Basel Al Najjar

Basel Al Najjar is a UAE-based Civil Engineer, Expert Engineer, and Arbitrator specializing in construction law, contract management, and dispute resolution. With a strong professional background in engineering consultancy, Basel has developed advanced expertise in FIDIC contracts, UAE Civil Code applications in construction, and the preparation and evaluation of complex claims, including concurrent delay, disruption, and extension of time (EOT) matters. He advises contractors, consultants, and project stakeholders on contract strategy, risk mitigation, and dispute avoidance, combining technical engineering knowledge with legal and contractual insight. Basel’s work is driven by a practical, results-oriented approach aimed at resolving issues efficiently while safeguarding contractual rights and commercial interests. Through his publications, he provides clear, actionable insights to support professionals in managing construction risks, strengthening claims, and navigating disputes with confidence. For consultancy services, expert opinion, or arbitration-related matters, inquiries can be submitted through this website.

Author's posts

FIDIC Orange Book 1995: Design-Build and Turnkey | E-Basel

Knowledge Hub · FIDIC The FIDIC Orange Book 1995: Design-Build and Turnkey Contracts Published in 1995 as the first FIDIC form drafted in the modern style, the Orange Book introduced single-point design liability to the FIDIC suite. It has been largely superseded by the 1999 Yellow and Silver Books, but understanding it remains relevant for …

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Letters of Intent in Construction: Binding Effect | E-Basel

Home › Knowledge Hub › Contract Letters of Intent: Binding Effect and Legal Exposure in Construction Letters of intent are meant to bridge the gap between tender award and contract signature. In practice, they are one of the most poorly drafted instruments in the industry — and a disproportionate source of construction disputes. 6 min …

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Claims Under FIDIC Contracts Notice, Time-Bar and EOT | E-Basel

Knowledge Hub · FIDIC Claims Under FIDIC Contracts: Notice, Time-Bar and Extension of Time Claims under the FIDIC 1999 and 2017 Conditions succeed or fail on two things: whether the notice was served in time, and whether the particulars support the entitlement being claimed. This guide sets out the notice regime, the 28-day time-bar, the …

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FIDIC Yellow Book: Design-Build Contract Guide | E-Basel

Knowledge Hub · FIDIC FIDIC Yellow Book: The Design-Build Contract Explained The Yellow Book is FIDIC’s principal design-build form. Under it, the Contractor takes responsibility for design as well as construction — a risk transfer that has significant consequences for insurance, fitness-for-purpose obligations and claim strategy. 7 min read · Updated 23/04/2026 By Basel Al …

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FIDIC Red Book 2017: Key Changes Explained | E-Basel

Knowledge Hub · FIDIC The FIDIC Red Book 2017: Key Changes and UAE Implications The Second Edition of the FIDIC Red Book materially rewrites how claims, determinations and disputes are handled. Contractors and Employers who still treat the 2017 form as a minor update to 1999 are exposed to significant procedural risk. 9 min read …

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FIDIC Green Book: Short Form of Contract Explained | E-Basel

Knowledge Hub · FIDIC FIDIC Green Book: The Short Form of Contract Explained The Green Book is FIDIC’s Short Form for simple, low-value works. Used correctly it is efficient; used outside its intended scope it creates contract administration problems that the form was never designed to handle. 6 min read · Updated 23/04/2026 By Basel …

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FIDIC Rainbow Suite: UAE Practitioner’s Guide | E-Basel 

Knowledge Hub · FIDIC FIDIC Rainbow Suite: A UAE Practitioner’s Guide to the Core Books The FIDIC Rainbow Suite is the most widely adopted family of construction contracts on UAE projects. Choosing the wrong Book — or failing to adapt it properly — is one of the most common root causes of disputes we see …

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Risk Allocation in Fast-Tracking High-Rise Projects

Risk Allocation in Fast-Tracking High-Rise Projects Have you ever felt like juggling fire while walking a tightrope? That’s what fast-tracking high-rise construction projects can feel like. Deadlines loom. Budgets teeter on the edge. Teams scramble to keep up. Fast-tracking—the practice of overlapping design, procurement, and construction phases—can be a lifesaver when time is tight. But …

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Understanding General Contracting: A Comprehensive Guide for the UAE Audience

Understanding General Contracting: A Comprehensive Guide for the UAE Audience Introduction Did you know that over 60% of construction projects in the UAE are procured using general contracting methods? This traditional approach to construction, which separates design and building, has been a cornerstone of the industry for decades. But with evolving market demands and innovative …

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What Are “Entire Contracts”

What Are “Entire Contracts” and How Relevant Are They in the Construction Industry? The Pros and Cons of Entire Contracts in Construction                                   Introduction: Setting the Foundation Imagine starting a large construction project only to discover halfway through that …

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