Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – December 4-5, 2024 – The highly anticipated Sharm El Sheikh IX Conference, held at the heart of the Red Sea coast, concluded with resounding success, solidifying its position as a premier platform for global dialogue in international arbitration. Organized by the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA), in collaboration with UNCITRAL, IFCAI, ICCA, and the Arab Union of International Arbitration, the conference drew over 300 participants from 36 countries, fostering a truly international exchange of ideas.
The two-day event featured 39 distinguished speakers from 19 countries, representing a diverse range of legal and cultural backgrounds. Their expertise enriched the comprehensive program, which delved into critical issues shaping the landscape of international arbitration.
Day 1: Navigating the Intersection of State Courts and Arbitration
The conference commenced with an opening speech, marked by a tribute to the late Dr. Nabil Elaraby and Judge Dr. Adel Koura. Welcoming remarks from Dr. Ismail Selim, Director of CRCICA and President of IFCAI, set the stage for a day of insightful discussions.
Inspiring inaugural session from H.H. Prince Dr. Bandar Ben Salman Ben Mohamed AL-SAUD, Member of CRCICA Board of Trustees, H.E. Judge Adnan Fangary, Minister of Justice, Egypt, Judge Mostafa El Bahabety, Assistant Minister of Justice for Arbitration and International Disputes, and recorded remarks from Ms. Anna Joubin-Bret, Secretary of UNCITRAL, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in arbitration.
A significant moment was the honorary award presented by CRCICA to Judge Nabil Omran, recognizing his invaluable contributions to international arbitration.
Keynote speaker, Judge Dominique Hascher, Independent Arbitrator International Judge at the Supreme Court of Singapore & Former Judge at the French Supreme Judicial Court, highlighted the pivotal role of state courts in international arbitration.
The day’s program explored the intricate relationship between state courts and arbitral proceedings. Sessions focused on salient legislative and case law developments, problems raised by specific types of arbitration agreements, and the evolving role of “soft laws” in international arbitration.
The first session, “Salient Legislative and Case Law Developments Affecting the Role of State Courts in International Arbitration,” was moderated by Mr. Lijun Cao, Partner, Zhong Lun Law Firm. Speakers included Ms. Funke Adekoya, Board Member, ICCA; Prof. Dr. Mohamed Sameh Amr, Dean of Faculty of Law, Cairo University and Founder and Managing Partner, Amr & Partners Law Firm; Dr. Tarik Mossadek, Founding Partner, Mossadek & Gartoua Law Firm; Dr. Emad El Din Hussein, Independent Arbitrator, Accredited Mediator, Legal Counsel, Academic; and Dr. Nasser Al-Adba, Managing Partner, Omani & Partners LLP and CIArb Qatar Branch – Chair.
The second session, “State Courts and Problems Raised by Specific Types of Arbitration Agreement,” was moderated by Mr. Taher Hozayen, Managing Partner, Mackean Law Firm, and featured speakers Mr. Philippe Leboulanger, Founding Partner, Leboulanger & Associés; Mr. Ahmed Barakat, Senior Partner, ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners; and Mr. Abdallah El Shehaby, Partner, JURISERA.
The third session, “Soft Laws in International Arbitration: Are they still Soft?” was moderated by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Raouf, Partner and Head of the International Arbitration Group, Abdel Raouf Law Firm. Speakers were Ms. Samaa Haridi, Partner, King & Spalding; Prof. Nassib Ziadé, International Judge and Arbitrator; Mr. Vladimir Khvalei, Senior Partner, Mansors; and Dr. Karim A. Youssef, Founder, Chairman, and Head of International Arbitration, Youssef + Partners.
A highlight of the first day was the ICCA Arabic Version launch session, celebrating the soft launch of the Arabic translation of the Second Edition of ICCA’s Guide to the Interpretation of the 1958 New York Convention. This session was lead by the Egyptian Minister of Justice, H.E. Judge Adnan Fangary, ICCA Governing Board member Mohamed ABDEL RAOUF, together with fellow ICCA Governing and Advisory Board Members: Ms. Funke Adekoya, Mr. Vladimir Khvalei and Judge Dominique Hascher, in addition to Mr. Ahmed Husain, Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR) CEO, as well as conference host Dr. Ismail Selim, CRCICA Director.
Day 2: Transparency, Efficiency, and Enforcement
The second day opened with a session celebrating UNCITRAL’s Transparency@10, examining perspectives on UNCITRAL transparency standards. Discussions then shifted to the efficiency of arbitration proceedings, exploring the interplay between state courts and arbitral tribunals. Session featured Moderator Dr. Amr A. Abbas, Partner and Head of Arbitration, Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy; Speakers: Ms. Rabab Yasseen, MENTHA Avocats, Geneva; Counselor Fatma Fathy Khalifa, Consultant, UNCITRAL; Mr. Yaochen Gong, UNCITRAL Secretariat; and Mr. Corentin Baslé, Associate Legal Officer, UNCITRAL.
Subsequent sessions addressed critical issues such as the setting aside of arbitral awards from comparative perspectives, and the legal challenges and practical considerations surrounding the enforcement of arbitral awards.
The fourth session, “State Courts, the Arbitral Tribunal and the Efficiency of Arbitration Proceedings,” was moderated by Dr. Dalia Hussein, Deputy Director, CRCICA, with speakers Mr. Craig Tevendale, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills London & Chair to the Advisory Committee, CRCICA; Ms. Sally Kotb, Partner, Baker McKenzie; and Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Founding Partner and Head of International Arbitration, Construction and Energy, Zulficar & Partners Law Firm.
The fifth session, “Setting Aside of Arbitral Awards: Comparative Perspectives,” was moderated by Dr. Ismail Selim, Director of CRCICA and President of IFCAI. Speakers included Dr. Nagla Nassar, Principle Partner, Nassar Law; Dr. Sally El Sawah, Co-Founder and Head of Arbitration & Litigation, Junction, Paris; Prof. Sébastien Manciaux, Law Professor, Université de Bourgogne; and Dr. Turki Al-Tayyar, Founder, Atyar Company.
The sixth session, “Enforcement of Arbitral Awards: Legal Challenges and Practical Considerations,” was moderated by Prof. Dr. Tarek Fouad Riad, Managing Partner, Kosheri, Rashed & Riad Legal Consultants & Attorneys at Law. Speakers were Judge Nabil Omran, Vice President of the Court of Cassation in Egypt and Head of the Commissioner’s Panel in the Dubai Court of Cassation; Judge Dr. Tareq Abd-Elqader, Head at the Commissioners’ Board at the Supreme Constitutional Court, Egypt; Mr. Girgis Abd El-Shahid, Managing Partner, Shahid Law Firm; and Dr. Raëd Fathallah, Partner, Bredin Prat.
The conference concluded with a closing session featuring Dr. Ismail Selim, who also delivered a speech on behalf of the Gold Sponsor, Youssef + Partners.
Sponsorship and Support
The Sharm El Sheikh IX Conference was made possible through the generous support of 32 law firms and organizations. Platinum Sponsor Zulficar & Partners Law Firm and Gold Sponsor Youssef + Partners Arbitration Leaders led a distinguished list of sponsors, including Silver Sponsors Kosheri, Rashed & Riad and Shahid Law Firm.
Lunch and Bronze Sponsors, along with numerous supporting organizations and media partners, played a vital role in the conference’s success.
Lunch Sponsors: Amr & Partners Law Firm & Matouk Bassiouny and Hennawy Law Firm
Bronze Sponsors: Jurisera – Attorneys at Law, ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners, Rizkana & Partners, Badran Law Firm, Ali & Co., ALC- Alieldean Weshahi & Partners, MAS Attorneys at Law, Barakat, Maher & Partners in association with Clyde & Co, Riad & Riad Law Firm, Afifi Law Office in association with Dentons, Khodeir & Partners, & American University of Iraq – Baghdad – College of Law
Supporting Organizations: Hassouna & Abou Ali
Notably, media partners helped amplify the conference’s reach.
OGEL Energy Law / Transnational Dispute Management (TDM), THE LAW , Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR), Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA), Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Egypt Branch), Ciarb Qatar and QFC branch, Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD), Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Center (TAHKEEM), Lebanese Arbitration and Mediation Center (LAMC), African Arbitration Association (AAA), Jus Mundi, Arabic Arbitration Forum, & Hebron Chamber Of Commerce and Industry
Looking Ahead
The Sharm El Sheikh IX Conference successfully fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and strengthened connections within the international arbitration community. The organizers extend their sincere gratitude to all participants, speakers, sponsors, and supporters for their contributions.
With the resounding success of this year’s event, anticipation is already building for the next edition in 2026. The conference organizers look forward to welcoming the global arbitration community once again.
