Factors influencing the ruling included the prince’s infrequent visits to the U.K. after 2016 and the lack of personal possessions at properties owned by his family in London. The court also dismissed claims that his name being registered for council tax payments established residency, deeming it an administrative expedient by a family secretary.
A Protracted Legal Battle
The $1.2 billion arbitration debt originated from a collapsed loan deal and has grown significantly due to accrued interest. The arbitration award was made in London in 2015, and Zain Group has since pursued enforcement through various legal channels.
Zain successfully obtained an anti-suit injunction in English courts to block the prince from reviving the dispute in Saudi courts. Despite the injunction, the prince continued proceedings in Saudi Arabia, leading to a contempt of court ruling and a 12-month prison sentence in the U.K. The sentence has not been enforced, as the prince has not returned to Britain.
Legal Perspectives
Amrit Johal, the lead partner at Spencer West LLP representing Prince Hussam, praised the court’s decision as a “significant and hard-fought achievement.”
