1st ICC Court Egypt Arbitration Day

09:00 – 09:45       

Registration

09:45 – 10:00

Opening Remarks 

• Alexander G. Fessas,  Secretary General, ICC International Court of Arbitration; Director, ICC Dispute Resolution Services

• Sherif Akl, Director, ICC Arbitration and ADR, Middle East, ICC Dispute Resolution Services

10:00 – 10:40

KEYNOTE SPEECH

• Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Wahab , Professor of Law, Founding Partner, Head of International Arbitration, Construction and Energy, Zulficar & Partners Law Firm, Cairo

10:40 – 12:00

PANEL I: Arbitration and the Courts: Insights into Recent Developments (IN ARABIC)

The first panel explores the dynamic shifts within the arbitration ecosystem, the synergies and crucial role of the judiciary.

Topics of discussion include the evolving landscape of arbitration, trends impacting arbitration practices and procedures and its intersection with the judicial system. Delve into the critical role of the judiciary in upholding and fostering an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction. Gain valuable insights through dialogue and analysis into how the judiciary contributes to the strength and integrity of arbitration processes, ensuring equitable resolutions and strengthening confidence in the legal framework

• Justice Nabil Omran, Counselor, President of the Commissioners’ Panel at the Court of Cassation and Vice President of Court of Cassation, Dubai Courts
• Justice Dr. Fatma Elrazaz, Counselor, Vice President Egyptian Constitutional Court
• Justice Dr. Mohamed Mostafa, Counselor, Vice President Egyptian Court of Cassation
• Justice Ismail Amrallah, Counselor, Vice President, Egyptian Court of Cassation
• Dr. Mohamed Abdel Raouf, Attorney at law, Partner and Head of Arbitration Group, Abdel Raouf Law Firm, Gizeh (Moderator)

12:00 – 13:30

Lunch

13:45 – 15:15

PANEL II: Navigating Construction Disputes in Egypt: Exploring Force Majeure, Forex Challenges, and Interim Measures 

Amidst the intricate landscape of construction disputes in Egypt, this second panel delves into crucial issues surrounding force majeure, foreign exchange (forex) challenges, and interim measures. The efficacy of interim measures emerges as a focal point, prompting a comparative examination within both the judicial system and arbitration processes. Through this analysis of contrast, the panel unveils nuanced insights into the pragmatic application and utility of interim measures across diverse legal frameworks.

Furthermore, amidst the recent forex crisis, a pivotal question arises: is it deemed as force majeure? This query underlines the complexity and urgency faced by stakeholders navigating through turbulent financial landscapes in the Egyptian construction industry. Join us as we delve into these pressing topics, offering strategic insights and practical guidance for stakeholders in this dynamic sector.

• Eng. Aisha Nadar, Partner, Advokatfirman Runeland AB, Stockholm
• Dr. Engy Serag, Executive Director, Contracts and Claims, Orascom Construction, Cairo
• Prof. Dr. Crenguta Leaua, Independent Arbitrator; Professor of Law - Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Faculty of Law; Director of Switzerland Institute for Alternative Thinking, Former Vice-President, ICC International Court of Arbitration
• Prof. Dr. Mohamed Sameh Amr, Dean of Faculty of Law, Cairo University; Prof. of International Law; Managing Partner, Amr & Partners Law Firm, Cairo; Attorney-at-Law; Independent Consultant, Paris, Arbitrator, Member of ICSID Panel of Arbitrators
• Sally Kotb, Partner and Head, UAE Arbitration, Habib Al Mulla and Partners, Dubai
• Girgis Abdel Shahid, Managing Partner, Shahid Law Firm, Cairo (Moderator)

15:15 – 15:45

Coffee Break

15:45 – 17:30

PANEL III: After the Deal, an Ordeal? Trends and Insight into Post M&A Arbitration

Join us for a comprehensive exploration of the post-M&A arbitration terrain, where regulatory nuances, industry disruptions, and global dynamics converge, paving the way for informed strategies and actionable insights.

Explore the landscape of post-merger and acquisition (M&A) arbitration as this third panel reveals emerging trends and offers invaluable insights across diverse sectors. From the intricate mining licensing issues such as the revocation of concessions to navigating foreign direct investment (FDI) licensing, the panel unveils the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in post M&A arbitration.

In parallel, the discussions around renewable energy confronts the complex interplay between climate change imperatives and the actualisation of decarbonisation pledges. Furthermore, delve into the telecommunications sector’s intricate web of challenges including licensing dilemmas, notably regarding Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and interconnection regulations. Examine the complex interplay between regulatory frameworks, industry demands, and evolving global dynamics.

• Lobna Khater, Chief Legal Officer & Gov. Affairs, Edita Food Industries, Cairo
• Dr. Hani Sarie El-din, Professor, Cairo University; Founding & Managing Partner, Sarie-Eldin & Partners; Chairman of the Financial, Economic and Investment Affairs Committee, Egyptian Senate, Cairo
• Mona Zulficar, Founding Partner and Chair of Executive Committee, Zulficar & Partners Law Firm, Cairo
• Dr. Crina Baltag, FCIArb, Associate Professor (Reader) in International Arbitration and the Academic Director of the LL.M. in International Commercial Arbitration Law, Stockholm University
• Mohamed Shelbaya, Founding Partner, Gaillard Banifatemi Shelbaya Disputes, Paris (Moderator)

17:30 – 18:00

CLOSING REMARKS

• Sherif Akl, Director, ICC Arbitration and ADR, Middle East, ICC Dispute Resolution Services

18:00 – 20:00

COCKTAIL RECEPTION