Construction claims in the United Arab Emirates: Types, causes, and frequency

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government is investing millions of dollars every year in new facilities to improve the infrastructure of the country. Infrastructure development has been phenomenal in view of the relatively brief period since the country's establishment. In view of this, the construction industry is considered the largest single industry in UAE. Yet, it is also very complex and the most fragmented industry as it involves multidisciplinary participants and several stake holders. Today, construction projects are the subject of more claims than in any other time in history. Claims appear to hinder the completion of construction and cause delays in delivering projects. This research presents the results of a pilot study of the types, causes, and frequency of construction claims in the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in UAE using a questionnaire survey that was conducted in the two emirates. The data received from the survey respondents is analyzed and recommendations to prevent/reduce claims in construction projects are then presented. It is expected that the findings of this research will help construction firms avoid the main causes of claims and, accordingly, minimize delays and cost overruns in construction projects.