Structural Defect Litigation in Dubai

Structural defects are those affecting stability or safety. UAE civil law imposes joint liability on the contractor and the supervising engineer or architect for a period from handover for collapse and defects that threaten stability. The detail needs checking against the current legislation.

Who can claim and against whom?

Owners, developers and in some cases owners' associations may claim against the contractor and the engineer or architect. The contract and the legal conditions define the scope and exceptions.

What proof is needed?

Court-appointed expert reports are central. Survey data, design documents, inspection records and test results support them. Start by securing the building record and access.

What should owners do first?

Make the area safe, record the condition, notify in writing and take advice on limitation. Insurance notifications should be made. See design negligence.

Documents to have ready

Design and as-built drawings
Completion and handover certificates
Survey and test reports
Photographs
Notices and insurance policies

Send us the documentsA short message and the key papers are enough for a first assessment.

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Common questions

How long does the liability last?

The law sets a period from handover. We confirm the current text and your dates.

Can liability be excluded by contract?

Agreements that exclude statutory structural liability are generally not effective.

More on defects & engineering negligence

The ten-year structural liability rule is stated in general terms. UAE civil legislation has been revised recently, so the exact provision and period are checked against the current text before we advise on a specific claim. This page is general information, not legal advice.