Not every dispute belongs in a courtroom. Al-Amthal represents companies in commercial arbitration under Egypt's Arbitration Law No. 27 of 1994, takes part in mediation and negotiated settlements, and enforces or defends arbitral awards before the Egyptian courts. We look for the shortest fair route to a final result.
When arbitration or mediation makes sense
Arbitration suits parties who want a decision from specialists, in private, and often in a language other than Arabic. It is common in construction, supply, distribution, joint venture and shareholder agreements. Mediation and direct negotiation suit parties who want to keep working together, or who want a quicker and cheaper outcome.
The choice is usually made when the contract is signed. We draft arbitration clauses that name the seat, the rules, the number of arbitrators and the language, so that a later dispute does not begin with an argument about procedure. When a dispute is near, we also review the existing clause to confirm that it is valid and what it requires first, such as a period of negotiation.
How we handle an arbitration in Egypt
We assess the claim and the clause, then prepare the request for arbitration or the defence, advise on the choice of arbitrators, gather documents and witness statements, and present the case at the hearings. An arbitration may be ad hoc or run by an institution such as the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration.
After the award, we either ask the competent Egyptian court for an enforcement order or defend the award against an action for annulment. Where the dispute concerns a company's internal decisions, the founder's doctoral research on the nullity of general assembly resolutions in joint-stock companies is directly relevant.
Disputes involving Gulf parties
Many of our arbitration matters involve a party in Kuwait, the UAE or elsewhere in the Gulf. We advise Gulf companies on disputes with Egyptian partners, and on enforcing in Egypt awards made abroad. Egypt is a party to the New York Convention on the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. In Kuwait and the UAE we provide consultations and legal studies on the dispute, and can work alongside local counsel. We work in Arabic, English and German.
What we handle
- Commercial arbitration
- Arbitration clause drafting
- Mediation
- Negotiated settlements
- Enforcement of awards
- Annulment actions
- Foreign award enforcement
- Shareholder dispute arbitration
Questions clients ask
Is arbitration faster than going to court in Egypt?
Often, but not always. Arbitration can move faster because the parties and the tribunal set the timetable, and there is no appeal on the merits. It can also cost more, because the parties pay the arbitrators and any institution. We compare both routes for your specific dispute before you decide.
How is an arbitral award enforced in Egypt?
The winning party applies to the competent court for an enforcement order. The court checks formal conditions, such as whether the time for an annulment action has passed and whether the award conflicts with Egyptian public order. It does not hear the dispute again. We prepare the application and answer any objection.
Can an arbitral award be challenged in Egypt?
Egyptian law does not allow an appeal against an arbitral award, but a party may bring an action for annulment on limited grounds, such as an invalid arbitration agreement, a breach of the right of defence or a conflict with public order. The deadline is short, so we advise quickly on whether grounds exist.