Construction disputes and the economic crisis
by David Dale
David Dale discusses how the methods of resolving construction disputes are changing. …
David Dale discusses how the methods of resolving construction disputes are changing. …
by Joe Colgan
For a market whose construction projects are almost beyond imagination in terms of scale and design, the UAE’s contracting policy, when compared to the UK’s, is languishing in the past.
Whilst the UK has introduced novel forms of procurement and contract, such as PFI, PPP and the NEC, virtually all contracts in the UAE are executed using the FIDIC conditions of contract.
Both the 1987 and 1999 forms are used to varying degrees, with bespoke project requirements generally picked up in the Particular Conditions of Contract (PCCs). …
by Joe Colgan
In his second article, Joe Colgan, senior project manager, EC Harris, follows up on the problems associated with FIDIC’s nomination clause.
FIDIC ‘99 provides for a right of objection under Clause 5.2 that is conditional upon the contractor’s receipt of an indemnity from the proposed nominated entity. …
Amid the current global financial crisis, the construction market has seen a downturn, exposing contractors to risks. JONATHAN BRUFAL* discusses crucial issues contractors might face if the contracted party calls for a change in terms. …
by KK Sarachandra Bose
Organisation of business is a matter of municipal laws. As such, the organisational form that a business can assume depends on its place of creation. While entering into contracts, it is important for the contracting parties to understand the legal system in the country. The legal system in one country can vary greatly from that in another. …
by Antonios Dimitracopoulos
As a result of the termination or indefinite suspension of projects en masse, over the last two to three months, irate contractors were seeking urgent advice from their lawyers on their legal position, as well as on the process and cost of dispute resolution options. …
Dithering trends in case of suspension or terminationRead More »
by Dennis Brand
For termination of a contract due to default by the Contractor, FIDIC 4th Edition provides remedies for the employer in Clause 63.1 which, save for a fairly common provision relating to the contractor’s bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution, requires a certificate to be issued by the engineer stating (a) that the contractor has repudiated the contract, or (b) without reasonable excuse has failed to commence or proceed with the works following a 28-day notice, or (c) has failed to comply with a specific notice or instruction concerning rejection and/or removal of improper work, materials or plant, or (d) despite previous warning from the engineer, is neglecting to comply with any of the contractor’s obligations, or (e) has contravened the provisions of the contract related to sub-contracting, in which case, upon the employer giving 14 days’ notice to the contractor, may enter upon the site and terminate the contract. …
by Anthony Edwards
 In May, Construction Week reported the UAE’s plan to finalise a new arbitration law, and highlighted various criticisms of the current draft. One contributor was quoted saying that “The point (in arbitration)…is beaten if things get complicated”. Review of the current draft suggests that the criticism reported in May could hardly have abated. …
The UAE’s new arbitration law: is there an easier way?Read More »
by Nick Carnell
Nick Carnell, partner, Kennedys, believes it should be easier for parties to resolve disputes outside of the courts after launching proceedings. …
By: ‎Rey I. Madroño
‎(Construction-Contracts Lawyer & Engineer)‎
IntroductionThe Civil Code of Qatar, Law No. 22 of 2004 took effect on 30 June ‎‎2004. This relatively new law is a variant of the Civil Code of Egypt with ‎modifications but majority of the provisions on Obligations and ‎Contracts under the Egyptian Civil Code are retained with minor ‎changes under Law No. 22.‎ …
by Shikha Mishra
In light of the current economic downturn, contractors will have little legal recourse if payments for on-going projects get delayed, legal experts say.
The recent cancellation of the US $1.25 billion contract between Dubai-based Meydan and the Arabtec-WCT JV has led to concerns in the market over similar situations arising in the future and the legal recourse available to contractors. …
By: Antonios DimitracopoulosÂ
Arbitration is almost by default the standard dispute resolution mode built into construction contracts. But is it always as efficient and suitable for the purpose it is meant to be? Or is it so only under certain conditions which, if left uncared for, can result in an erosion of what was meant to be an improvement to litigation. …