As the year draws to a close, we would like to extend our warmest gratitude to all the talented individuals who joined CRCICA’s Internship Programme 2025. This year, our Center was energized by a diverse group of aspiring legal professionals who brought fresh perspectives, dedication, and a shared passion for international arbitration. Their contributions have been invaluable to our daily operations and research initiatives, and it has been a privilege to witness their professional growth firsthand. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and remain committed to fostering the next generation of ADR experts.
Habiba Saleh from Oct to Nov 2025
I am Habiba Saleh my internship at the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) was from 1 October to 13 November 2025. During this period, I was assigned to the following tasks: assisting in preparing and organizing documents required for ongoing arbitration cases, preparing case summaries and reviewing documents, attending hearings and drafting notes, assisting the case management team with file organization and administrative tasks, supporting the organization of conferences held at CRCICA.
Omar Sayed, Oct 2025
Omar Sayed, is a senior law student at Cairo University and alumnus of the Hague academy of international law, interested in Public International Law and Sustainable Development. During my internship at the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA), I gained valuable legal and diplomatic experience through my involvement in arbitration hearings and the organization of the CRCICA Soirée. Working closely with the CRCICA team allowed me to observe how legal frameworks and diplomatic dialogue intersect to resolve disputes and build international understanding. This experience enhanced my analytical, organizational, and cross-cultural communication skills, reinforcing my ambition to pursue a diplomatic career grounded in law, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Ahmed Thabet from Aug to Oct 2025
I am Ahmed Thabet graduated in July 2025 from Cairo university English section. From Sunday, 3 August, until 7 October, my internship at the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) proved to be one of the most enriching experiences of my academic and professional journey. During this period, I gained a comprehensive understanding of how the arbitration process operates in practice — from the filing of cases and the appointment of arbitrators to the administration of hearings and the issuance of final awards. I learned how each stage is meticulously organized and how the Centre ensures fairness, neutrality, and efficiency throughout the proceedings.
What I valued most, however, was the human aspect of the experience. The employees at CRCICA welcomed me with genuine warmth, treating me not just as a trainee or colleague, but as a younger brother. They guided me with patience, shared their experiences generously, and taught me lessons that extended far beyond professional knowledge. Their mentorship helped me refine my character, develop a deeper sense of responsibility and professionalism, and emerge as a more polished and mature individual — both personally and intellectually.
Ameen Hegazy, Aug 2025
Ameen Hegazy completed his training internship at the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) from August 1 to August 31, 2025. During this period, Ameen assisted in the preparation of arbitral hearings and attended several hearings, gaining practical insight into arbitration proceedings and a deeper understanding of the institutional role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the arbitral process. Drafting minutes of procedural hearings enhanced his awareness of the importance and sequencing of procedural steps in practice. The training experience was further enriched by the welcoming and supportive professional environment at CRCICA.
Hayder Hameed Aug 2025
Hayder Hameed, MCIArb, is a qualified Iraqi lawyer with expertise in dispute resolution and Commercial Dispute Resolution Analyst at the United Nations Development Programme. During his internship at the CRCICA in August 2025, he worked in the Dispute Management Department, handling tasks related to notices of arbitration, suspension of proceedings, and reviewing arbitration records with information gathering. Additionally, supported communications and preparations for the Egypt Arbitration Days 2025.
William Zaarour, Aug 2025
William Zaarour is a Franco-Lebanese holds a Master 2 in International and European Business Law (specializing in Arbitration and Litigation), obtained at Sorbonne Law School in Cairo, at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. During his internship in August 2025 at the CRCICA, William was assigned to the following tasks conducting analysis on the prevalence of overriding mandatory rules (“lois de police”) in international arbitration, in light of Professor Christophe Seraglini’s thesis on the topic, preparing comparative research between the CRCICA and ICC Arbitration Rules, as part of his Master’s thesis a detailed study of Article 53 of CRCICA’s Rules on third-party funding in comparison with the recent ICSID reforms, preparing summaries in both English and French and Translation of documents, and assisting in the draft of hearing minutes.
Karim Abdelraouf, July 2025
I am Karim Abdelraouf a student at the Faculty of Law and Legal Studies, the German University in Cairo (GUC). During my internship at the CRCICA in July 2025, I became familiar with the fundamentals of arbitration and gained a practical understanding of the Centre’s rules and procedures. I was fortunate enough to observe procedural orders and hearings firsthand, which offered invaluable insights into the conduct of arbitral proceedings. My responsibilities also included translating parts of the Centre’s caseloads, drafting first letters to both the parties’ and the arbitrators and typing up case information regarding the cases the Centre receives. These have all helped deepen my appreciation for the complexities of arbitration. Beyond the professional experience, what stood out was the welcoming and supportive environment, everyone at the Centre made me feel like part of a family. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and I extend my sincere thanks and best wishes to the entire CRCICA team.
Hawa Kane, from March to April 2025
Hawa Kane is a Master’s degree student in International and European Business Law with a specialization in Arbitration and Litigation at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. Before that, I completed two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Law at Panthéon-Assas University and the other in International Trade at INALCO. I also studied Arabic language and culture, including one year of intensive Arabic training at the French Institute in Cairo.
During my internship at the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) from March to April 2025, I was actively involved in various stages of arbitration proceedings. I assisted with case management tasks, including reviewing case files and drafting procedural notifications in both Arabic and English. I also prepared legal correspondence, and conducted legal research on the CRCICA Arbitration Rules. Additionally, I had the opportunity to assist during arbitration and mediation hearings, which gave me valuable insight into the practical workings of international dispute resolution in the MENA region.
This experience further deepened my interest in international arbitration, especially in the context of investment and commercial disputes. I aim to pursue a career in this field, with a specific focus on the MENA and African regions.
Roxane Plumel, from June to July 2025
Roxane Plumel, a French national, currently completing a Master’s degree in International Business and Arbitration Law at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Cairo program), joined CRCICA as a legal intern from June 15 to July 15, 2025. During her internship, Roxane gained hands-on experience in institutional arbitration and international dispute resolution. She contributed to legal research assignments and was involved in the synthesizing and understanding analysis of parties’ written submissions in ongoing cases. She also assisted in drafting internal notes and external communications, and translated legal and academic materials.
She particularly appreciated the opportunity to attend internal discussions and seminars led by Dr. Ismail Selim, which offered her valuable insight into both the institutional functioning and the comparative dynamics of international arbitration. This internship reinforced her interest in dispute resolution and allowed her to develop practical skills within a respected arbitral institution. “The measure of a great institution lies not only in its achievements, but in the lessons it imparts to those who pass through its halls. My experience at CRCICA has been a valuable opportunity to learn while contributing—however modestly—to a mission of justice.”
Matisse Guissard, from April to June 2025
Matisse Guissard has completed his internship program at CRCICA from 20 April to 12 June 2025. Matisse is a Belgian student, pursuing a second-year Master’s degree in European Business Law at the University of Luxembourg. During his internship, Matisse conducted legal researches on mediation and arbitration, followed up the hearing phase of an arbitral proceeding, assisted the Case Management Department in drafting case information, attended a seminar on international commercial arbitration and compiled contact databases for the Marketing Department. “This internship offered me a valuable insight into the world of international arbitration and its many facets. I am especially grateful to the CRCICA team for their warm welcome and continuous support. This experience has confirmed my desire to pursue a career in this exciting field and I sincerely hope that my professional path will cross that of the Centre again.”, says Matisse.
Julien CHIES, from March to April 2025
From March 2025 to Mid-April 2025, Julien CHIES had the privilege to work as an intern at CRCICA. Julien is a French Arbitration Graduate from the IDAI branch in Cairo of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne University. Throughout his internship, Julien was engaged, inter alia, in redaction tasks, preparation of legal summaries and of moot problems for the Sports Arbitration Moot and for the Pre-Vis Moot. With the kindest help of CRCICA’s dream-team, Julien has managed to learn a lot on the conduct of an arbitration from the request, all the way down to the rendering of the award. During his internship, Julien has participated in CRCICA’s conferences, including the 6th annual AlexU-CRCICA Arbitration Conference.
To conclude, Julien CHIES commented: “Such an incredible opportunity as an internship at CRCICA truly reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in arbitration”. Julien CHIES also commented: “It could be the best institution, if its people were the worst, it would mean nothing. At CRCICA, not only is it the best institution in Middle East, but also its people sincerely are gifted with a sense of pure kindness, devotion to their work and to their peers.” They made a French citizen in Egypt feeling right at home. It truly was an honour to work with such brilliant minds such as theirs. Until next time
Hawa Kane, from March to April 2025
« My name is Hawa Kane, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International and European Business Law with a specialization in Arbitration and Litigation at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University.
Before that, I completed two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Law at Panthéon-Assas University and the other in International Trade at INALCO. I also studied Arabic language and culture, including one year of intensive Arabic training at the French Institute in Cairo.
During my internship at the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) from March to April 2025, I was actively involved in various stages of arbitration proceedings. I assisted with case management tasks, including reviewing case files and drafting procedural notifications in both Arabic and English. I also prepared legal correspondence, and conducted legal research on the CRCICA Arbitration Rules. Additionally, I had the opportunity to assist during arbitration and mediation hearings, which gave me valuable insight into the practical workings of international dispute resolution in the MENA region.
This experience further deepened my interest in international arbitration, especially in the context of investment and commercial disputes. I aim to pursue a career in this field, with a specific focus on the MENA and African regions.
