Walid El Nabal

Dr. El Nabal now acts for a range of states and state entities (with particular expertise in oil and gas) in both contentious and non-contentious matters, in a number of different jurisdictions. His practice spans cross-border litigation, international commercial and investment arbitration, and general corporate and sanctions advice; he also advises a notable sovereign wealth fund.

Prior to joining Curtis, Dr. El Nabal completed a doctorate in Private Law and Criminal Sciences on the “Transfers of receivables through the prism of the United Nations convention on the assignment of receivables in international trade.” Dr. El Nabal was also a member of the research team of Private Law at the University of Poitiers (ERDP).

Dr El Nabal has represented states and state-owned entities in substantive arbitration proceedings under the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Rules. His experience relates to both commercial and investment arbitrations. Dr. El Nabal’s practice focuses on the oil and gas, financial services, construction and infrastructure and transport sectors.

Recognized for his leading work in Africa-wide disputes, Chambers Global 2026 quotes feedback from clients: "He does very good work, consistently demonstrating professionalism and attention to detail", and "As a lawyer, Walid El Nabal is sharp, confident and professional. As a human being he is also empathetic, culturally sensitive and grounded."

He advises clients on matters of strategy in international, cross-border litigation proceedings in various jurisdictions, such as Libya, Italy, Greece, England, U.S., Malta and India. He has particular expertise in proceedings relating to the recognition and enforcement of international arbitral awards and foreign judgments.

Dr. El Nabal advises listed and non-listed companies and financial institutions in general corporate and financing matters. His experience ranges from the representation of banking institutions and state-owned entities in the establishment of foreign representative offices and the drafting of and ensuing negotiations relating to oil and gas production and sharing contracts, as well as the representation of companies in board and shareholder disputes.