Capital projects in the Middle East routinely exceed planned schedules by over 80%, with claims as high as one‑third of total expenditure. At the heart of these disputes lie a small set of predictable and sometimes avoidable causes:
1. Scope changes and fast‑track tendering
More than half of projects in the region experience disputes due to scope change, significantly higher than the global average. When projects are tendered without fully developed design, frequent rework and claims become inevitable.
2. Incomplete or late design information
Many projects in the Middle East market also see from inadequate design maturity, late, incomplete or incorrect, triggering almost as many disputes as scope change.
3. Contract interpretation disputes
Over 25% of projects face claims because of ambiguous or imbalanced contracts, often driven by certain terms placed on contractors and misalignment in contract language or intent.
4. Cash flow, approvals & late access
Issues around payment delays (26.6%), delayed approvals (27.1%) and restricted site access add complication and risk.
What this means for expert witnesses
Disputes shaped by unclear scope, incomplete design, or contractual ambiguity demand expert opinion that is technically sound and contextual. Courts and arbitrators require expert witness evidence that:
- Addresses evolving technical and procedural standards
- Demonstrates independence from commercial bias
- Is clearly reasoned—especially where contract interpretation is part of the dispute
Without these qualities, credible testimony can falter under scrutiny, undermining claimant and defendant positions.
RICS’ Expert Witness Certificate (MENA) equips professionals with practical understanding and proven standards to interpret these issues in evidence:
- Analysing complex causes such as those outlined above.
- Applying structured methodologies to report drafting, tribunal duties and expert meetings
- Presenting evidence with credibility and clarity, with practical mentoring and legal context
Whether you support clients on infrastructure, property development or claims, this training helps you deliver evidence that holds up under dispute scrutiny.
Causes in disputes across the Middle East can be addressable. By understanding tribunal expectations, report standards and technical communication, RICS’s Expert Witness Certificate outlines a pathway to handling complex built environment disputes with confidence and authority.
Interested in becoming an expert witness?