Find a Lawyer
Book an appointment with us, or search the directory to find the right lawyer for you directly through the app.
Find out more
English Law: Keep calm and mind the precedent
In May Law Update’s edition, we examined the continued relevance of English law across MENA jurisdictions and why it remains a cornerstone of commercial transactions, dispute resolution, and cross-border deal structuring.
From the Dubai Court’s recognition of Without Prejudice communications to anti-sandbagging clauses, ESG, joint ventures, and the classification of warranties, our contributors explore how English legal concepts are being applied, interpreted, and adapted in a regional context.
With expert insight across sectors, including capital markets, corporate acquisitions, and estate planning, this issue underscores that familiarity with English law is no longer optional for businesses in MENA. It is essential.
2025 is set to be a game-changer for the MENA region, with legal and regulatory shifts from 2024 continuing to reshape its economic landscape. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain are all implementing groundbreaking reforms in sustainable financing, investment laws, labor regulations, and dispute resolution. As the region positions itself for deeper global integration, businesses must adapt to a rapidly evolving legal environment.
Our Eyes on 2025 publication provides essential insights and practical guidance on the key legal updates shaping the year ahead—equipping you with the knowledge to stay ahead in this dynamic market.
A complete spectrum of legal services across jurisdictions in the Middle East & North Africa.
Stuart Pryke
Senior Counsel
Biography
Stuart has 25 years of experience, gained both at the English Bar and in private practice. He advises on the development of family businesses and private wealth structuring in the MENA region, utilising federal laws as well the laws of free zones such as the DIFC and ADGM.
As a specialist in international private wealth structuring, he has deep knowledge of trusts, foundations and other asset holding structures. In addition he also has a comprehensive grasp of property law, investment funds, corporate matters and general commercial law. Whilst primarily a non-contentious lawyer, he is often sought to handle litigious matters. Stuart is frequently engaged by high net worth individuals and businesses to deal with complex matters involving trusts, foundations, finance, tax and real estate – often with a cross-border international angle.
Recent Experience
- Advised the UAE Federal Government on federal legislative matters relating to trusts.
- Advised UAE Federal government in relation to matters concerning federal legislation relating to family businesses.Advised on governance issues relating to foundation established under law of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to administer G20 ecological programme.
- Advised the family office of an ultra high net worth individual on the restructuring of holding structures for the family’s entire wealth (in excess of USD2 Billion) involving trusts, foundations and companies across an array of global jurisdictions. Also involved in succession planning, asset protection, tax issues and prestigious real estate acquisitions and development.
- Advised the family office of a wealthy heiress on restructuring complex family trusts and underlying companies. Dealt with complex issues involving trustees, protectors and beneficiaries of the family trusts.
- Successfully defended an unusually aggressive Court application by trustees for approval to sell a ‘trophy’ American property in which the family trusts were interested.
- Advised a UK tech company involved in ‘cutting edge’ development of graphene. Involved in fundraising, intellectual property matters, supply and distribution contracts and general corporate and commercial strategic advice.
- Advised a Swiss-based trust company on resolving complex problems concerning substantial trusts in conjunction with a leading international bank. Drafted complex supplemental trust deeds in order to resolve historical problems concerning various trustee and protector appointments.
Education
- 1990 – BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering – Kings College London
- 1991 – MSc (Econ) Political Sociology – London School of Economics
- 1992 – Diploma in Law – City University, London
Admission
- 1994 – Member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn (London, UK)
- 1995 – Member of the General Council of the Bar of England and Wales
- 2005 – Trust and Estate Practitioner – STEP
Practice(s)
Sector(s)
Insights
Stay updated
To learn more about our services and get the latest legal insights from across the Middle East and North Africa region, click on the link below.
