When disputes are decreasing in the rest of the World, but on the increase in the Middle East, why has this region been so slow to recognise the added value of dispute adjudication boards?

The FIDIC forms of contract are the most widely used contracts for construction works in the Middle East and North Africa. These contracts have included provisions for the appointment of Dispute Boards since 1999, but the adoption and use of DABs in the region has been slow when compared to most other parts of the world.

I believe that this is largely due to a lack of understanding of the significant benefits and the added value that Dispute Boards bring to construction projects. There is no reason why the MENA region should not take advantage of reduced project costs, reduced completion times, continuing goodwill and the avoidance of disputes that are now common elsewhere.

A website is due to be launched shortly, which is intended to provide information and resources relating to construction industry Dispute Boards, particularly for the Middle East and North Africa region. The aim of the website is to provide a better understanding within the region of the benefits and added value that Dispute Boards bring to construction projects and to increase their use in order to lower project costs, achieve reduced completion times, improve goodwill and avoid disputes.

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