He was a key member of Egypt’s legal team in the Taba arbitration dispute with Israel, helping shape Cairo’s legal argument over the Red Sea border enclave. He also contributed to preparing Egypt’s legal position regarding sovereignty over the Tiran and Sanafir islands.

Academic career

Born in Alexandria in 1936, Shehab graduated top of his class from the Faculty of Law at Alexandria University. He later received a government scholarship to pursue advanced legal studies in Europe, earning diplomas in international law in Italy and France before completing a state doctorate at the University of Paris (Sorbonne), where his dissertation received academic distinction.

After returning to Egypt, he joined Cairo University as a lecturer and eventually became a professor of international law. Over several decades, he contributed to the development of legal education, focusing on sovereignty, international relations, and the rules-based international order.

Between 1993 and 1997, Shehab served as president of Cairo University during a period of debate over university modernization and governance. He was later appointed Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, a post he held from 1997 to 2004, overseeing university expansion and research development.

After leaving the higher education portfolio, he assumed responsibilities related to legal and parliamentary affairs, moving into legislative drafting and constitutional work within the government.

Shehab was also a member of the National Democratic Party (NDP), the former ruling party during Hosni Mubarak's presidency.

He remained active in international legal forums and arbitration bodies throughout his later career and received multiple honours, including Egypt’s State Appreciation Award and the Nile Award in social sciences.