Clyde & Co's projects and construction group is widely acknowledged as one of the best in the region.
Established in 1998, the group possesses a wealth of local experience. As a result, you can expect us to understand your objectives and know how to achieve them.
The group is involved in contentious and non-contentious construction matters on major projects in the Gulf from concept to completion.
Our experts have a particular focus on the following industry sectors:
- building/property development – commercial, residential, leisure and tourism " transport – roads, rail, bridges and airports
- energy – electricity, oil and gas facilities and pipelines
- social infrastructure – hospitals, education, water treatment and district cooling
We draft, review and negotiate tender and contract documents for construction and infrastructure projects and provide advice on the optimal procurement processes and structures for the successful delivery of projects in the region. The team also advises on all aspects of the insurance arrangements that are made in relation to construction projects.
Once a project is underway, our lawyers regularly carry out the role of "Project Counsel", advising on commercial and contractual issues that typically arise during a construction project. In this way, we can help resolve issues before they lead to disputes.
In keeping with Clyde & Co's formidable litigation reputation, the group advises clients on dispute resolution including conciliation, adjudication, arbitration, litigation and claims resolutions. The construction team has extensive experience in preparing construction claims and pursuing these, where necessary, through arbitration and the local courts.
Our clients include major local and international contractors, government departments, developers and specialist consultants and subcontractors.
Indicative experience – Projects and construction
- Drafting a suite of contracts for a public-private sector developer in connection with a multi-billion dollar master planned development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
- Advising and representing a Kuwait based oil company on a USD 3.5 billion build-own-transfer scheme for the redevelopment of an oil township.
- Representing the UAE based contractor on the development incorporating Gazprom's new corporate headquarters in St Petersburg. This is a USD 2 billion development and the largest commercial development in Russia.
- Reviewing and amending a suite of construction contracts for an airport expansion project valued at USD 4.2 billion and a greenfield airport development for a governmental department in the UAE.
- Advising an international contractor on the use of the PPC International form of contract for use on a major development located in the Emirate of Dubai and assisting in subsequent negotiations with the employer and the partnering adviser.
- Advising one of Dubai's leading quasi government businesses on the production of a suite of standard procurement templates based on the FIDIC 1999 suite of contracts for use on port facilities in multiple jurisdictions.
Relevant experience – Dispute resolution
- Advising a major international consortium on issues arising out of the construction of a supertall tower in the UAE.
- Advising a joint venture contractor on a QR 110 million claim and ICC arbitration arising out of a road project in Qatar.
- Acting for the Claimants in a USD 750 million arbitration arising out of the early termination of the main construction contract for an iconic sporting venue in Dubai.
- Representation of a government department in relation to a USD 3 billion + dispute over the design and construction of a large infrastructure project in the transport sector.
- Advising a developer on early termination of a contract for groundworks and piling on a 400+ metre tower in central Doha.
- Acting for a consortium of international insurers in relation to proceedings in New South Wales against a crane manufacturer following the collapse of a crane during the construction of the Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai, including a successful mediation.
- Representing a US multi-national corporate in an arbitration with the seat in the Hague pursuant to UNCITRAL Rules arising out of a contract for the provision of facilities ancillary to Ras Laffan LNG trains in Qatar.
- Advising insurers on a claim under a contractor's All Risk policy arising out of damage to an underground gas pipeline and consequential fire damage.
Regional recognition
For the fourth year running, the Legal 500 European, Middle East and Africa edition has ranked Clyde & Co top in six out of nine practice areas (including real estate & construction and dispute resolution). Clyde & Co is the only international law firm in the GCC ranked 'Tier 1' for both 'construction & real estate' and 'dispute resolution' by both of the main independent legal directories, Legal 500 and Chambers Global. Clyde & Co also consistently gains top ratings in all the other major independent directories, including PLC Which Lawyer ('leading') and the International Who's Who of Construction Lawyers 2010.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.