Matouk Bassiouny

Matouk Bassiouny A leading full-service MENA law firm headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, with offices in Algeria, Sudan, and UAE.

Matouk Bassiouny is a leading full-service MENA law firm with over 270 lawyers operating out of its offices in Cairo, Egypt (Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy), Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Matouk Bassiouny), Khartoum, Sudan (Matouk Bassiouny in association with AIH Law Firm), and Algiers, Algeria (Matouk Bassiouny). Matouk Bassiouny’s MENA offices are supplemented by a New York satellite o

ffice dedicated to enhancing the firm’s international Dispute Resolution services in addition to two country desks covering Libya and South Korea. Trained locally and internationally in both civil and common law systems, our attorneys are fully conversant in English, Arabic, French, and Korean. We are ideally placed to advise multinationals, corporations, financial institutions, and governmental entities on all legal aspects of investing and doing business in the region. Matouk Bassiouny is constantly ranked as a top-tier law firm by prominent legal publications (IFLR, GAR, Chambers and Legal 500).

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy is proud to have contributed to the Global Pro Bono Guide 2026: Pro Bono Practices and Opport...
21/05/2026

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy is proud to have contributed to the Global Pro Bono Guide 2026: Pro Bono Practices and Opportunities in Egypt, published in collaboration with TrustLaw, Thomson Reuters Foundation, Latham & Watkins LLP, and the Pro Bono Institute.

The guide provides an overview of the legal and regulatory framework governing pro bono legal services in Egypt, while highlighting key opportunities, challenges, and developments within the local legal landscape.

We are pleased to see MBH recognized among the leading firms contributing to the advancement of pro bono legal services and access to justice in Egypt.

The chapter was authored by Omar S. Bassiouny, Ossama Abouzaid, Nourhan Sayed, and Maram Mohamed.

We extend our appreciation to TrustLaw, Thomson Reuters Foundation, Latham & Watkins LLP, and the Pro Bono Institute for their efforts in advancing access to justice and promoting pro bono practices across jurisdictions.

Read the full guide here:https://probonoguide.trust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/pro_bono_guide_egypt.pdf

For more about Matouk Bassiouny, please visit our website at: https://matoukbassiouny.com/.

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy (“MBH”) is proud to announce a significant achievement by its Litigation team, successfully s...
20/05/2026

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy (“MBH”) is proud to announce a significant achievement by its Litigation team, successfully securing a landmark victory in a complex cross-border criminal dispute involving asset exposure exceeding EGP 1 billion.

MBH represented one of Lebanon’s most prominent families in a multi-jurisdictional matter arising from a series of fraudulent transactions targeting extensive landholdings across Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. Investigations uncovered a sophisticated scheme involving the forgery of multiple powers of attorney, which were unlawfully used to facilitate the sale and disposal of key real estate assets in both Egypt and Lebanon.

MBH was engaged at a critical stage of the dispute and promptly undertook a comprehensive legal and factual assessment. Upon identifying strong evidence of criminal conduct, our team initiated coordinated legal action, including the filing of criminal complaints and the submission of extensive evidentiary records before the Public Prosecution.

Over a two-year period, MBH’s team led all aspects of the proceedings before the Public Prosecution, including drafting detailed submissions, attending investigative sessions, and solidifying legal arguments supported by documentary evidence. These efforts culminated in the successful referral of the principal perpetrator to trial before the competent Felony Criminal Court.

In a decisive outcome, the court issued its judgment convicting the defendant of forging official documents and unlawfully using them, sentencing him to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment.

This landmark judgment underscores MBH’s capability to navigate complex, high-stakes criminal matters across multiple jurisdictions. It represents a decisive victory for the client, securing substantial assets and reinforcing the rule of law against sophisticated fraudulent schemes.

The MBH team that handled this matter was led by Dr. Mohamed Shehata (Partner and Head of Litigation & TMT), Reda Morsy (Legal Director), Eslam Abdeldayem (Counsel), Ayman Sedik (Legal Director for Criminal Enforcement & Intelligence), Mahmoud Ghanem (Senior Associate), Hamada Farahat (Senior Associate), and Mohamed Hanafy (Associate).

For more about Matouk Bassiouny, please visit our website at https://matoukbassiouny.com/.

We are pleased to announce that the Litigation team at Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy (“MBH”) has secured a landmark victory...
20/05/2026

We are pleased to announce that the Litigation team at Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy (“MBH”) has secured a landmark victory in a high-stakes, long-running dispute in favor of NESCO Egypt for Tourism Investments, involving a total exposure exceeding EGP 4 billion.

The dispute started in 2011, when the company initiated proceedings seeking a declaration of non-liability in relation to alleged indebtedness claimed by one of Egypt’s largest banks. The banks subsequently filed counterclaims seeking repayment of the loan amount together with various forms of accrued interest.

In 2021, a judgment was rendered at first instance against the company, ordering repayment to three major banks, inclusive of compounded and variable interest, bringing the total adjudicated liability to over EGP 4 billion—exceeding the principal amounts originally claimed.

At the appellate stage, our firm was instructed to assume representation of the client at a critical juncture, notably after the Cairo Court of Appeal had reserved judgment on the appeals filed by the company, the banks, and a major real estate development company. We promptly submitted a motion to reopen pleadings, supported by compelling legal arguments and evidence demonstrating the necessity of enabling the client to fully present its defense.

The Court of Appeal granted our motion and ordered the reopening of pleadings. During the subsequent hearing, our team advanced comprehensive legal arguments and strategic defenses, seeking the complete annulment of the first-instance judgment and a declaration that the court lacked jurisdiction.

In a significant development in 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled in our favor, setting aside the first-instance judgment and determining that jurisdiction properly rested with the Cairo Economic Court. While this constituted a major procedural and substantive success, the dispute continued following referral to the competent court.

Over the ensuing period, we diligently represented the client before the Cairo Economic Court, submitting detailed pleadings and robust defenses. The court ultimately upheld our position and dismissed the banks’ claims in their entirety.

This outcome represents a decisive and comprehensive victory for our client and underscores MBH’s proven ability to successfully navigate complex, high-value disputes and deliver exceptional results under demanding circumstances.

The MBH team that handled this matter was led by Dr. Mohamed Shehata (Partner and Head of Litigation & TMT), Reda Morsy (Legal Director), Dr. Tamer Sayed (Legal Director), Khaled Shedid (Legal Director), Eslam Abdeldayem (Counsel), Abdelrahman Hassan (Senior Associate), Mohamed Hanafy (Associate), Abdelrahman Agha (Associate), and Yara Abdelaleem (Associate).

For more about Matouk Bassiouny, check out our website at https://matoukbassiouny.com/

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy is delighted to welcome Mohamed Nabil Hazzaa and Naila Ramsay to the Firm.Mohamed will join o...
18/05/2026

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy is delighted to welcome Mohamed Nabil Hazzaa and Naila Ramsay to the Firm.

Mohamed will join on 1 June 2026 as Partner and Co-Head of the Finance & Projects group, with over 16 years of experience advising on complex infrastructure, energy, and PPP projects in Egypt. Mohamed brings in valuable and diverse experience, where prior to joining the firm, he was leading the Infrastructure and Power practice with strong expertise in projects’ development and financing, in addition to heading the M&A practice at Sharkawy & Sarhan. Earlier in his career, he was seconded to Allen & Overy LLP (now A&O Shearman) in Dubai, where he gained valuable exposure to international law firm standards and expectations. Mohamed advises multilateral institutions, development finance institutions, public sector entities, lenders, sponsors, and private equity players on complex and first-in-country project finance and utility-scale renewable energy projects and strategic investments. He is consistently ranked in the top tiers and bands of legal periodicals in his areas of expertise.

Naila has just joined the firm as Partner in Finance & Projects, with over two decades of international experience spanning the United Kingdom, Europe, and Egypt. She brings a unique cross-border perspective shaped by senior roles at leading international law firms and major corporations, including Linklaters, Dentons Wilde Sapte (now Dentons), Babcock & Brown, Hassan Allam Holdings, and Sharkawy & Sarhan. Naila has extensive experience advising on complex infrastructure, energy, and public-private partnerships (PPP) projects across the EMEA region.

Having spent significant time between Cairo and London throughout her career, Naila brings deep cultural fluency, an understanding of geopolitical challenges, and a strong international network, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support clients across jurisdictions and expand its regional reach. As a talented relationship builder, dot connector, and experienced communicator, Naila will play a leading role as Head of Client Development and Strategy.

Mahmoud Bassiouny, Regional Managing Partner, has expressed, "The joining of Mohamed and Naila as partners is a clear demonstration of our commitment to continue attracting technically excellent and ethically minded lawyers who share our drive to deliver the highest standard of service to our clients. As Egypt continues to attract landmark infrastructure investment and project finance mandates, Mohamed's leadership as Co-Head of Finance & Projects will be instrumental in ensuring our clients receive best-in-class counsel at every stage. Equally, Naila's dedicated focus to client development will further strengthen our ability to anticipate and meet our clients’ needs."

For more on Naila & Hazzaa’s expertise, visit: https://matoukbassiouny.com/partner-profile/naila-ramsay/
https://matoukbassiouny.com/partner-profile/mohamed-nabil-hazzaa/

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy (“MBH”) is pleased to announce that it will host the North Africa Regional Rounds of the Fore...
18/05/2026

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy (“MBH”) is pleased to announce that it will host the North Africa Regional Rounds of the Foreign Direct Investment Arbitration Moot (“FDI Moot”), expanding its longstanding collaboration with the FDI Moot following six successful editions of the Egyptian National Rounds hosted by MBH.

FDI Moot is the world’s leading moot competition in the field of investor-state dispute settlement. Each year, approximately 100 teams from various corners of the world participate in the global rounds of the FDI Moot. Participating students assume the roles of either investor counsel or respondent state counsel in a simulation before an investment tribunal.

This year, MBH looks forward to welcoming participating teams from across North Africa, namely from (1) Algeria; (2) Egypt; (3) Libya; (4) Mauritania; (5) Morocco; (6) Sudan; and (7) Tunisia.

📍 The preliminary rounds will be conducted remotely by way of videoconference on 17 and 18 July 2026.

📍 The qualifying rounds (i.e., quarterfinals, semi-finals, and the final round) will take place in-person at MBH’s premises in Cairo on 31 July and 1 August 2026.

We extend our best wishes to all participating teams and look forward to welcoming students, academics, arbitrators, and practitioners from across the region for an exciting and memorable edition of the FDI Moot North Africa Regional Rounds.

📌To learn more about FDI Moot, visit www.fdimoot.org .

📌To be acquainted with the FDI Moot rules, visit www.fdimoot.org/Rules.pdf.

📌For more information regarding team participation and deadlines, visit www.fdimoot.org/teams.
📩For inquiries, feel free to contact: [email protected].

10/05/2026

We are proud to announce Matouk Bassiouny’s Chambers and Partners 2026 rankings, reaffirming the firm’s position as a leading law firm across Egypt, Algeria, and Sudan.

This year’s results include 10 ranked practice areas, 11 individual recognitions, 4 new partner rankings, 1 newly ranked practice area, all existing rankings maintained, and 5 MENA Awards nominations.

Congratulations to our outstanding partners:

• Omar S. Bassiouny – Band 1
• Mahmoud S. Bassiouny – Band 1
• Mohamed Abdel Fattah – Band 1
• Tamer El Hennawy – Band 2
• Dr. Amr Abbas – Band 2
• Dr. Mohamed Shehata – Band 2
• Sherif El Hosseny – Band 3
• Nadia Abdallah – Band 3 (New)
• Imane Raouf – Band 3 (New)
• Aziza Hassanien – Band 3 (New)
• Nahla Djabi – Up and Coming (New)

These achievements reflect the continued trust of our clients and the dedication, expertise, and hard work of our exceptional team.

Explore our full rankings:
https://chambers.com/law-firm/matouk-bassiouny-global-2:122200

We are pleased to announce that Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy (“MBH”) has advised Avora Aviation on the successful delivery...
10/05/2026

We are pleased to announce that Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy (“MBH”) has advised Avora Aviation on the successful delivery of one Airbus A321 aircraft to Sky Vision Airlines under an operating lease.

The aircraft is now registered on the Egyptian registry and has been ferried to its operating base, where it will help expand Sky Vision Airlines' international route network.

A sincere congratulations to the Sky Vision Airlines team. We look forward to a strong and lasting partnership.

The MBH team was led by Sherif El Hosseny (Partner and Head of Aviation), supported by Saifallah Kadry (Senior Associate) and Nayera Thabet (Associate).

For more about Matouk Bassiouny, visit https://matoukbassiouny.com/

We are pleased to announce that Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy has successfully obtained a significant and enforceable court...
10/05/2026

We are pleased to announce that Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy has successfully obtained a significant and enforceable court ruling from the Administrative Court at the Egyptian State Council, suspending the decision of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) to invite the General Assembly of the Egyptian Resorts Company S.A.E. to meet for the election of a new Board of Directors.

The appeal was filed and adjudicated in less than one week from the date of filing, reflecting the efficiency and swift handling of the matter before the competent court.

This judgment represents an important precedent for companies listed on the Egyptian Exchange, particularly in relation to corporate governance and the regulatory framework governing General Assembly procedures.

The case was handled by Amr Ehab (Partner) and Doha El Dari (Senior Associate) from our Litigation Department.

We are proud to have successfully represented our client in securing this landmark ruling and contributing to the development of key legal principles impacting listed companies in Egypt.

For more about Matouk Bassiouny, visit matoukbassiouny.com.

Geopolitical tensions in the Gulf are no longer just a political or military concern. They are actively reshaping contra...
05/05/2026

Geopolitical tensions in the Gulf are no longer just a political or military concern. They are actively reshaping contractual risk and have huge impact on contracts including construction and oil and gas contracts.

From disrupted supply chains to surging costs and delayed performance, businesses are increasingly asking the same question: does this excuse performance, or merely make it more expensive? And what are the legal consequences of either of these two impacts?

The answer lies in a critical legal distinction under Gulf laws, influenced by Egyptian law:

• Force majeure applies where performance becomes impossible. In this case, the obligations in question would be extinguished, and the contract may be terminated.
• Hardship applies where performance remains possible but excessively burdensome, threatening excessive losses and disturbing the contractual equilibrium. In this case, courts may rebalance the contract by changing the extent of obligations or by suspending them.

In both cases, the event in question must be exceptional, unpredictable and unavoidable. These terms were extensively defined under Gulf laws and courts jurisprudence.

The difference between these two doctrines is not merely academic. It determines whether a party walks away without liability or remains bound (albeit on adjusted terms).

To deal with the consequences of force majeure and hardship events, clients are advised to make sure of the following:

1. Review governing law and contract terms carefully. The availability and scope of relief depend heavily on both.
2. Do not assume economic disruption qualifies as force majeure. The threshold is significantly higher than commercial hardship.
3. Document causation and mitigation efforts: Parties must demonstrate that the event directly caused the disruption and that reasonable steps were taken to mitigate its impact.
4. Consider proactive renegotiation. In hardship scenarios, courts favor rebalancing rather than termination.
5. Draft with precision going forward. Clear force majeure clauses and risk allocation mechanisms are critical in volatile geopolitical environments.

In our latest client alert, we break down how courts across the GCC are approaching these doctrines in light of current geopolitical developments, with practical guidance for navigating ongoing disruption.

Read the full article here: https://matoukbassiouny.com/the-geopolitical-conflict-and-contractual-risk-allocation-force-majeure-and-hardship-in-the-context-of-the-us-iran-crisis/
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Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy is pleased to share the publication of its latest article, “Egypt: arbitration framework evol...
05/05/2026

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy is pleased to share the publication of its latest article, “Egypt: arbitration framework evolves with landmark 2025 court rulings and new sector-specific reforms.”

Authored by F. John Matouk and Dr. Amr Abbas, the article provides an overview of Egypt’s arbitration framework and examines the key legal and judicial developments shaping the arbitration landscape in 2025.

The article highlights a number of important principles emerging from recent court decisions, including those relating to the scope and interpretation of arbitration agreements; the limits of arbitral tribunals’ discretion; and the duty of arbitrators to maintain independence and disclose potential conflicts. It also addresses the role of public policy in annulment and enforcement proceedings.

In addition, the article explores recent legislative developments, including the establishment of a new sports arbitration framework and evolving rules governing the arbitrability of labour disputes. Together, these developments reflect an increasingly sophisticated arbitration framework in Egypt, supported by consistent judicial oversight and a pro-arbitration approach.

These trends further reinforce Egypt’s position as a leading arbitration hub in the region, offering both legal certainty and procedural flexibility for domestic and international disputes.

Read the full article on our website:
https://matoukbassiouny.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Matouk-Bassiouny-Publications-Global-Arbitration-Review-Lexology-%E2%80%93-2026-%E2%80%93-Arbitration-Developments-%E2%80%93-Egypt.pdf

For other publications:
https://matoukbassiouny.com/publications/

We are pleased to announce that Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy, in collaboration with the legal department of Juhayna Food I...
04/05/2026

We are pleased to announce that Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy, in collaboration with the legal department of Juhayna Food Industries, has successfully obtained a significant court ruling in favor of the company. The judgment establishes an important and modern judicial precedent concerning the application of conflict of interest rules for listed companies, integrating both the provisions of the Egyptian Companies Law and the listing and delisting regulations of the Egyptian Exchange.

The court upheld the validity of Juhayna’s decision to exclude a candidate from running for membership on its Board of Directors, on the grounds that the candidate was engaged in a competing business activity without obtaining prior authorization from the company’s General Assembly—even where such activity predated the candidate’s nomination.

Amr Ehab, Partner in our Litigation Department, commented that this ruling represents a significant judicial precedent for companies listed on the Egyptian Exchange. He further noted that the judgment highlights the efficiency of the Economic Court in resolving investor-related disputes under Egyptian corporate law, with the case being adjudicated in less than five months from the filing date.

The case was handled by Amr Ehab (Partner), alongside Nora Rabie (Senior Associate), under the supervision of Mohamed Abdel Fattah (Partner and Head of Capital Markets) at Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy.

We are proud to have supported Juhayna Food Industries in securing this landmark judgment and to have contributed to establishing a key precedent in the Egyptian legal landscape.

For more about Matouk Bassiouny, visit matoukbassiouny.com

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