Languages - English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi
Jurisdictions - England & Wales, United Arab Emirates
Khurram advises clients across the maritime, transportation, oil & gas, international trade, and port infrastructure sectors on high-stakes disputes and cross-border contentious matters. His work spans charterparty and COA disputes, ship arrests, cargo claims, unsafe berth issues, groundings, general average, marine insurance disputes and enforcement strategies. He also acts on broader commercial disputes involving shareholder issues, insolvency, and claims arising out of commercial contracts. Clients value his ability to deliver commercially focused solutions in proceedings before courts in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the High Court in London, and in arbitrations under LMAA, ICC, LCIA, DIAC, and AAA rules.
Complementing his disputes practice, Khurram supports clients on transactional and operational matters across the shipping and logistics space, including vessel sale and purchase agreements, house and NVOCC bills of lading, standard trading terms, and port and terminal concession arrangements. He is a trusted advisor to international businesses investing in Saudi Arabia, assisting clients with FDI matters, regulatory frameworks, and market entry. Khurram’s deep local legal knowledge and practical, sector-focused approach have led him to head the Saudi shipping practices of two global firms.
Originally called to the Bar of England and Wales, he later cross-qualified as a solicitor. He was awarded the Sir Thomas More Bursary by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn and previously taught law at the University of Westminster.
Port allision claim
Acted for UAE port operator and insurers in multi-jurisdictional proceedings over US$24 million damages from container vessel striking a gantry crane.
US$172 million ship sale dispute
Represented a vessel operator in a dispute over four ship sale contracts with combined claims exceeding US$172 million.
Abu Dhabi offshore dispute
Advised the contractor on a US$19.1 million dispute over scope changes in an offshore cable laying project in Abu Dhabi, applying UAE law.
Enforcement of arbitration in KSA
Represented vessel owners in KSA on the enforcement of a London arbitration award and anti-suit injunction, advising on KSA law and settlement strategy.
KSA withholding tax claim
Advised a marine services firm on reclaiming US$6.1 million in withholding tax from KSA tied to crew supply on vessels and at ports.
Confiscated cargo dispute
Represented a UAE cargo owner in a US$20 million dispute before the KSA Customs Appeal Committee and in London arbitration, securing a Royal Decree for cargo value recovery.
Misdelivery of cargo claims
Advised a UAE bank on US$24 million cargo misdelivery claims under 13 bills of lading against eight shipowners under English law.
Port concession agreements
Drafted lease, concession, and heads of terms for a Saudi port developer to support a new RoRo terminal, covering land use, operations, risk and revenue sharing.
Red Sea marine tourism laws
Drafted marine tourism regulations for a KSA authority covering yachts, marinas, cruise ships, water toys, and pleasure crafts in the Red Sea.
Regional counsel for ship manager
Advised a global ship manager across the Middle East on corporate, joint venture and shareholder matters, it's KSA expansion, and regulatory strategy, as well as disputes and the recovery of outstanding sums.
