Construction
The dynamic, fast-moving Middle East construction market can seem challenging to navigate, especially for those new to the market or facing contentious issues. As a core focus of our firm since its inception, we possess unparalleled insight into both the legal aspects and unique processes of this complex area.
Our dedicated experts regularly represent local and international developers, main and sub-contractors, investors and government and semi-government entities on high value litigation, both onshore and in all the major free zones, as well as on arbitration disputes before the key arbitral institutions such as DIAC, arbitrateAD, ICC and SCCA, under a range of governing laws.
Our lawyers efficiently assess evidentiary issues and collaborate closely with independent experts on delay, disruption, quantum, and technical claims. Our strategic guidance aids in claims management, negotiated resolutions, and mediation support, where possible, and extends to vigorous representation when necessary before the various UAE Courts and pertinent seats of arbitration.
Representative Experience
- San Jose and others on claims against them and ensuing counterclaimants before the Abu Dhabi courts, relating to the construction of a building for the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The principal claim is for AED 443.5 million and the counterclaim is valued at AED 342.9 million.
- Abaar Investments on an AED 35 million claim by the client, as lessor, against the lessee, one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest property management companies, in respect to two luxury buildings in Abu Dhabi.
- A façade subcontractor in DIFC Court proceedings involving an AED 300 million dispute over the construction of the iconic Dubai Museum of the Future. Our client is defending claims brought by the main contractor while also pursuing a counterclaim.
- A large international bank on a case concerning a credit facility agreement against with a prominent construction company, amounting to AED 1 billion, as the company had only repaid AED 600 million before defaulting due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
- A prominent construction company on a significant infrastructure dispute regarding an AED 580 million contract for constructing a pumping station and 20 km of rising mains between Dubai Creek and Jebel Ali. Our client is claiming over 1,200 days of delay, AED 110 million in financial claims and unlawful termination, while the government entity respondent is seeking liquidated damages.
- Arabtec Construction & Belhasa Six Construct as the defendants in a multi-billion-AED insurance claim over a fire incident at one of Dubai’s most prestigious hotels. The damages, valued at AED 1.245billion, were initially borne by the developer and later recovered from the insurance company, yet the insurance company filed a civil lawsuit in the Dubai Courts against our clients, which we have since successfully resolved.
- A major Middle Eastern contractor in relation to an approx. AED 105 million dispute arising out of non-payment concerning the construction of a multi-purpose tower in the UAE, under DIAC Arbitration rules.
- A joint venture of two tier-one international contractors in a DIAC Arbitration, defending a substantial delay and disruption claim on a technically complex AED 3 billion construction project for a landmark hotel and residential structure in Dubai.
- A major Middle East-based EPC contractor in an AED 454 million ADCCAC Arbitration in relating to delays and disruption by the employer, a GCC government entity.
- A multi-national contractor in an approx. AED 80 million ICC Arbitration, seated in Geneva, in respect to claims related to non-payments by the employer concerning a mixed-use development in the UAE.
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