International arbitration in Sudan is governed by the Arbitration Act 2016, which replaced the previous Arbitration Act 2005.
Sudan joined the New York Convention on 26 March 2018, and the Convention entered into force in the country on 24 June 2018. This allows foreign arbitral awards to be recognised and enforced in Sudan, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
Sudan-related disputes may be handled under the rules of several recognised arbitration institutions, including the ICC, UNCITRAL, DIAC, DIFC-LCIA, the Khartoum Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (KCAM), and the Construction Disputes, Mediation and Arbitration Centre (CDMAC). CDMAC is a Sudan-based institution specialising in construction and engineering disputes.
The Sudanese Arbitration Act 2016 is not fully aligned with the UNCITRAL Model Law. One important difference is the multi-stage appeal process that may apply to court decisions concerning the annulment of arbitral awards.
Abdeen & Co. has experience representing clients in DIFC-LCIA, DIAC, UNCITRAL, PCA and ICC arbitration proceedings. The firm is also registered with the DIFC Courts. Its Managing Partner, Dr. Mohamed Abdeen, serves as a Board Member of CDMAC.
Why International Arbitration Matters for Business in Sudan
For any investor, contractor, or international business operating in Sudan, choosing the right dispute resolution mechanism is one of the most consequential legal decisions you will make — and it must be made before a dispute arises, not after. The governing law and dispute resolution clause in your commercial contract determines whether you can enforce your rights efficiently or spend years navigating unfamiliar Sudanese court procedures.
Sudan’s legal landscape for arbitration has evolved significantly over the past decade. The country replaced its Arbitration Act in 2016, acceded to the New York Convention in 2018, and specialised institutions — including the Construction Disputes, Mediation & Arbitration Centre (CDMAC) — have emerged to provide technically expert, technology-enabled dispute resolution for Sudan’s construction, engineering, and infrastructure sectors. At the same time, Sudan’s Arbitration Act 2016 carries critical differences from the UNCITRAL Model Law — particularly around the appealability of arbitral awards — that every foreign investor must understand.
This guide, prepared by the Dispute Resolution & International Arbitration team at Abdeen&Co., covers: the governing legal framework, all available arbitration institutions (including CDMAC), how to enforce a foreign award in Sudan, the UNCITRAL Model Law divergences, investment treaty protections, and how Abdeen&Co. represents clients from dispute prevention through to final award enforcement. Our Managing Partner, Dr. Mohamed Abdeen, is a Board Member of CDMAC and the firm has acted in DIFC-LCIA, DIAC/UNCITRAL, PCA, and ICC arbitrations.
Abdeen&Co. DIFC registration: Abdeen&Co. is officially registered with the DIFC Courts as a recognised legal practitioner — listed under Part I (firm authorised to conduct proceedings) and Part II (individual lawyers with full rights of audience) before the DIFC Courts (registered January 2025). Learn more at abdeenandco.com/who-we-are/.
1. Sudan’s Arbitration Legal Framework — The Arbitration Act 2016
The primary legislation governing both domestic and international arbitration in Sudan is the Arbitration Act 2016, which replaced the Arbitration Act 2005 (which itself replaced sections 139–156 of the Civil Procedures Act 1983 — Sudan’s earliest arbitration provisions).
The Arbitration Act 2016 has attracted sustained debate since its inception. Two areas of divergence from international best practice are directly relevant to foreign investors:
- Non-alignment with the UNCITRAL Model Law: The Act was not drafted to conform to the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration — the internationally recognised benchmark for arbitration-friendly legislation. This divergence makes Sudan’s framework less predictable for foreign parties accustomed to Model Law jurisdictions (including the UAE, Egypt, Kenya, and Singapore).
- Multi-step appeal pathway: Under the Arbitration Act 2005, an application to set aside (annul) an award was a one-step, final procedure. The Arbitration Act 2016 reversed this, allowing prolonged multi-step appeals against annulment decisions — significantly extending enforcement timelines and creating greater legal uncertainty for parties seeking to enforce awards in Sudan.
Critical investor alert: The multi-step appeal pathway under the Arbitration Act 2016 is the single most important procedural risk for foreign parties enforcing arbitral awards in Sudan. If your contract is silent on dispute resolution, you may default to a process that takes significantly longer than comparable Model Law jurisdictions. Abdeen&Co. advises on contract structuring strategies to minimise this risk.
Annulment (Setting Aside) Grounds
Sudan’s Arbitration Act 2016 provides statutory grounds on which a party may apply to annul (set aside) an arbitral award — called an “action of annulment”. Grounds broadly follow international norms: incapacity of a party; invalidity of the arbitration agreement; lack of proper notice; awards exceeding the scope of submission; improper tribunal constitution; and awards contrary to public policy. However, under the 2016 Act, an annulment decision may itself be appealed — unlike under the previous 2005 Act, where the court’s decision was final.
2. Sudan & the New York Convention — Enforcement of Foreign Awards
Sudan acceded to the United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention, 1958) on 26 March 2018, entering into force on 24 June 2018. Sudan was the 159th State party to the Convention (172 parties as at 2026).
What this means for investors: As a signatory, Sudan is obligated to recognise and enforce foreign arbitral awards made in any other Convention signatory state. An award rendered in London, Paris, Dubai, Cairo, or any other signatory jurisdiction may be submitted to Sudanese courts for enforcement. The court may only refuse on the narrow Article V grounds — invalidity, improper notice, scope excess, procedural irregularity, or public policy — and cannot re-examine the merits of the dispute.
For project finance transactions, commercial contracts, PPP projects, and construction & engineering agreements with Sudanese counterparties, selecting a New York Convention seat — such as London, Dubai (DIFC), Paris, or Cairo — is the most reliable enforcement strategy available to foreign investors in Sudan.
3. Investment Treaty Arbitration — Sudan’s BIT Network & ICSID
Beyond contractual arbitration, foreign investors may access investment treaty arbitration against Sudan under applicable Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs). Sudan’s Arbitration Act 2016 confirms that investment disputes must go to a specialised court — unless governed by a treaty to which Sudan is signatory. Applicable treaties include:
| Investment Treaty / Agreement | Year | Dispute Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Unified Agreement for Investment of Arab Capital in Arab States | 1980 | Treaty-based arbitration |
| Agreement for Settlement of Investment Disputes among Arab States | 1974 | Treaty-based arbitration |
| ICSID Convention (Settlement of Investment Disputes between States & Nationals) | 1965 | ICSID arbitration — Washington D.C. |
| General Agreement — Economic & Commercial Co-operation (OIC Member States) | 1977 | Treaty-based arbitration |
| Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) | Various | Varies per BIT (ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC) |
Sudan’s signature to the ICSID Convention means investors from any of the 160+ ICSID signatory states may, under applicable BITs, bring investor-state claims directly against Sudan before ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes) in Washington D.C. — even if the underlying contract provides for Sudanese courts. The BIT creates a separate, independent right to treaty arbitration.
Abdeen&Co. advisory: Our Public International Law team conducts BIT analysis as standard pre-investment due diligence for clients entering project finance, PPP transactions, or significant commercial investments in Sudan.
4. Arbitration Institutions for Sudan-Related Disputes
Sudan-related disputes are heard across a range of institutions — from major international bodies to Sudan’s own specialised domestic centres. The choice of institution should reflect the value, complexity, and sector of the dispute.
Construction Disputes, Mediation & Arbitration Centre (CDMAC)
For construction, engineering, and infrastructure disputes — which represent a substantial share of high-value commercial disputes in Sudan — the Construction Disputes, Mediation & Arbitration Centre (CDMAC) is the premier specialised institution in Sudan. CDMAC is a dedicated platform for resolving construction-related disputes through mediation, arbitration, adjudication, and expert determination. Key facts about CDMAC:
- Over 500 cases resolved, 150+ expert panelists, and 15+ years of experience in construction dispute resolution
- Full suite of services: Construction Arbitration, Mediation, Expert Determination, Dispute Review Boards, Claims Evaluation, FIDIC Contract Analysis, and Training & Certification programmes
- Technology-enabled proceedings: digital arbitration, hybrid hearings, secure e-filing, encrypted document storage, and remote participation — making CDMAC accessible to international parties without requiring physical presence in Sudan
- Offices in Port Sudan, Sudan and Ras Al Khaimah (RAKEZ), UAE — the same dual-jurisdiction footprint as Abdeen&Co.
- Dr. Mohamed Abdeen — Managing Partner of Abdeen&Co. — serves as a Board Member of CDMAC, reflecting the close institutional relationship between the two organisations
Why CDMAC matters for construction disputes: Construction disputes in Sudan — covering EOT (extension of time) claims, variation claims, defect liability, FIDIC contract disputes, and project owner vs. contractor conflicts — require combined technical and legal expertise. CDMAC’s panel of qualified arbitrators includes both engineers and lawyers, ensuring that technically complex disputes are assessed by professionals with genuine construction industry knowledge. For any construction and engineering project or PPP infrastructure development in Sudan, we recommend including CDMAC arbitration as an option in your dispute resolution clause alongside international arbitration for cross-border enforcement. Visit cdmac.sd or submit a dispute directly.
Institutions Overview — Full Comparison Table
| Institution | Abbrev. | Speciality / Scope | Rules | Abdeen&Co. Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDMAC — Construction Disputes, Mediation & Arbitration Centre | CDMAC | Construction, engineering & infrastructure disputes — Sudan’s specialist centre | CDMAC Rules | Dr. Abdeen is CDMAC Board Member. Joint Port Sudan + RAKEZ UAE presence. |
| Khartoum Centre for Arbitration and Mediation | KCAM | General domestic Sudanese disputes; commercial & civil matters | KCAM Rules | Named institution on Abdeen&Co. site; domestic dispute representation. |
| ICC International Court of Arbitration | ICC | Major international commercial, energy & construction disputes | ICC Rules 2021 | Expert witness representation; ICC London proceedings. |
| UNCITRAL (ad hoc / PCA-administered) | UNCITRAL | Investment & sovereign disputes; flexible ad hoc proceedings | UNCITRAL Rules 2010 | Kenana Engineering vs. Mauritania Sugar — PCA-administered, UNCITRAL rules. |
| Dubai International Arbitration Centre | DIAC | UAE-Sudan commercial disputes; construction & project finance | DIAC Rules 2022 | Kenana Engineering — DIAC seat, UNCITRAL rules. |
| DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre | DIFC-LCIA | Cross-border commercial; technology & telecoms disputes | LCIA Rules 2020 | Chinguitel Mauritania vs. ZTE Corp. Abdeen&Co. is DIFC Courts registered. |
| Cairo Regional Centre for Int’l Commercial Arbitration | CRCICA | Arab regional disputes; Egypt-Sudan commercial matters | CRCICA Rules | Named as a competent institution on Abdeen&Co. practice area page. |
| Permanent Court of Arbitration | PCA | State, quasi-state & investment treaty disputes | UNCITRAL / PCA Rules | Kenana Engineering — PCA-administered; investment treaty matters. |
5. CDMAC Services in Detail — What Construction Parties Need to Know
For contractors, developers, project owners, engineers, and consultants involved in Sudan’s construction and infrastructure sector, understanding CDMAC’s full service offering is essential. The following services are available through cdmac.sd:
| CDMAC Service | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Arbitration | Structured, impartial case management with qualified arbitrators for high-value, technically complex disputes requiring binding decisions. In-person, hybrid, and remote proceedings available. | FIDIC contract disputes, EPC claims, construction defects, project termination disputes |
| Construction Mediation | Confidential mediation with construction-specialised mediators for fast, cost-effective, non-adversarial resolution. Preserves business relationships. | Variation claims, payment disputes, relationship breakdown, pre-litigation settlement |
| Expert Determination | Independent technical experts for delay analysis, quantum, cost, and technical matters. Ideal for disputes requiring specialised engineering assessment. | Extension of time (EOT) analysis, defect quantum, cost claims, technical assessments |
| Dispute Review Boards (DRB) | Standing boards for major projects providing ongoing involvement and early decisions to prevent dispute escalation. Standard on FIDIC-governed contracts. | Large infrastructure projects, PPP construction, long-duration contracts |
| Claims Evaluation | Independent assessment of EOT, quantum, and variation claims with strategic recommendations for informed decision-making before formal dispute proceedings. | Pre-claim assessment, negotiation support, quantum validation |
| Contract & Risk Analysis | FIDIC contract review, risk allocation analysis, and early warning strategies to minimise dispute exposure. | Pre-contract review, risk matrix preparation, FIDIC clause interpretation |
| Training & Certification | CCAP (Certified Construction Arbitration Practitioner) — 40hrs; Construction Disputes Fundamentals — 16hrs; Delay Analysis (Forensic Scheduling) — 24hrs; FIDIC Contract Management — 20hrs. | Engineers, lawyers, project managers, dispute resolution professionals |
6. Drafting an Effective Arbitration Clause for Sudan Contracts
The arbitration clause in your contract is the most important sentence in the entire document. A poorly drafted clause — or its absence — can expose you to Sudanese court jurisdiction by default, deny New York Convention enforcement, and create years of procedural uncertainty. The following elements are essential:
- Governing law: Specify the law governing the contract (e.g., English law, UAE law, or Sudanese law) and the law governing the arbitration agreement. For construction contracts, reference the applicable FIDIC edition and any Sudan-specific amendments
- Seat of arbitration: The seat determines the procedural law and supervisory court. For cross-border contracts, a New York Convention seat — London, Dubai (DIFC), Paris, or Cairo — is strongly recommended. For Sudan-domestic construction disputes, a CDMAC seat in Port Sudan may be appropriate
- Institution and rules: Specify ICC, UNCITRAL, DIAC, DIFC-LCIA, CRCICA, or CDMAC rules explicitly. For construction disputes, consider CDMAC Construction Arbitration rules — Sudan’s specialist construction institution
- Number of arbitrators: Specify 1 or 3. For CDMAC proceedings and high-value construction disputes, a 3-member tribunal with at least one engineering expert is advisable
- Language: Specify the language of proceedings and the award. Arabic (official Sudanese) or English — or bilingual proceedings — depending on the parties
- Technical expert provision: For construction contracts, consider specifying the right to appoint an independent expert on technical matters — particularly delay analysis, quantum, and defects — consistent with CDMAC’s Expert Determination service
- Confidentiality and interim relief: Include an express confidentiality provision. Confirm the tribunal’s power to order interim measures and whether parties may seek urgent relief from Sudanese courts or the CDMAC Dispute Review Board during proceedings
Abdeen&Co. contract review: Our commercial transactions team drafts and reviews arbitration clauses for all Sudan-facing contracts — from PPP project agreements and project finance documents to construction and engineering contracts, employment agreements, and real estate transactions. Where a construction dispute is anticipated, our team advises on the appropriate CDMAC clause and whether to combine domestic CDMAC proceedings with international arbitration for cross-border enforcement.
7. The International Arbitration Process — From Dispute to Enforcement
| Stage | What Happens | Timeline | Abdeen&Co. / CDMAC Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-arbitration notice | Formal dispute notice issued; parties attempt resolution per contract (negotiation / Dispute Review Board / CDMAC mediation) | Contract-specified(30–60 days) | Draft notice; advise on pre-arb. strategy; CDMAC mediation referral |
| 2. Request for Arbitration | Claimant files Request with chosen institution (ICC, DIAC, CDMAC, UNCITRAL, etc.); respondent files Answer | Per institutional rules | Prepare and file Request; review Respondent’s Answer |
| 3. Tribunal constitution | Parties appoint arbitrators; institutions confirm. For CDMAC: panelists drawn from 150+ construction and legal expert panel | 1–3 months | Nominate arbitrator; review counterparty’s nominee; CDMAC panel selection |
| 4. Procedural order / ToR | Tribunal and parties agree procedural timetable (ICC: Terms of Reference signed; CDMAC: procedural hearing and schedule confirmed) | 1 month | Draft Terms of Reference; procedural submissions |
| 5. Documentary disclosure | Exchange of relevant documents; requests for production. CDMAC: secure e-filing, encrypted storage, digital case management | 2–4 months | Manage disclosure; prepare e-bundles via CDMAC secure platform |
| 6. Written submissions | Memorial, Counter-Memorial, Reply, Rejoinder — with witness statements, expert reports, delay analyses (EOT), and quantum evidence | 6–18 months | Draft full written case; instruct witnesses & CDMAC-accredited technical experts |
| 7. Hearing | Oral hearing — witness cross-examination, expert hot-tubbing, technical demonstrations. CDMAC: in-person, hybrid, or remote via secure platform | 2–10 hearing days | Lead advocacy; cross-examine; CDMAC hearing facilities utilised |
| 8. Award | Tribunal deliberates; issues final Award on merits and costs | 3–6 monthspost-hearing | Review draft award; make costs submissions |
| 9. Enforcement in Sudan | Apply to Sudanese courts for recognition and enforcement under New York Convention (international awards) or domestic enforcement (CDMAC domestic) | 6–18 monthsin Sudan | File enforcement application; manage annulment risk; advise on asset recovery |
8. Enforcing a Foreign Arbitral Award in Sudan
Since Sudan’s New York Convention accession took effect on 24 June 2018, a party holding a foreign arbitral award made in another Convention signatory state may apply to the competent Sudanese court for recognition and enforcement. The court must recognise and enforce the award unless the respondent establishes one of the Article V grounds for refusal:
- Incapacity of a party or invalidity of the arbitration agreement
- Failure to give proper notice of the proceedings or inability to present the case
- The award deals with matters beyond the scope of the submission to arbitration
- Improper constitution of the tribunal or procedure
- The award has not yet become binding, or has been set aside at the seat
- The subject matter is not capable of settlement by arbitration under Sudanese law
- Recognition or enforcement would be contrary to Sudanese public policy
Practical enforcement risk: While the New York Convention provides the legal framework, enforcement in Sudan remains subject to the multi-step appeal structure of the Arbitration Act 2016. A respondent seeking delay may use annulment appeal proceedings to extend enforcement. Abdeen&Co. advises on enforcement strategy including interim asset-freezing orders and expedited enforcement procedures.
9. Abdeen&Co. in International Arbitration — Track Record
Abdeen&Co. is one of Sudan’s most experienced law firms in international arbitration, with representation across ICC, UNCITRAL, DIAC, DIFC-LCIA, and PCA proceedings:
| Matter | Institution / Rules | Parties & Subject | Abdeen&Co. Role | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinguitel Mauritania vs. ZTE Corporation | DIFC-LCIA (International) | Chinguitel Mauritania (telecoms operator) vs. ZTE Corporation, China — contractual dispute | Lead counsel for Claimant; co-counsel with Shoosmiths LLP & Blackstone Chambers | Award in favour of Chinguitel Mauritania. Contractual rights fully upheld. |
| Kenana Engineering & Technical Services Co. Ltd vs. Mauritania Sugar Co. Ltd | PCA-administered; Seat: DIAC; UNCITRAL Rules | Kenana Engineering (Sudan) vs. Mauritania Sugar Co. — engineering fees (~USD 2M) | Lead counsel for Claimant Kenana Engineering | Full award in favour of Kenana Engineering. Full outstanding debt confirmed. |
Our institutional advantage: Abdeen&Co.’s combination of DIFC Courts registration, Dr. Abdeen’s Board Member role at CDMAC, and 23 years of Sudanese and cross-border practice gives our clients a strategic advantage no other Sudanese law firm can replicate. We bridge international arbitration institutions and Sudan’s specialist domestic infrastructure — including CDMAC for construction disputes and the DIFC Courts for cross-border enforcement. Read our full dispute resolution experience.
10. Choosing the Right Forum — CDMAC, Domestic, or International?
| Factor | CDMAC (Construction Specialist) | Domestic — KCAM (General) | International — ICC / DIAC / DIFC-LCIA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best dispute type | Construction, engineering, FIDIC, EOT, quantum, defects | General commercial, civil — domestic Sudanese parties | Cross-border commercial, investment, PPP, energy, telecoms |
| Technical expertise | ✅ Engineering + legal panel; expert determination available | ❌ Legal panel only | 🟡 Legal panel; technical experts by party appointment |
| Technology | ✅ Digital / hybrid / remote — secure encrypted platform | ❌ Primarily in-person | ✅ Most institutions support digital & hybrid proceedings |
| Language | Arabic / English — bilingual proceedings | Arabic (primary) | English, French, or parties’ chosen language |
| Enforcement | Domestic enforcement + New York Convention (cross-border) | Domestic Sudanese courts | New York Convention — 172 states |
| Appeal risk | Subject to Arbitration Act 2016 (domestic seat) | Subject to Arbitration Act 2016 | Supervisory court at seat; Model Law seats more final |
| Cost | Moderate — specialist institution with contained costs | Lower — domestic Sudanese rates | Higher — international institution + counsel fees |
| Dr. Abdeen’s role | ✅ Board Member of CDMAC | ✅ Abdeen&Co. representation available | ✅ Lead counsel — DIFC-LCIA, DIAC/UNCITRAL, PCA, ICC |
Abdeen&Co. strategic recommendation: For construction and engineering contracts and PPP infrastructure projects in Sudan, we recommend a two-tier dispute resolution clause: CDMAC for technical and construction-specific disputes (leveraging Dr. Abdeen’s Board Member role and CDMAC’s engineering expertise), combined with ICC or DIAC international arbitration for non-construction disputes and cross-border enforcement. For purely commercial transactions or corporate joint ventures with no construction element, ICC, DIAC, or DIFC-LCIA with a New York Convention seat remains the preferred choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What law governs international arbitration in Sudan?
International arbitration in Sudan is governed by the Arbitration Act 2016, which replaced the Arbitration Act 2005. The Act applies to both domestic and international arbitration. Sudan’s 2016 Act is not aligned with the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, and notably allows multi-step appeals against arbitral award annulment decisions — extending enforcement timelines compared to Model Law jurisdictions.
Q: Has Sudan signed the New York Convention?
Yes. Sudan acceded to the New York Convention (1958) on 26 March 2018, entering into force 24 June 2018. Sudan was the 159th State party. Foreign arbitral awards made in any of the 172 signatory states may now be recognised and enforced in Sudanese courts, subject only to the narrow Article V grounds for refusal — the court cannot re-examine the merits of the dispute.
Q: What is CDMAC and when should it be used?
CDMAC — the Construction Disputes, Mediation & Arbitration Centre — is a Sudan-based institution offering arbitration, mediation, expert determination, dispute review boards, and claims evaluation for construction, engineering, and infrastructure disputes. With 500+ cases resolved, 150+ expert panelists, and technology-enabled hybrid proceedings, CDMAC is the recommended first-choice institution for any construction-related dispute in Sudan. Dr. Mohamed Abdeen of Abdeen&Co. serves as a Board Member of CDMAC. Visit cdmac.sd for more information or to submit a dispute.
Q: Which arbitration institutions are used for Sudan disputes?
Sudan-related disputes are heard before: CDMAC (construction and engineering disputes — Sudan’s specialist centre), the Khartoum Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (KCAM — general domestic disputes), the ICC International Court of Arbitration, UNCITRAL (PCA-administered), the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre, and the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA). Abdeen&Co. has acted in DIFC-LCIA, DIAC/UNCITRAL, PCA, and ICC proceedings, and Dr. Abdeen is a CDMAC Board Member.
Q: Can I enforce a foreign arbitral award in Sudan?
Yes. Since the New York Convention entered into force for Sudan on 24 June 2018, foreign arbitral awards made in any signatory state may be enforced in Sudanese courts. The court may only refuse on the narrow Article V grounds. In practice, enforcement timelines can be extended by the multi-step appeal structure of the Arbitration Act 2016. Abdeen&Co. advises on enforcement strategy and interim asset protection measures.
Q: What should an arbitration clause in a Sudan construction contract include?
For Sudan construction contracts, an effective arbitration clause should specify: (1) governing law (including the applicable FIDIC edition); (2) seat of arbitration — CDMAC (Port Sudan) for domestic construction disputes, or a New York Convention seat (Dubai, London, Cairo) for cross-border enforcement; (3) institution and rules — CDMAC Construction Arbitration rules for technical disputes; (4) a 3-member tribunal with at least one engineering expert; (5) language (Arabic/English or bilingual); (6) technical expert appointment rights; and (7) confidentiality and interim relief provisions including CDMAC Dispute Review Board referral.
Q: Is there investment treaty arbitration available against Sudan?
Yes. Sudan is a party to the ICSID Convention (1965), the Unified Agreement for Investment of Arab Capital in Arab States (1980), and various BITs. Under applicable BITs, foreign investors from ICSID signatory states may bring investor-state claims against Sudan before ICSID even if the contract provides for Sudanese courts — the BIT creates an independent right to treaty arbitration. Abdeen&Co.’s Public International Law team advises on BIT analysis as part of pre-investment due diligence.
Q: What is Abdeen&Co.’s experience in international arbitration?
Abdeen&Co. has acted as lead counsel in DIFC-LCIA arbitration (Chinguitel Mauritania vs. ZTE Corporation — award in favour of Chinguitel), DIAC-seated UNCITRAL arbitration administered by the PCA (Kenana Engineering vs. Mauritania Sugar Co. — full award for Kenana Engineering), and expert witness and co-counsel roles in ICC proceedings. The firm is registered at the DIFC Courts as a recognised legal practitioner (Part I and Part II). Managing Partner Dr. Mohamed Abdeen serves as a Board Member of CDMAC.
