A Message from the Founder
Eng. Mohamad Basel Al Najjar
Civil Engineering Consultant · Court-Appointed Expert · Arbitrator · Construction Dispute Specialist
Construction disputes are rarely simple legal disagreements. They are technical, financial, and strategic problems that can determine whether a project succeeds or collapses.
After more than 25 years in engineering and construction, I have seen poorly managed disputes consume years and millions in costs — and I have seen the same disputes resolved efficiently when the right expertise is brought to bear early and objectively.
That experience is what led me to establish e-Basel in 2011. The aim was straightforward: a specialist practice offering independent, technically grounded dispute resolution services built around the realities of construction in the UAE and the wider region.
Professional Background
Expert, Arbitrator, Adviser
I have been appointed in a range of capacities across litigation and arbitration proceedings:
Independent Engineering Expert in litigation and arbitration
Tribunal-Appointed Arbitrator
Sole Arbitrator and Party-Appointed Arbitrator
Technical Adviser to legal teams and project stakeholders
My work covers disputes involving contractors, developers, consultants, and government entities — with particular focus on delay and disruption claims, Extension of Time assessments, quantum and financial claims analysis, contractual interpretation under FIDIC and bespoke agreements, and multi-party construction disputes. These matters typically involve significant claim values and require precise engineering analysis alongside careful contractual interpretation.
Working Approach
Five Principles, Applied Without Exception
My approach to every matter rests on principles that are not negotiable:
Independence
Opinions are formed without bias or external influence. That independence is what gives expert evidence its weight before a tribunal.
Technical Rigour
Analysis is grounded in engineering methodology and established professional standards — not general practice or assumption.
Contractual Accuracy
Every conclusion is tested against the governing contract and applicable legal framework. The text governs; the position does not.
Clarity
Reports are written to be understood by tribunals, legal teams, and decision-makers — not only by engineers. The analysis must communicate, not merely document.
Accountability
Every finding must hold up under cross-examination. That standard shapes how work is done from day one, not only at the point of challenge.
Engaging e-Basel
What Clients Can Expect
Clients who engage e-Basel are typically in high-stakes situations where the quality and credibility of expert analysis matters directly to the outcome.
Structured, Methodical Analysis
Every case is reviewed carefully — technical documents, programme records, contract provisions, and correspondence — and findings are presented in a logical sequence that supports informed decision-making.
Reports Built for Arbitration and Litigation
Expert reports are prepared to the standard expected in formal proceedings: clear reasoning, full evidentiary support, and defensible conclusions that withstand cross-examination.
Practical Insight into Dispute Positioning
Beyond the technical analysis, a frank assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, and realistic outcomes of a given position — so clients understand where they stand before deciding how to proceed.
Genuine Independence
My role is to give an objective, well-reasoned opinion — one that a tribunal can rely on precisely because it is not slanted toward the instructing party.
Discretion and Responsiveness
Disputes are time-sensitive and confidential. Every matter is handled accordingly, with no unnecessary delay and strict confidentiality at every stage.
Experience
Representative Assignments
The following examples illustrate the nature and scale of assignments undertaken. Full details remain confidential.
2022 — Dubai
Residential Tower — DIAC Arbitration
Appointed as Independent Expert in a DIAC arbitration involving a 14-month delay claim valued at AED 8.2 million. Conducted detailed delay analysis, prepared the expert report, and gave oral testimony before the tribunal. The findings were relied upon in the final award.
2021 — UAE
Mixed-Use Commercial Development
Engaged to assess contractor claims for variations and prolongation costs. Delivered a quantum analysis that supported negotiation between the parties and contributed to an amicable settlement without formal proceedings.
2020 — UAE
Infrastructure Project — FIDIC Conditions
Acted as Technical Adviser in a multi-party dispute under FIDIC conditions. Assisted the legal team in structuring the claim, evaluating contractual entitlement, and interpreting complex contractual provisions.
Client Feedback
In Their Own Words
“
Basel’s expert report was clear, well-structured, and technically sound. His ability to explain complex engineering issues in terms 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
About the Founder
Mohamad Basel Al Najjar
Arbitrator · Accredited Expert · Senior Project Manager
Sole Arbitrator, Tribunal Chairman, and Accredited Expert with over 25 years in UAE construction.
Specialist in FIDIC contracts, construction claims, delay analysis, and multi-party dispute resolution.
Appointed before DIAC, ADCCAC, ICC, and LCIA. Active across Dubai and the wider UAE.
Civil Engineer and Senior Project Manager. Founder of e-Basel Consultancy, established 2011.
A Personal Note
Why This Work Matters
Disputes affect real businesses and the people behind them — project teams under pressure, stakeholders with competing interests, decision-makers trying to find a way forward. Many disputes arise not from bad faith but from complexity and miscommunication.
That is why early, clear-headed analysis matters. The role of e-Basel is to bring clarity to situations where the facts are disputed and the stakes are high — and to ensure that outcomes rest on evidence.
e-Basel was founded in 2011 with a deliberate focus: expert services that are credible, independent, and built to the highest professional standards. That focus has not changed. Our commitment is to remain current — in methodology, in knowledge of international best practice, and in the quality of work delivered to every client.
Work With Us
Facing a Construction Dispute?
If you are dealing with a construction dispute, require an independent expert opinion, or are engaged in arbitration proceedings, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your matter in confidence.
Confidential · No obligation · UAE-based
Dubai International Arbitration Center