Haithem Iskef

With more than 20 years of professional experience, he advises multinational corporations, government entities, developers, consultants, financial institutions, and leading contractors on complex construction, infrastructure, real estate, and commercial matters throughout the UAE and the GCC.

His practice is centered on construction law, FIDIC contracts, commercial transactions, contract administration, project claims, and strategic risk management, advising clients throughout every stage of the project lifecycle, from procurement and contract structuring to project delivery, claims management, dispute avoidance, and final account settlement.

He has extensive experience acting on high-value and technically complex projects, advising on the preparation, negotiation, and administration of EPC, Design & Build, FIDIC, and bespoke construction contracts, as well as consultancy agreements, subcontract agreements, joint venture arrangements, procurement documentation, and other commercial transactions.

Widely experienced in construction and engineering claims, he regularly advises on extensions of time (EOT), prolongation and disruption claims, variation and change order claims, acceleration claims, payment and certification disputes, contractual termination, liquidated damages, defect liability, warranty obligations, and final account negotiations. His practice also includes developing claims strategies, preparing and evaluating contractual entitlements, defending complex claims, and supporting clients in negotiations, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation.

Combining legal expertise with a strong commercial perspective, he assists clients in identifying contractual risks, interpreting contractual obligations, managing project correspondence, and implementing proactive contract administration strategies that preserve contractual rights, minimise disputes, and safeguard commercial interests.

His experience spans major developments across the construction, infrastructure, real estate, hospitality, industrial, mixed-use, and public sectors, where he has advised clients on sophisticated contractual structures and commercially significant transactions involving some of the region’s leading organisations.

Recognized for delivering strategic, commercially focused legal advice, he works closely with executive management, project stakeholders, and in-house legal teams to achieve practical solutions that support successful project delivery while protecting clients’ legal and commercial interests