Construction disputes are rarely the result of a single event. More often, they stem from a succession of issues that emerge during project delivery and remain unresolved until they crystallise into formal claims.
This was one of the key themes discussed at the Construction Week Dispute Resolution UAE Conference, organised by Semaine de la construction au Moyen-Orient, where Mathew Hazenberg, Director at Accuracy, joined industry leaders to examine the root causes of disputes in major construction projects.
The discussion highlighted how many litiges can be traced back to challenges arising at the earliest stages of a project, including unclear scopes of work, accelerated mobilisation, ineffective governance structures, delayed decision-making, inadequate reporting and limited collaboration between project stakeholders.
Panellists also explored the consequences of insufficient visibility over project risks. Weak reporting processes and a lack of transparency can create management blind spots, making it more difficult to identify and address issues before they escalate. Similarly, project relationships often deteriorate well before formal claims are submitted, reducing the ability of parties to work together towards practical solutions.
A recurring message throughout the discussion was the importance of early intervention. Effective dispute avoidance relies on open communication, proactive risk management and a willingness to address emerging concerns collaboratively. By focusing on project outcomes and maintaining alignment between stakeholders, organisations can often resolve issues before they develop into formal disputes.
The panel brought together a range of perspectives from across the construction and disputes community, including Sean Cameron, Khushboo Shahdadpuri, Alison Eslick et Richard Davies, and was moderated by Julianne Tolentino.
