A step-by-step checklist for parties seeking enforcement of foreign arbitral awards under the New York Convention and Egyptian procedural law.
Enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in Egypt follows a defined path but turns on details: certified copies, accurate Arabic translations, and a clean procedural record.
Before filing
Secure a certified copy of the award and of the arbitration agreement. Egyptian courts will not accept photocopies. All documents in languages other than Arabic must be translated by a sworn translator registered with the Ministry of Justice.
The enforcement petition
File before the President of the competent Court of Appeal. Under Law No. 27 of 1994, the court examines only the narrow grounds set out in Article V of the New York Convention — it does not revisit the merits.
Typical timelines
Uncontested enforcement typically runs 3–5 months. Contested matters, including public-policy challenges, can extend 12–18 months at first instance.
