The Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA), in collaboration with THE LAW and with the support of Zulficar & Partners Law Firm , is pleased to organise a satellite event during the Russian International Arbitration Congress (RIAC) 2026 entitled “Arbitration Beyond the West: Friendly Seats and Jurisdictions.” The seminar will take place on 21 September 2026 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Dolgoruky Hall, Four Seasons Hotel Moscow.

Against a backdrop of evolving geopolitical and economic realities, parties are increasingly seeking arbitration seats that offer neutrality, legal certainty, accessibility, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. This has prompted growing interest in jurisdictions beyond the traditional Western centres, many of which are emerging as dynamic arbitration hubs capable of serving the needs of an increasingly multipolar business environment.

This seminar will explore the growing influence of arbitration-friendly jurisdictions beyond the traditional Western centres and examine the factors that shape the parties’ choices when selecting a seat of arbitration. The discussion will consider legal, institutional, and practical aspects of arbitration-friendly environments, including legislative developments, court support, efficiency, accessibility, enforceability, neutrality, and the role of arbitral institutions in fostering confidence among international users.

The seminar will be moderated by Dr. Dalia Hussein, Director of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA), and will feature a distinguished panel comprising Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Wahab, C. Arb, FCIArb, Professor of International Arbitration, Private International Law and English Contract Law, Cairo University; Founding Partner and Head of International Arbitration, Construction and Energy Groups at Zulficar & Partners Law Firm (Egypt), President of the Subcommittee on International arbitration in RIAC; and Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Arbitrator and Member of the Advisory Committee of DIAC, the Advisory Committee of CRCICA, and the ICC Commission; and Ms. Yulia Mullina, President of the Board, Russian Arbitration Center; Director, International and Comparative Law Research Center.

Bringing together distinguished experts from different jurisdictions and professional backgrounds, the seminar will provide valuable perspectives on current trends in international arbitration and the increasing importance of emerging arbitral hubs in the global dispute resolution landscape.