FIDIC / Legal Reference: FIDIC Red Book — Employer’s Documents
The technical document forming part of the contract that describes in detail the quality, standards, and performance requirements for the materials and workmanship to be used in the Works. The Specification, together with the Drawings and Bill of Quantities, defines what the contractor is required to build.
What it means in practice
The Specification forms part of the Employer’s Requirements or Employer’s Documents. It sets out the standards to which all work must be executed and the quality of materials to be used. Where a Specification requirement conflicts with the Drawings, the priority of documents clause (Clause 1.5) determines which prevails.
Ambiguities or omissions in the Specification are a significant source of dispute. Where the Specification is silent on a particular element, the contractor is generally required to execute work of good quality and in accordance with good industry practice.
Where disputes arise
Conflicts between the Specification and Drawings are among the most common sources of scope disputes in UAE construction. Contractors who identify a conflict should seek the Engineer’s instruction under Clause 1.5 and give notice of any additional cost or programme impact.
UAE Context
UAE construction Specifications must comply with UAE authority standards — including Dubai Municipality standards, Trakhees requirements, Abu Dhabi standards, and specific authority technical standards for MEP systems.
Related terms
Specification disputes and scope ambiguities require specialist technical and contractual analysis. e-Basel provides expert witness and claims advisory services for specification-related disputes.
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