FIDIC Clause 20.1
Notice Template Pack
Avoid losing entitlement due to late or defective notices.
Download practical, editable claim-notice templates for Extension of Time (EOT) and additional-payment claims on UAE construction projects — covering FIDIC 1999 & 2017 editions.
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UAE Projects
Editable Word Templates
Contractor & Consultant Use
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- Early Warning Notice — Template 1
- EOT Notice (Delay) — Template 2
- Additional Cost Notice — Template 3
- Reservation of Rights Letter — Template 4
- 28-Day Time Bar Guidance (Bonus)
- FIDIC 1999 vs 2017 Comparison
- UAE Project Administration Notes
- Editable Word (.docx) + PDF Guide
Prepared by an Expert Engineer & Arbitrator with UAE project experience.
Most Construction Claims Fail on Procedure — Not Merit
A contractor may have a valid entitlement to Extension of Time or additional payment — yet still lose the claim entirely due to failure to comply with contractual notice requirements.
Under FIDIC contracts, notice compliance is the first contractual gateway to entitlement. An otherwise valid claim can be rejected at the outset if notice was not issued correctly and within the required period.
Late notices, incomplete notifications, and poor claim-preservation practices systematically weaken legitimate commercial positions — regardless of the underlying technical merit.
This free template pack has been prepared to help project teams issue clearer and more structured contractual notices under FIDIC-based contracts in the UAE and GCC.
Under FIDIC 1999 Clause 20.1, failure to issue notice within 28 days of becoming aware of the event may result in loss of entitlement — regardless of claim merit.
What You Will Receive
Four editable notice templates structured as a complete claim initiation sequence — plus a practical guide on the FIDIC 28-day time bar.
Alert the Engineer and Employer at the earliest opportunity — before full impact is known.
Formally preserve Extension of Time entitlement under FIDIC Clause 20.1 / 20.2.
Protect entitlement to additional payment arising from events beyond the Contractor’s control.
Prevent waiver arguments while investigations continue. Use whenever rights are at risk.
Practical commentary on FIDIC 1999 & 2017 notice obligations with UAE project context.
Designed for Construction Professionals
Relevant to all roles responsible for contractual compliance, commercial management, and claims administration on FIDIC-based projects.
Protect contractual entitlement with properly structured and timely notices on employer-caused events.
Issue clearer back-to-back notices aligned to main contract notice obligations and deadlines.
Support delay-event identification and time-related contractual notice administration.
Strengthen commercial documentation and cost claim initiation procedures from the outset.
Improve contractual compliance and reduce procedural risk exposure on live projects.
Reduce procedural claim exposure and support contract administration with structured templates.
Practical Templates — Not Generic Internet Forms
Many online FIDIC templates are generic and lack practical project-administration context. They are not written with real UAE project workflows in mind.
This pack has been prepared with consideration for the specific challenges that generate notice obligations on UAE construction projects — including authority approval delays, design coordination gaps, utility conflicts, and variation-heavy environments.
The templates are written in practical and professional language suitable for live project correspondence — not legalese or academic theory.
- Authority approval delays — DM, Trakhees, DDA, DEWA
- Civil Defence and RTA-related delay events
- Utility coordination — DEWA, Empower, Etisalat/du
- Design information release delays
- Variation-heavy delivery environments
- Multi-tier subcontracting notice chains
- Concurrent delay scenarios
- Back-to-back subcontract considerations
Covers Both FIDIC 1999 & 2017 Editions
The pack includes annotated references for both editions. Always confirm the governing edition before issuing notices.
| Topic | FIDIC Red Book 1999 | FIDIC 2017 Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Main claims clause | Clause 20.1 | Clause 20.2 |
| Notice period | 28 days — strict time bar | 28 days — strict time bar |
| Claims framework | Simpler / single-stage | Structured / multi-stage |
| Mutual claims | Primarily contractor obligations | Symmetric — both parties |
| Contemporary records | Required | Expanded — Engineer may inspect |
| Engineer’s role | Determination (Clause 3.5) | More active claims management |
| Deemed rejection | Not explicit | Explicit 42-day response period |
| Fully detailed claim | As soon as practicable | Within 84 days of awareness |
Always cite the applicable clause reference — Clause 20.1 for FIDIC 1999 or Clause 20.2 for FIDIC 2017. Citing the wrong edition weakens the notice.
FIDIC Claims Initiation Sequence
Effective claims management begins at the notice stage. The sequence below shows where this pack applies in the overall claims lifecycle.
A delay, variation, access issue, or other contractual event arises.
Notice issued within 28 days of awareness. This pack covers this step.
Site records, reports, resource data, and programme updates maintained.
Fully substantiated claim with delay analysis and quantum assessment.
Engineer reviews and issues a determination. Dispute resolution follows if unresolved.
Missing or defective notice at Step 2 may affect entitlement at every stage that follows — regardless of the technical or commercial merit of the underlying claim.
Prepared by a UAE Construction Claims Professional
Prepared by a civil engineer specialised in construction law, project administration, and dispute resolution, with practical experience on UAE construction projects involving FIDIC-based contracts, authority approvals, claims management, and contractual compliance.
These templates reflect real project-administration experience. They are structured for immediate use on live projects, with wording appropriate for formal contractual correspondence.
Accredited Arbitrator
Construction Claims Consultant
FIDIC Contract Administration
UAE Project Experience
e-Basel Consultancy
Download the Free FIDIC Notice Pack
Practical, editable notice templates designed to help preserve contractual entitlement on FIDIC projects — suitable for contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and commercial teams across the UAE and GCC.
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Click below to download the FIDIC Clause 20.1 Notice Template Pack — PDF guide and editable Word templates.
Disclaimer: These templates are provided for general informational and administrative purposes only and should be reviewed and adapted to the specific contract conditions, governing law, and project circumstances. They do not constitute legal advice. Professional contractual and legal review is recommended prior to formal submission on live projects. © 2026 e-Basel Consultancy — www.e-basel.com