Founder’s Message
Eng. Mohamad Basel Al Najjar
Engineering Expert | Arbitrator | Construction Dispute Specialist
Mohamad Basel AL Najjar
A Message from the Founder
In construction, disputes are rarely just legal disagreements—they are technical, financial, and strategic challenges that can determine the success or failure of entire projects. After more than 25 years in engineering and construction, I have seen how poorly managed disputes can escalate into costly, prolonged conflicts—and how the right expertise, applied early and objectively, can resolve them efficiently and fairly.
It was this understanding that led me to establish e-Basel in 2011.
My objective was clear: to create a specialist practice that delivers independent, technically rigorous, and contractually sound dispute resolution services tailored to the realities of the construction industry in the UAE and the wider region.
Professional Identity & Expertise
I am a Civil Engineering Consultant, Court-Appointed Expert, and Arbitrator with a focused practice in construction disputes, expert reporting, and arbitration proceedings.
Over the course of my career, I have been appointed in multiple capacities, including:
- Independent Engineering Expert in litigation and arbitration
- Tribunal-Appointed Arbitrator
- Sole Arbitrator and Party-Appointed Arbitrator
- Technical Advisor to legal teams and project stakeholders
My work spans a wide range of disputes involving contractors, developers, consultants, and government-related entities, with particular emphasis on:
- Delay and disruption claims
- Extension of Time (EOT) assessments
- Quantum and financial claims analysis
- Contractual interpretation under FIDIC and bespoke agreements
- Complex, multi-party construction disputes
These matters often involve significant claim values and require a careful balance of technical precision and contractual interpretation—an intersection that defines my professional approach.
Experience Across Complex Projects & Disputes
Throughout my career, I have been involved in disputes arising from major construction and infrastructure projects, including residential developments, commercial towers, and mixed-use projects.
The disputes I handle are rarely straightforward. They often involve:
- Extensive project documentation and conflicting records
- Multiple stakeholders with competing interests
- Technical issues requiring detailed engineering analysis
- Contractual frameworks that must be interpreted with precision
In such environments, clarity is critical. My role is to bring structure, objectivity, and defensible reasoning to each matter—ensuring that decisions are based on evidence, not assumptions.
Philosophy: Precision, Independence, and Accountability
At the core of my work is a simple but uncompromising philosophy:
Disputes should be resolved based on facts, technical merit, and contractual entitlement—not position or pressure.
This philosophy is reflected in every assignment undertaken through e-Basel:
- Independence – Every opinion is formed objectively, without bias or external influence
- Technical Rigor – Analysis is grounded in engineering principles and recognized methodologies
- Contractual Accuracy – Conclusions are aligned with the governing contract and applicable standards
- Clarity – Reports and opinions are structured to be understood by tribunals, legal teams, and decision-makers
- Accountability – Every conclusion must withstand scrutiny, including cross-examination
This disciplined approach is what enables our work to be relied upon in arbitration proceedings and legal forums.
Credibility & Professional Standards
Credibility in dispute resolution is not claimed—it is demonstrated through consistent performance, professional recognition, and adherence to the highest standards.
Over the years, I have built my practice on:
- Appointments by courts and arbitration proceedings
- Experience working within established dispute resolution frameworks
- Continuous engagement with international best practices in construction law and arbitration
- Ongoing professional development in engineering and dispute resolution disciplines
My work is informed by deep familiarity with FIDIC contracts and international construction standards, ensuring alignment with globally recognized practices.
What Clients Can Expect from e-Basel
Clients engaging e-Basel are typically facing high-stakes situations—where clarity, credibility, and timing are critical.
What they require is not just advice, but reliable, defensible expertise.
At e-Basel, clients can expect:
1. Clear, Structured Expert Analysis
Every case is approached methodically, with careful review of all technical and contractual elements. Findings are presented in a structured and logical manner, enabling informed decision-making.
2. Strong, Defensible Reports
Expert reports are prepared to meet the standards expected in arbitration and litigation, with clear reasoning and full evidentiary support.
3. Strategic Insight
Beyond analysis, we provide practical insight into dispute positioning, helping clients understand strengths, risks, and potential outcomes.
4. Professional Independence
Our role is not to advocate, but to provide objective, credible opinions that carry weight with tribunals and decision-makers.
5. Responsiveness & Confidentiality
We recognize the urgency and sensitivity of disputes, and we handle every assignment with discretion, professionalism, and efficiency.
Representative Case Experience
While confidentiality is fundamental to our work, the following examples illustrate the nature and scale of assignments undertaken:
Case Study — Delay & Disruption Claim, Dubai Residential Tower (2022)
Appointed as Independent Expert in a DIAC arbitration involving a 14-month delay claim valued at AED 8.2 million. Conducted detailed delay analysis and prepared expert report. Provided oral testimony before the tribunal. The expert findings were relied upon in the final award.
Case Study — Commercial Development Dispute (2021)
Engaged to assess contractor claims relating to variations and prolongation costs on a mixed-use commercial project. Delivered a comprehensive quantum analysis that supported negotiation and contributed to an amicable settlement.
Case Study — Infrastructure Project Claim (2020)
Acted as technical advisor in a multi-party dispute involving complex contractual interpretation under FIDIC conditions. Assisted legal team in structuring the claim and evaluating entitlement.
Client Feedback
“Basel’s expert report was clear, well-structured, and technically sound. His ability to explain complex engineering issues in a way that was accessible to the tribunal made a significant difference in the case.”
— Legal Counsel, Dubai (Name withheld)
“A highly professional and reliable expert. His analysis was detailed, objective, and stood up to rigorous scrutiny during arbitration proceedings.”
— Project Director, UAE (Confidential Client)
A Personal Perspective
Having spent decades within the construction industry, I have seen firsthand how disputes impact not only businesses, but also the people behind them—project teams, stakeholders, and decision-makers.
Many disputes arise not from bad intent, but from complexity, miscommunication, and pressure. This is why I believe strongly in early intervention, clear analysis, and fair resolution.
My role, and the role of e-Basel, is to bring clarity where there is uncertainty—and to ensure that outcomes are based on fact, not assumption.
Looking Forward
Since its establishment in 2011, e-Basel has grown with a clear and consistent focus: delivering expert services that are trusted, credible, and aligned with the highest professional standards.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, disputes will become more complex. Our commitment is to remain at the forefront of this field—continuously refining our expertise, adopting best practices, and delivering value to our clients.
Work With Us
If you are facing a construction dispute, require an independent expert opinion, or are involved in arbitration proceedings, we invite you to engage with us.
Every matter is approached with professionalism, independence, and a commitment to delivering outcomes that are fair, clear, and defensible.
→ Request a Confidential Consultation
→ Discuss Your Case with an Independent Expert
Affiliations & Professional Recognition
Registered & Affiliated With:
Dubai International Arbitration Center