FIDIC / Legal Reference: FIDIC Red Book Clause 4.1 / Contractor’s Documents
Detailed working drawings prepared by the contractor, subcontractor, or supplier to show precisely how a specific element of the Works will be fabricated, installed, or constructed. Shop drawings must be reviewed and approved by the Engineer before the relevant work proceeds.
What it means in practice
Shop drawings are particularly important for specialist elements such as structural steelwork, precast concrete, mechanical plant, electrical switchgear, and curtain walling. The contractor submits shop drawings to the Engineer for review; the Engineer returns them with approval, approval with comments, or rejection.
The Engineer’s review of shop drawings does not relieve the contractor of its responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of those drawings. However, Engineer-directed changes to shop drawings may constitute Variations, particularly where the change goes beyond ensuring compliance with the original design intent.
Where disputes arise
Delayed Engineer approval of shop drawings is a common claim event in UAE construction. Contractors must give notice under Clause 20 when approval is delayed beyond a reasonable period and the delay is affecting the programme.
UAE Context
In UAE construction, shop drawing approval processes are frequently complicated by the involvement of specialist authority review — for example, Civil Defense approval of fire suppression system shop drawings, or DEWA approval of electrical distribution drawings.
Related terms
Late shop drawing approvals are a primary source of delay claims in UAE construction. e-Basel provides delay analysis and claims support for shop drawing dispute resolution.
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