For internationally operating corporations, arbitration is the dispute resolution method of choice — fast, confidential, and globally enforceable. Yet many companies are surprised when the biggest challenge begins after the arbitrators announce the award.
Legal success in arbitration does not guarantee financial success.
To recover unpaid amounts, enforcement must take place in the country where the debtor’s assets are located. And when those assets are spread across borders, the legal process becomes significantly more complex.
Companies working in the Middle East — especially between Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and international hubs — must be equipped with the right guidance and representation to transform arbitration awards into real monetary recovery.
B2B, a law firm specialized in corporate debt collection and enforcement, provides strategic solutions that enable businesses to execute international awards quickly and effectively, regardless of geographic barriers.
Part 1: How International Arbitration Enforcement Works
International arbitration awards derive their power from multiple global legal frameworks that oblige signatory countries to recognize and enforce judgments.
Key Enforcement Foundations
| Treaty / Law | Scope | Benefit for Corporations |
|---|---|---|
| New York Convention (1958) | 170+ countries | Streamlined enforcement of foreign arbitration awards |
| UNCITRAL Model Law | Basis for many arbitration statutes | Consistent rules for recognition & enforcement |
| Regional Cooperation Treaties (e.g., Riyadh Convention) | Arab states | Faster cross-border legal recognition |
These frameworks remove many obstacles traditionally seen in cross-border court litigation.
General Enforcement Requirements
Most countries approve enforcement if the award is:
✔ Final and binding
✔ Based on a valid arbitration agreement
✔ In line with public policy and legal order
✔ Proper notice was given to the debtor
Translation and authentication are typically required — strategic filing precision is crucial to avoid rejection.
Part 2: Enforcement in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a regional arbitration hub includes major reforms:
- Adoption of the 2012 Arbitration Law
- 2013 Enforcement Law enabling direct enforcement
- Establishment of the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)
Fast-Track Corporate Enforcement
Enforcement courts in the Kingdom now offer:
- Digital applications through Najiz portal
- Swift judicial decisions
- Strong sanctions for non-compliance
📌 Typical Timeframe: 30–60 days
when documents are complete and no objections are raised.
Execution Measures Available
- Freezing corporate accounts
- Seizing movable/immovable assets
- Blocking commercial activities
- Travel bans on responsible individuals
- Garnishment of third-party debts
Part 3: Enforcement in Egypt
Egypt maintains an arbitration-friendly legal environment:
- Arbitration Law No. 27/1994 (UNCITRAL-based)
- Active arbitration centers such as CRCICA
- Courts supportive of award recognition
Enforcement Authorities
- Cairo Court of Appeal: Recognition of foreign awards
- Economic Courts: Execution and financial measures
📌 Typical Timeframe:
3–6 months if uncontested
6–12 months if the debtor files objections
Enforcement Actions
- Bank account garnishment
- Asset and property seizure
- Auction sales of seized assets
- Garnishment of receivables from clients
Part 4: Handling Debtor Tactics
Debtors often use delay strategies:
❌ Claiming procedural errors
❌ Arguing conflict with local public policy
❌ Hiding or transferring assets abroad
❌ Challenging jurisdiction of arbitrators
B2B’s Proactive Counter-measures
✔ Fast pre-enforcement asset identification
✔ Defensive briefings ready against objections
✔ Urgent protective measures to freeze assets
✔ Parallel filings in multiple countries when needed
Part 5: Asset Location Determines Strategy
A common misconception is assuming that the award is executed in the same country where arbitration took place.
Execution must occur where the money or assets exist — which may include:
- Subsidiaries in the Gulf region
- Bank accounts in Egypt or KSA
- Inventory or machinery stored in ports or warehouses
- Debts owed to the debtor by other companies
B2B leads efforts in tracing domestic and foreign assets — ensuring the creditor acts quickly before assets disappear.
Case Study Example
A Saudi manufacturer held a large arbitration award against a European supplier. The debtor had hidden assets in multiple jurisdictions. B2B coordinated simultaneous filing in:
- Saudi Arabia — bank enforcement
- Egypt — asset seizure
- UAE — garnishment of funds owed by a distributor
The multi-track strategy led to rapid settlement and full recovery — demonstrating the advantage of regionally integrated enforcement expertise.
Best Practices for Corporate Clients
Here are proactive steps companies should take:
| Before Arbitration Ends | After Award Issuance |
|---|---|
| Identify debtor assets early | File enforcement promptly |
| Include clear arbitration clauses | Apply for provisional measures |
| Preserve evidence of delivery/performance | Monitor asset movement |
| Work with lawyers who operate regionally | Block delay tactics immediately |
A delay in enforcement often equals financial loss.
Why Work With B2B?
- Full specialization in B2B debt recovery and enforcement
- Local presence and strategic partners in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Gulf markets
- Legal + commercial recovery methodology
- Transparent timelines and progress updates
- Strong creditor-focused negotiation leverage
Our mission: Not just legal wins — but money recovered.
Conclusion
International arbitration is a powerful dispute resolution tool — but its value is only realized when awards are enforced successfully.
If your company is holding an international arbitration award that remains unpaid:
📌 Let B2B enforce it effectively — wherever the debtor’s assets may be.
🔹 Contact us today for a confidential enforcement strategy session
We secure your rights and turn legal victories into business results.
