The total number of cases filed before CRCICA until 31 December 2020 reached 1452 cases. In the fourth quarter of 2020, 19 new cases were filed compared to 31 new cases filed in the fourth quarter of 2019. Of the 19 cases filed this quarter, one was for ad hoc proceedings and one was a referral to the Centre to act as appointing authority.

The Centre’s caseload in the fourth quarter of 2020 involved disputes relating to various sectors, including Construction, Tourism & Hospitality, Oil & Gas, Corporate Restructuring, Food Manufacturing, Textile, Telecommunications and Mining.

Seven cases related to the construction sector. Two cases involved construction contracts. The first case related to a contract for construction, structural works and site development in a residential complex located in Ain Sukhna between two Egyptian companies. The second case related to a FIDIC contract for construction and works in a residential and touristic complex located in Ain Sukhna between two Egyptian companies. Two cases related to contracts for works. The first case related to a contract for works in a hotel located in Ras El Bar, Egypt between two Egyptian companies. The second case related to a contract for electrical works in a sugar mill located in Sharkiyah, Egypt between two Egyptian companies. Three cases involved subcontracting agreements. The first case related to a subcontracting agreement for supply and infrastructure installation works in a residential project in Sheikh Zayed, Egypt between two Egyptian companies. The second case related to a subcontracting agreement for the execution of electrical and low-current works in a hotel project in Ras El Bar, Egypt between Egyptian companies. The third case related to a subcontracting agreement for reinforced concrete works in a medical complex project located in Cairo, Egypt between two Egyptian parties.

Three cases related to the tourism and hospitality sector. The first case involved a contract for the management and operation of a beachside restaurant located in Ain Sukhna, Egypt between two Egyptian companies. The second case involved a lease agreement for a utility space located in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The third case related to a contract for the lease and management of a hotel located in Cairo, Egypt two Egyptian companies.

Three cases involved the oil & gas sector. The first case related to a contract for the purchase of a jack-up barge to be used as a mobile offshore production unit in support of gas production between two Egyptian companies. The second case related to an agreement for the provision of land drilling rig services between two Egyptian companies and a British company. The third case related to an agency agreement to develop business and secure drilling contracts between Lebanese and Egyptian companies.

One case related to corporate restructuring and involved a share purchase agreement between a Jordanian and Egyptian individuals.

One case related to the telecommunications sector and involved an agreement for the installation of a telecommunication network between two Egyptian state-owned companies.

One case related to the food manufacturing sector and involved a licensing agreement between an Egyptian company, a Cypriot company and its Greek parent-company. 

One case related the mining industry and involved a joint venture agreement between a British company and the Egyptian Government for gold exploration.

One case related to the textile industry and involved a licensing agreement between an Egyptian company and an association in charge of the licensing of trademarks.

Arbitration proceedings in the fourth quarter involved 6 Non-Egyptian parties, namely from the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Greece, Jordan and Lebanon.

It is worth noting that these conservative figures do not include Egyptian companies owned or ultimately controlled by non-Egyptian shareholders.

The fourth quarter of 2020 witnessed the appointment of 37 arbitrators, including 9 Non-Egyptian arbitrators from Canada, France, Lebanon and the United States of America.

Of the 37 arbitrators appointed this quarter, 4 were female arbitrators and 1 was under 40.        

The Centre acted as appointing authority for some cases, appointing 5 of the 37 arbitrators appointed this quarter (representing 13.5% of the appointments), including 2 non-Egyptian arbitrators.

Amongst the 19 cases filed in this quarter, 13 cases, representing 68% of cases, were conducted in Arabic, and the other 6 cases, representing 32% of cases, were conducted in English.

Virtual Hearings at the CRCICA

Since 1 November 2020, CRCICA has hosted 24 hearings. Four related to ad hoc proceedings and the rest related to CRCICA cases.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, users have been encouraged to privilege remote hearings. During the fourth quarter of 2020, 3 hearings were held entirely via videoconference, 7 hearings were held with partial in-person attendance and partial remote attendance and the remaining hearings were held with limited in-person attendance.