Distinguishing Site Instructions and Variations as Payment Triggers Under UAE Law

Introduction: Navigating the Complexities of Site Instructions and Variations in the UAE The construction and infrastructure sectors remain at the heart of the United Arab Emirates’ economic landscape, fuelled by ambitious development projects and a robust regulatory environment. However, amid the rapid evolution of urban landscapes, the legal nuances surrounding project amendments—specifically, the distinction between...

Understanding Employer Authority Overruling the Engineer in UAE Contract Law

Introduction: Navigating Employer and Engineer Authority in UAE Construction Projects In the rapidly evolving landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) construction and infrastructure sectors, recognizing the nuanced boundaries of decision-making authority is critical. With the introduction of new guidelines and the regular updates to the UAE Civil Transactions Law, questions often arise about when,...

UAE Tribunal Expectations on Engineers Independence and Impartiality in Construction Disputes

Introduction For decades, the construction sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has underpinned the nation’s rapid urbanization and economic diversification. In this high-stakes environment, the role of the Engineer—entrusted with certifying claims, authorizing payments, and adjudicating variations—has gained new prominence and scrutiny. Recent legal developments, including updates under Federal Laws and regulatory guidance from...

Engineer or Arbitrator? UAE Guidance on FIDIC Consultant Roles and Powers in 2025

Introduction: Navigating Consultant Authority Under FIDIC in the UAE In the dynamic landscape of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) construction sector, clarity in the allocation of powers within contract administration is indispensable. At the center of large infrastructure and development projects stands the role of the Engineer (often referred to as the ‘Consultant’), typically appointed...

Navigating Construction Insurance Law in UAE CAR Policies Professional Indemnity and Notification Duties

Introduction to Construction Insurance Law in the UAE Construction projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are characterized by ambitious scale, technical complexity, and substantial capital investment. As the nation drives forward with its Vision 2031, infrastructure remains a cornerstone of economic growth and global competitiveness. However, such high-stake projects inherently carry significant financial, legal,...

Navigating Criminal and Civil Risks in UAE Health and Safety Law Compliance

Introduction: Why Health and Safety Legal Compliance Matters in UAE Workplaces In a nation that has rapidly transformed into a global hub for industry, construction, and commerce, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) enforces stringent health and safety regulations to safeguard its workforce and the public. These regulations, governed by an evolving legal framework, impose significant...

Navigating Liability in BIM Design and Coordination Under UAE Law

Introduction: Understanding BIM in the UAE Legal Context The United Arab Emirates (UAE) consistently positions itself at the forefront of cutting-edge infrastructure and ambitious construction projects. As digital transformation takes hold across industries, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative force within architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) in the Gulf. BIM’s capacity for...

Protecting Your Business from Tender Errors and Ambiguities in UAE Public Procurement

Introduction: Navigating Tender Risks in the UAE’s Evolving Legal Landscape In the dynamic landscape of the United Arab Emirates, tenders and public procurement processes stand as pivotal mechanisms for business growth, government spending, and infrastructural development. Given the significant investment and commercial opportunities at stake, even minor errors or ambiguities in tenders can undermine the...

Force Majeure Shaping UAE Construction Law After 2020 Lessons, Law, and Proactive Strategies

Introduction: Navigating Force Majeure in the New UAE Landscape The concepts of force majeure and exceptional events have undergone heightened scrutiny within the UAE construction sector in the aftermath of 2020. As a hub for ambitious infrastructure and real estate projects, the UAE’s economic growth heavily depends on the prompt and efficient fulfilment of construction...

Guide to Lawful Suspension of Works and Cost Recovery Under FIDIC in the UAE

Introduction In the United Arab Emirates, the construction and infrastructure sectors continue to flourish, with large-scale projects underpinning the country’s economic vision. The legal frameworks governing these projects are evolving to support efficient dispute resolution, robust contractor protections, and fair risk allocation. Central to these frameworks are the FIDIC (Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils) contracts, widely...