Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution: arbitration

Gaillard Banifatemi Shelbaya Disputes is expanding its Egyptian presence with the opening of its new Cairo office in January 2024. Under the leadership of Mohamed Shelbaya, the team specialises in handling arbitrations stemming from oil and gas disputes.

Dispute resolution: arbitration in Egypt

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy

Commended by some as ‘the go-to team for arbitration disputes’, Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy is active in both Egyptian and regional arbitration, under the auspices of CAS, DIAC, ADCCAC, ICC and CRCICA. The team are engaged by blue-chip clients in proceedings concerning investment treaties, as well as commercial and sports law matters. The team is also renowned for its proficiency in mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method. Leading the team are two highly seasoned arbitration practitioners: John Matouk and Amr A. Abbas. Elsewhere, the ‘indispensableAhmed Abdelhakeem specializes in cross-border commercial and investment arbitration. At the counsel level, Mohamed Sallam and Mohamed Samy are the key names to note.

Practice head(s):

F. John Matouk; Dr. Amr A. Abbas


Other key lawyers:

Ahmed Abdelhakeem; Mohamed Sallam; Mohamed Samy; Momen Rezk; Khaled Abou El Wafa


Testimonials

‘One of the firm’s key strengths is its well-rounded blend of strategic thinking and seamless collaboration across various disciplines. Each team member contributes valuable insights, working as a cohesive unit that consistently delivers results beyond our expectations. Compared to other firms, this practice truly distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to continuous improvement and a laser focus on client service.’

‘As clients working closely with Ahmed Abdel Hakeem, we have consistently been impressed by his extraordinary expertise as a partner in the arbitration team. Ahmed’s deep understanding of legal frameworks and arbitration processes has been invaluable. His combination of intelligence, professionalism, and dedication has made him an indispensable and trusted advisor in navigating complex arbitration matters.

‘Momen Rezk is superb – bright, pragmatic and highly effective.’

‘MB&H’s Arbitration practice is the go-to team for arbitration disputes across the board. They are knowledgeable, tactical and very responsive. A great team to deal with.’

‘The two individuals I have worked with with Dr Amr A. Abbas and Khaled Abou El Wafa, are stand-out practitioners. They know their stuff and are incredibly proactive and responsive. They are a pleasure to deal with.’

‘We were exceedingly awed with the group members’ capabilities, skill, and commitment. They are exceptionally organized, go to each detail, and get ready for all conceivable issues. They surpassed our desires in understanding the details of cement plants’ operations.’

‘Dr. Amr Abbas is knowledgeable, has noteworthy expository abilities and can anticipate the opponent’s moves. I was and still am inspired by Ahmed Abdel Hakeem’s remarkable information, involvement, and capacity to anticipate the opponent’s move and be prepared to respond professionally.’

Key clients

Reliance Heavy Industries S.A.E. (RHI)


The Producers


ZPEC Egypt LLC


Nogoom Football Club (NFC)


Egyptian Resorts Company (ERC)


GB Auto


Work highlights


  • Advised ZPEC Egypt LLC, a Chinese global market leader in the oil & gas industry, in an EGP 170 million arbitration proceedings against Canal Sugar regarding unpaid invoices and failure to provide a contractually guaranteed minimum of work.
  • Advising GB Auto S.A.E, a leading automotive company in the MENA Region, in a major investor-state arbitration against the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria under the UNCITRAL Rules, based on the Egypt-Algeria BIT.
  • Advising Reliance Heavy Industries S.A.E, one of the largest specialized companies in the management of cement plants in Egypt, against a leading cement manufacturer that is also a listed company on the Egyptian Stock Exchange.

Shahid Law Firm

Shahid Law Firm has considerable experience in disputes across a range of centres, specialising in proceedings related to tax, real estate, shareholders’ agreements and investment treaties. The team is helmed by Sarwat Abd El-Shahid, who brings over thirty years of arbitration experience, and Girgis Abd El-Shahid, a leading authority in arbitration, with clients praising him as ‘instrumental’ in their cases. Counsel Inji Fathalla showcases skill in energy, transportation, IP and construction arbitration. Salma Nasreldine is another key name, offering further expertise in oil, gas and renewables disputes.

Practice head(s):

Sarwat Abd El-Shahid; Girgis Abd El-Shahid


Other key lawyers:

Inji Fathalla; Salma Nasreldine; Georges Ghali


Testimonials

‘The Shahid team was overall very professional and dedicated to supporting our case and pushing for the optimal outcome.’

‘The team was dedicated to learning the key details of the case and industry, thus ensuring the arbitrators were educated with the accurate and correct information. Girgis Abd El-Shahid was instrumental in structuring the arguments and responses and Georges Ghali was extremely diligent in ensuring our arguments were sound, thorough and complete.’

 

Key clients

Abbott Laboratories


Arab Company for Touristic Project


CTIP Oil & GAS UAE


Doosan Enerbility Limited Company


East Mediterranean Gas (EMG)


Egyptian General Co. For Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH)


El Naba Contracting Enterprises


Gesenu S.p.A


GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)


Global Consolidated Contractor (Egypt)


Heidelberg Cement AG


Highways Arabia FZ LLC (UAE)


Highways International Offshore SAL


International Air Transport Association (IATA)


Libyan Foreign Bank


Marubeni Corporation


Mediterra Energy International (Cyprus)


Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC)


PTT Energy Resources Company Limited (PTTER)


Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company


Sonesta International Hotels Ltd. and its affiliate Sonesta Middle East Hotels and Resorts Management LLC


Yomna Mohsen Mohamed Mohyeldine Farag


Work highlights


  • Representing a leading Saudi Investor in two USD 37 million arbitration cases filed before the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, against one of the major listed Egyptian conglomerates providing financial services in the region.
  • Representing a major financing company and its owner, a renowned Egyptian Businessman (who is also the Managing Director and one of two shareholders of one of the major dairy production and distribution groups of companies in Europe and the Middle East) in a multi-billion USD ICC Arbitration Case involving a claim initiated by the other shareholder of the group of companies against him and his financing company.
  • Representing an Egyptian family with a judgment against the Libyan State for damages exceeding USD 200 million, attempted to enforce this judgment against the assets of the Arab Company for Touristic Project (ACTP), arguing that ACTP is ultimately owned by the Libyan state.

Youssef & Partners Attorneys

Youssef & Partners Attorneys’ team stands out to clients for its ‘technical expertise and ability to consistently anticipate client needs’. The practice is renowned for serving as lead counsel on large-scale commercial arbitrations, as well as investment treaty and public international law proceedings. Karim A. Youssef heads the team and is often the ‘first port of call’ for key Egyptian and regional clients dealing with complex claims. Elsewhere, César Ternieden ‘s arbitration experience spans various renowned centres, including the CRCICA, LCIA and DIAC. Ternieden demonstrates notable proficiency in the distribution and agency, construction, tourism and automotive industries.

Practice head(s):

Karim A. Youssef


Other key lawyers:

César Ternieden


Testimonials

‘The dispute resolution: arbitration practice of Youssef & Partners Attorneys is unique for its client-centric approach, combining deep sector expertise with a commitment to innovation and collaboration. Potential clients will be drawn to the team’s proven ability to deliver tailored solutions, their responsiveness, and their proactive problem-solving.’

‘The individuals I work with stand out for their exceptional dedication, technical expertise, and ability to consistently anticipate client needs. Unlike competitors, they are not only skilled problem solvers but also strong communicators who emphasize building lasting relationships. I highly value their collaborative mindset and commitment to delivering results while maintaining a high level of professionalism and integrity.’

‘Karim Youssef is a very knowledgeable practitioner, with gravitas. He would be a first port of call for any Egypt-related dispute.’

Key clients

Cementos La Union SA (and Aridos Jativa) (CLU)


Al-Kholoud for Touristic and Real Estate Development S.A.E.


DIPCO (Damietta International Ports Company)


CTIP Oil & Gas Ltd (CTIP)


British Columbia Canadian International School (BCCIS)


VEOLIA Proprete’ Group


Egypt Kuwait Holding Company (EKH)


INCOME – International Company for Petroleum & Industrial Services


KGL Supply Management Group


Adenium Energy Capital


El-Alfy Family


Triangle Group and GAMA Construction S.A.E.


Orascom Construction (OC) Group


Dulam EFZ


Duro Felguera S.A.


National Telecom Holding


Rentokil


EGE


Tana Africa


Inter-Cairo


Developer X


Work highlights


  • Represented and secured the dismissal of $250 million claims in ICC proceedings involving High-Net-Worth Individuals.
  • Representing Egyptian investors in investment claims against the government of Lebanon in disputes arising from the Eurobond defaults.

Zulficar & Partners Law Firm

Zulficar & Partners Law Firm has an excellent track record in handling Egyptian and international arbitral proceedings, with the team handling cases heard before CRCICA, DIAC, ICC, LCIA and SIAC panels. The practice’s broad expertise spans the construction, energy, financial services, infrastructure, international trade and TMT sectors. Mohamed Abdel Wahab heads the international arbitration team, offering leading expertise in multi-jurisdictional and complex disputes. Youssef Al Saman leads the dispute resolution team and is recognised for advising corporate and government international clients on major proceedings. Karim Ramsis also stands out for his expertise in commercial and investment arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Abdel Wahab


Other key lawyers:

Youssef Al Saman; Karim Ramsis


Key clients

Amer Group


Apache


APM Terminals (Suez Canal Container Terminal)


Bawabet Al Kuwait Holding Co.


Cheiron Zaafarana petroleum company limited


Orascom Construction Industries (OCI)


E-Methanex


HZPC


Orange


Pico Petroleum


Sixth October development and investment company s.a.e. (Sodic)


Taqa


Total S.A


Work highlights


  • Represented a leading engineering company in a $70m CRCICA dispute against a cement company in relation to a maintenance, operation and supply agreement (services agreement). The contract is governed by Egyptian law.
  • Represented the client in a CRCICA arbitration proceeding commenced by the former shareholder of Nile Badrawi Hospital S.A.E. against the Commercial International Bank S.A.E. and the client in relation to an escrow agreement.

ALC Alieldean Weshahi & Partners

ALC Alieldean Weshahi & Partners’ expanding arbitration team specialises in sport, competition and construction, and has built a diverse portfolio of both local and international clients. Yehia Shahine, who is ‘sharp on the law’, leads the practice; Shaine is well-versed in proceedings conducted under various arbitration centres, including ICC, CRCICA, DIAC, LCIA, CAS and UNCITRAL. The team is further strengthened by founding partner and seasoned arbitration practicioner Ahmed Weshahi, who brings expertise in construction, oil and gas, media and sports law.

Practice head(s):

Yehia Shahine


Other key lawyers:

Ahmed Weshahi; Mai Negm


Testimonials

‘Timely and practical service in a complex jurisdiction. The ALC team did a fantastic job making sure my colleagues and I were both fully informed of the case developments, what was upcoming and what to expect. ’

‘Yehia Shahine and his junior associate Mai Negm were trusted advisors. Sharp on the law and they did a good job of understanding how business operates in the region and working with us to get an ideal outcome.’

Khodeir & Partners

Boutique practice Khodeir & Partners is well-equipped to handle regional arbitration proceedings under the CRCICA and ICC. The team is particularly adept in the tourism, agriculture, construction and TMT industries. The practice is led by a distinguished bench of arbitration practitioners: both Ahmed Kotb and Sherif Elatafy are trusted counsellors for commercial and investment arbitration, while Hazem Hussein brings broad experience in complex civil and commercial disputes, often with a cross-border element.

Practice head(s):

Ahmed Kotb; Sherif Elatafy; Hazem Hussein


Rizkana & Partners

Rizkana & Partners has a proven track record in handling complex arbitrations under CRCICA and ICC rules, particularly in the construction, infrastructure, and financial sectors. The team is led by founding partner Hazim Rizkana, who represents banks and state entities in commercial and investment disputes.

Practice head(s):

Hazim Rizkana


Shalakany Law Office

Shalakany Law Office is frequently engaged in arbitration proceedings in the real estate, tourism and transportation sectors. The team consists of a group of highly experienced arbitration lawyers, exemplified by three seasoned practice heads: Khaled El Shalakany, who leads on corporate and employment disputes; Adam El Shalakany, who has an excellent track record in complex and cross-border arbitration; and Muhammad Ussama, who is active in commercial and investor-state proceedings. Nada Hesham is also singled out for strengthening the team’s international arbitration offerings.

Practice head(s):

Khaled El Shalakany; Adam El Shalakany; Muhammad Ussama


Other key lawyers:

Nada Hesham


Key clients

Three Corners Company Egypt


Ajinomoto Co., INC


Arab Petroleum Pipelines (Sumed)


U.B.S


Emaar Misr For Development S.A.E.


Commercial International Bank (CIB)


Zaki Hashem, Attorneys at Law

Zaki Hashem, Attorneys at Law remains actively engaged in large, complex cases before regional arbitration centres and is well-regarded in the energy and hospitality industries. Mohamed Kamal leads the arbitration practice group, while Sameh Khodeir spearheads disputes related to oil and gas. Additionally, Dalia Hussein is a key associate handling arbitration cases from major construction projects.

Practice head(s):

Sameh Khodeir; Mohamed Kamal


Other key lawyers:

Dalia Hussein


Key clients

Accor Hotels


Abu Ghali Motors


Arabco for Petroleum Industries


Damac


Damietta International Port Company (DIPCO)


Egyptian German Automotive Co. EGA SAE


Egyptian Linear Alkyl Benzene (ELAB)


Egyptian Natural Gas Company (Gasco)


Gulf Egypt for Hotels & Tourism


Hebeish for Engineering Work


Hilton International Company


Landmark Gulf Group (Fun City Egypt SAE)


Mapei S.P.A.


Modern Global General Trading Company WLL


Orascom Construction Industries Co. SAE (OCI)


Petroleum Marine Services (PMS)


Solidere International Limited & Solidere Egypt Real Estate Investment and Development Company SAE


SUBEX – Serena Beach Hotel Company


United for Trading and Transport SAE


Vodafone Egypt Telecommunications SAE


Al Tamimi & Company

Al Tamimi & Company leverages its strong regional presence to handle complex commercial and investment arbitration proceedings. Team head Khaled Attia is a ‘seasoned’ arbitrator with experience in the CRCICA, CIAC and LCIA; Attia also stands out for his specialised expertise in PPP and competition matters.

Practice head(s):

Khaled Attia


Testimonials

‘Well known in the market for their decent level of service.’

‘The head arbitration team, Khaled Attia, is a seasoned lawyer with appropriate experience in different fields of practice.’

MENA Associates in association with AMERELLER

MENA Associates in association with AMERELLER has extensive expertise in both regional and international arbitration centers. The practice is recognised for its proficiency in handling commercial and investment arbitrations related to breaches of various contracts, including design and installation agreements, shareholder agreements, and distribution and agency agreements. Sherif El Saadani, lauded by clients for his ability ‘to grasp complex business problems’ heads the arbitration practice in Cairo. Florian Amereller oversees dispute resolution firm-wide, splitting his time between Cairo and Dubai.

Practice head(s):

Sherif El Saadani; Dr. Florian Amereller


Testimonials

‘Amereller has a strong team that interconnects internally with other partners to ensure I am getting the best advice. On matters involving contractual law, Amereller provided extremely useful and detailed work to complete transactions with a high degree of confidence.’

‘Fast and responsive.’

‘Sherif Saadani is extremely bright and able to grasp complex business problems and take this understanding onto his legal practice.’

Meysan

Meysan has a proven track record in a broad range of arbitration proceedings, including under the CRCICA, ICC and UNCITRAL rules, and is particularly adept at investor-state arbitrations. The team is led by Tarek Badawy, who is commended by clients as a ‘market-leading professional’ and has experience in a range of arbitrations, including investor-state disputes.

Practice head(s):

Tarek Badawy


Testimonials

‘I have worked with Tarek Badawy, who is creative, responsive and very capable. ’

‘Tarek Badaway is extremely good.’

‘Meysan have been an excellent firm to work with. The quality of their legal advice has been top class and this has helped us greatly in seeking funding for a very large arbitration in the CRCICA.’

‘Tarek Badawy is a stand-out partner. As well as being an excellent technical lawyer, he has a can-do attitude which has helped us move our client’s case forward.’

‘Strong track record and excellent sports & media industry expertise in the MENA region. They are particularly well-known for their work in media- and competition law disputes.’

‘Tarek Badawy, who is smart, very knowledgeable, pragmatic and engaged. ’

‘Tarek Badawy is a market-leading professional with whom we hope to work again soon. Technically excellent, and commercial and pragmatic, as well as easy to get along with.’

‘Very professional. They provide pragmatic and to-the-point advice.’

Key clients

Agility Public Warehousing Company K.S.C.P


Iraq Telecom (IT)


Work highlights


  • Represented Iraq Telecom Limited, a joint venture between Agility and Orange, which invested over $800 million in Korek Telecom, and the subsequent enforcement of an award.
  • Advised Agility in a landmark victory in its expropriation claim against the State of Iraq, leading to the annulment of a prior ICSID tribunal award and paving the way for a new arbitration tribunal to reassess Agility’s $380 million investment dispute.

Shehata & Partners Law Firm

Shehata & Partners Law Firm is well-placed to advise on CRCICA, ICC, LCIA and DIAC arbitration proceedings. Key practice strengths lie in the energy, infrastructure and agricultural sectors. The team is led by a seasoned trio: Dr. Nour Shehata, Mohamed Osama and Ibrahim Shehata.

Practice head(s):

Dr Nour Shehata; Mohamed Osama; Ibrahim Shehata


Key clients

Trenta for Art Production and Distribution SAE


Asunim Solar Energy Systems Contracting LLC


Bridge Education


1Trolley


Mane Capital


Alphagrain AG


Work highlights


  • Representing Bridge Education in a complex school development project dispute valued at $300m.
  • Retained by 1Trolley to initiate a CRCICA arbitration case against their counter-party MoriCo (A Restaurants Group) for claims amounting to $1m.