FIDIC claim analysis during COVID-19: lessons from Saudi Arabia

As a response to the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction industry, particularly in Saudi Arabia, faced unprecedented disruptions, with economic contractions and shifts in project dynamics. The main motivation behind this research is the fact that, in building projects under Federation Internationale des Ingenieurs-Conseil (FIDIC) contracts, claims can recover up to 25% of the initial contract value. The lack of comprehensive studies on such claims necessitates the development of a robust claim analysis tool to assist decision-makers in resolving disputes arising from COVID-19-related impacts in the Saudi construction industry. This research aims to provide insights into the root causes and impacts of claims, emphasising their relevance in the context of the coronavirus pandemic within Saudi Arabia. The proposed claim flowchart depicts the development process of the claim throughout project construction, and it encompasses five major steps: notification of intent to sue, claim reports, claim exhibits, audit by the supervising engineer, and owner feedback. By focusing on the intricacies of FIDIC contracts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this research aims to enhance understanding and facilitate better dispute resolution in the Saudi construction sector.