FIDIC (Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils) contracts are the global standard for construction projects. In the UAE, FIDIC forms are often specified by government entities, developers, and major contractors because they balance risk between contractor and owner. However, FIDIC contracts are complex: every clause is interconnected, claim procedures are strictly timed, and failure to comply with notification requirements can forfeit your entire claim.
FIDIC offers four main contract books, each suited to different project types. The Red Book (Design-Bid-Build) places design risk with the employer and is typical for government contracts. The Yellow Book (Design-Build) places design risk with the contractor and suits developer-driven projects. The Silver Book (turnkey) is used for large industrial projects with comprehensive contractor responsibility. The Gold Book (EPC contracts) is common for energy and infrastructure megaprojects. UAE government entities typically specify the Red or Yellow Book with local amendments — often strengthening the employer’s position — and we identify which book and amendments apply before preparing your claim strategy.
FIDIC’s most critical provision is Sub-Clause 20 (Claims, Disputes and Arbitration). This imposes strict notification and substantiation requirements: you must notify the Engineer in writing within 28 days of an event giving rise to a claim, or the claim is forfeited entirely — no exceptions. Detailed substantiation must follow within 42 days, the Engineer then has 28 days to determine, and disagreement can be referred to a Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB) for an interim decision and ultimately to arbitration.
Managing FIDIC claims requires disciplined documentation and strict adherence to timelines. We help you maintain contemporaneous records (site diaries, correspondence logs, cost data, programme updates) that support claims later, manage the notification process to meet FIDIC’s technical and procedural requirements, and combine proactive claim management for contractors with robust claim defense for employers throughout the project lifecycle.
Identification of FIDIC contract book and critical UAE-specific amendments that affect your risk profile
Disciplined claim documentation and notification procedures complying strictly with FIDIC Sub-Clause 20 timelines
Substantiation of claims with detailed cost, time, and causation analysis meeting FIDIC’s evidentiary standards
Strategic engagement with the Engineer to obtain interim determinations and DAB references when necessary
Arbitration representation if claims escalate, with expertise in FIDIC procedural rules and technical burden of proof
Who this applies to: Main contractors on FIDIC-based projects seeking to recover time and cost entitlements; subcontractors working under FIDIC main contracts and needing to protect claims up the contractual chain; project owners and engineers managing FIDIC contracts and defending against claim submissions; joint ventures and consortium members navigating multi-tier FIDIC contractual relationships.
See also: Drafting Construction Contracts · Delay & Disruption Claims.
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Ask a questionThis page is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Figures and cost ranges are illustrative industry benchmarks, not guarantees. Law references last reviewed July 2026.
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