Arbitral Awards in Egypt | Expert Legal Guide 2025
Arbitral Awards in Egypt sit at the core of international dispute resolution. For foreign parties, the path from award to recovery depends on two stages: Award Recognition Egypt and Award Enforcement Egypt. Without recognition, an award lacks legal force; without enforcement, it cannot be executed. This guide explains both stages under the New York Convention and Egypt Arbitration Law No. 27 of 1994.
Arbitral Awards in Egypt: Legal Foundations
Egypt is a signatory to the New York Convention (1958), requiring courts to recognise and enforce foreign awards subject to narrow defences. Domestically, Egypt Arbitration Law aligns procedures with international standards, designating the Courts of Appeal as the primary venue and defining documentary requirements and review scope.
Recognition of Arbitral Awards in Egypt
Recognition confirms that an award is valid and binding in Egypt. It lets parties rely on the decision defensively (e.g., res judicata) and forms the legal base for execution. Recognition typically hinges on producing the award, the arbitration agreement, and certified Arabic translations that match names, dates, and values across documents.
Investor Checklist — Award Recognition Egypt
- Provide complete, legible copies of the award and arbitration agreement.
- Use certified Arabic translations; keep spellings and figures consistent.
- Show proper notice and due process during the arbitration.
- Confirm the competent Court of Appeal before filing.
Enforcement of Arbitral Awards in Egypt
Enforcement converts the recognised award into an executable court order (exequatur). Once granted, creditors may attach assets, compel performance, or collect sums due. The court reviews compliance with the Convention and Egypt Arbitration Law—not the merits of the dispute.
Execution Roadmap — Award Enforcement Egypt
- File a petition with the award, arbitration agreement, and certified translations.
- Address likely objections upfront (notice, jurisdiction, public policy).
- Obtain the exequatur order; coordinate with enforcement officers for recovery.
Grounds for Refusal in Egypt
- Invalid or non-existent arbitration agreement.
- Lack of proper notice or inability to present a case.
- Subject matter not arbitrable under Egyptian law.
- Conflict with Egyptian public policy.
Courts apply these grounds restrictively, giving confidence to foreign investors that compliant arbitral awards in Egypt will be upheld.
Egypt Arbitration Law — Practical Highlights
Law 27/1994 limits judicial review to procedural compliance, allows reliance on international instruments, and channels filings to Courts of Appeal. Timelines depend on workload and objections, while costs are driven by translation volume and execution steps.
Conclusion: From Award to Action
Recognising and enforcing Arbitral Awards in Egypt turns arbitral success into commercial results. With a compliant dossier, accurate translations, and early asset strategy, international parties can secure timely execution while remaining aligned with the New York Convention and Egypt Arbitration Law.
Related reading: Service overview · Foreign awards guide · New York Convention
