CRCICA Arbitration Rules to Govern the 35th Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot

CRCICA Arbitration Rules to Govern the 35th Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot

A Historic First for the Arab Region and a Defining Moment for Global Arbitration

The Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) is proud to announce a landmark achievement: the CRCICA Arbitration Rules have been officially selected as the procedural framework for the 35th Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, to be held in Vienna in 2028.

This prestigious selection marks the first time in the Moot’s distinguished history that the arbitration rules of an independent international institution based in the Arab region will serve as the foundation of the competition. Widely acknowledged as the world’s most prominent academic event in international commercial arbitration, the Vis Moot brings together over 400 universities and thousands of participants from around the globe.

The adoption of CRCICA’s Rules is not only a point of institutional pride—it is a powerful testament to the Centre’s global credibility, procedural sophistication, and commitment to excellence in international dispute resolution.

Why CRCICA’s 2024 Arbitration Rules Represent Global Best Practice

The 2024 edition of the CRCICA Arbitration Rules, which will govern the 35th Vis Moot, reflects the Centre’s deep experience, responsiveness to user needs, and commitment to international standards.

These Rules were revised and adopted in 2024 following extensive comparative study and stakeholder consultation. They incorporate leading innovations and reflect best practices from the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules and major institutional frameworks—yet remain uniquely tailored to the realities of cross-border commerce in the Global South.

Key strengths of the 2024 CRCICA Rules include:

Modernization and Procedural Efficiency:
The 2024 Rules introduce refined provisions on expedited arbitration, emergency measures, and consolidation of proceedings, ensuring that cases are handled with increased speed and precision while maintaining fairness.
Digital Transformation and Remote Hearings:
Acknowledging the realities of modern practice, the Rules explicitly provide for virtual hearings, electronic filings, and the use of technological tools to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Diversity, Flexibility, and Party Autonomy:
The Rules allow parties maximum flexibility in shaping their procedures and selecting arbitrators, while upholding equality and neutrality. CRCICA’s track record reflects gender and regional diversity in tribunal appointments.
Transparent and Predictable Costs:
The Rules feature a transparent cost schedule that is both competitive and scalable. CRCICA’s non-profit character ensures that fees remain fair and reinvested in institutional development and training.
Multilingual and Globally Accessible:
The Rules are officially available in English and Arabic, with support for bilingual case administration. This accessibility enhances user confidence and positions CRCICA as a natural hub for multilingual arbitration.
Rooted in Neutrality, Guided by Integrity:
CRCICA’s position as a non-profit international organization under the auspices of AALCO guarantees independence and neutrality in both rulemaking and administration.

These innovations make CRCICA’s 2024 Rules not only relevant but exemplary for the current and future landscape of international arbitration.

A Legacy of Support for the Vis Moot

CRCICA’s engagement with the Vis Moot has been consistent and meaningful:

AlexU–CRCICA Vis Pre-Moot:
Hosted annually in Cairo in partnership with Alexandria University, this pre-moot brings together law students, academics, and practitioners for intensive rounds of oral arguments and training. The sixth edition, held in March 2025, welcomed teams from the Arab region and Europe and served as a vital preparatory platform for the Vienna rounds.

Annual AlexU-CRCICA Arbitration Conference:
A pivotal event that addresses key legal challenges in international trade and dispute resolution. This annual conference offers a rich platform for insightful discussions and thought leadership, attracting distinguished legal professionals, academics, and practitioners from across the Arab region and beyond. It is dedicated to fostering legal expertise and advancing best practices in international arbitration. The conference also marks the official commencement of the pre-moot, where speakers and experts actively contribute as arbitrators, mentors, and panelists—offering participants invaluable guidance and feedback as they engage in simulated hearings in preparation for major international competitions.

Leadership Participation:
Dr. Ismail Selim, Director of CRCICA, has served as a panelist and arbitrator at several Vis Moot editions in Vienna, reinforcing the Centre’s active presence within the international arbitration academic community.
Outreach and Education:
CRCICA continuously supports the Vis Moot ecosystem through training workshops, mentorship programs, and regional initiatives aimed at expanding access to high-quality arbitration education.

A Defining Chapter in CRCICA’s Global Journey

CRCICA’s Rules will now become the foundation upon which thousands of students and professionals will engage in the world’s most influential arbitration moot. This development not only elevates CRCICA’s global visibility, but also signals a broader shift toward the inclusion of institutions from the Global South in shaping the norms of international arbitration.

It is a moment of pride, and one that reaffirms CRCICA’s founding principles: neutrality, accessibility, legal excellence, and a global vision rooted in regional expertise.