FIDIC Contracts derive their name from the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (Fédération Internationale Des Ingénieurs-Conseils), which was established in 1913 by three national associations of consulting engineers in Europe. FIDIC is one of the international federations that focuses on contracts related to construction work, especially large-scale contracting projects. Typically, the parties involved in FIDIC contracts are governments or local authorities.
FIDIC contracts vary according to the nature of the project, including construction works, civil engineering projects such as roads, bridges, and airports. These contracts are designed to balance the rights and obligations of all parties, unify legal rules, and can be used for many construction and engineering projects both locally and internationally.
The importance of FIDIC contracts lies in their ability to predefine the contractual framework, preventing potential domestic or international disputes during contract execution. FIDIC contracts are often backed by international lenders and the World Bank, regulating engineering and construction processes, and clarifying the relationship between the contractor and the client.
There are four main types of FIDIC contracts:
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The Red Book: The most commonly used in construction contracts, covering both tendering and building works.
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The Yellow Book: Contains the conditions of the contract for international construction and engineering projects, specifying the contractor’s responsibilities and the risks borne by each party.
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The Silver Book: Covers turnkey or integrated projects, where the contractor handles design, supply, and construction, ensuring the project’s safety while limiting changes in costs or timelines.
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The Green Book: Suited for smaller or short-term projects, also known as the “short form contract.”
At Frihat Lawyers & Consultants, our team includes specialists in drafting and organizing these contracts in multiple languages. We also provide contract review services, ensuring alignment with our clients’ goals and legal requirements. After verifying the legality and accuracy of a FIDIC contract, our specialists supervise its execution to prevent disputes or issues during implementation.
Disputes may arise during FIDIC contract execution, such as delays that result in compensation claims or breaches of contract terms. Our experts at Frihat provide advisory and dispute resolution services, both in local and international arbitration, to resolve conflicts efficiently and protect our clients’ interests.
Through our skilled and specialized teams, we also oversee the execution of construction, contracting, and FIDIC contracts, managing all related administrative and legal procedures. This ensures that clients are safeguarded against potential conflicts between contractors, owners, subcontractors, and supervising engineers, enabling the completion of major projects professionally and without disputes.