of Disputes in Dubai, launched in cooperation with Dubai Courts to provide mediation services within a specific period before referring cases to the courts for the usual legal process. What advice would you give to project managers and contractors to help them minimize the risk of disputes during a project’s lifecycle? Identifying project risks from the outset is the most essential action to take. This can be achieved by defining the project objectives, scope, and special or complex elements, while analyzing the associated risks and planning for risk response. To ensure its effectiveness, the plan must be monitored and controlled throughout the project lifecycle. This requires maintaining open and effective communication channels among all stakeholders. Looking to the future, what trends do you foresee in claims and dispute resolution practices in the UAE construction sector, especially with the rise of new technologies? The construction industry in the UAE has undergone significant changes in recent years, with innovation and sustainability at the forefront of development. As we look toward 2024, trends in the construction sector are expected to continue growing and shape the future of construction in the UAE. The Green Building trend, for example, has gained momentum over the past few years, and its impact is predicted to increase as awareness of environmental issues rises. Additionally, the use of technology in construction has become progressively popular, with AI playing a crucial role in controlling processes such as planning, design, cost estimation, quality control, and scheduling. AI can help identify issues that humans might miss and provide accurate calculations regarding project costs or timelines. This will enhance the quality of project documents and potentially reduce the number of claims and dispute areas. While these trends will benefit the growth of the construction industry and reduce the scope for disputes, they will also generate new types of claims that will require special attention and a stronger emphasis on alternative dispute resolution methods to streamline legal processes. In conclusion, the future of claims and dispute resolution practices in the UAE will likely be shaped by a combination of legal improvements, technological advancements, and industry trends to meet the needs of the rising and dynamic construction sector. WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM 25 consequently, potential disputes. By creating an environment of active listening and engaging in empathetic discussions, concerns can be addressed, and misunderstandings mitigated. Approaching conflicts with collaboration and transparency allows parties to navigate disputes more constructively and reach mutually agreeable resolutions. In your experience, how do alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration, compare to traditional litigation in the UAE? In recent years, the UAE has taken steps to become a hub for international ADR by establishing reputable international free zones (DIFC and ADGM) and dedicated arbitration centers that adopt international standards. Additionally, the legislation has been enhanced to support the enforcement of these centers’ awards within the local judicial system. In the same vein, the mediation field has gained traction in the local market’s ADR sector. This is reflected in the establishment of the Centre for Amicable Resolution The UAE is empowering Alternative Dispute Resolution methods to resolve conflicts effectively and fairly.
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