development with a gross development value of in excess of £650 Million.
• Advised a Middle Eastern family on the acquisition and refurbishment of a Prime London residential house worth in excess of £50m.
• Worked alongside real estate agents, private banks and instructed real estate lawyers on behalf of Middle Eastern Royalty on a wide range of property transactions.
• Acted on the purchase of a super-prime residence for an ultra-high-net-worth Middle Eastern royal family member. The matter involved complex financing and all meetings concerning the documentation were settled in person with His Royal Highness at his request. The matter was handled with a high degree of discretion.
• Acted for members of a MENA royal family on the sale of 3 London super-prime residential properties through offshore corporate vehicles.
• Acted for the family office of a Qatari UHNW on the sale of an apartment in One Hyde Park, London via an offshore corporate vehicle.
• Advised Chester Collection Limited (a company owned by a Middle Eastern billionaire) in the acquisition of some land in Belgravia, construction of smart townhouses and subsequent use of them as a rental investment.
• Represented a client on the urgent purchase of a London luxury apartment completed using complex Sharia-compliant financing with a Gulf-based bank.
• Advised multiple buyers of luxury apartments at the Southbank Development, by the London Eye with views over the river to Whitehall and Parliament, developed by Qatari Diar and The Canary Wharf Group.
• Advised a HNW Middle Eastern individual who was investing in UK property for the first time on UK tax and structuring advice – on incorporating a UK property company
• Advised Middle Eastern royalty in relation to the purchase of UK properties. Provided UK tax and structuring advice on the ownership structures and created the appropriate property holding structure.
• Representing a Middle Eastern government and its King on a wide range of range of complex London property matters.