An Analysis of factors influencing the success of Extension of Time (EOT) claims in the UAE construction industry

Abstract

The UAE construction sector is distinguished by large-scale, complicated projects that are subject to schedule overruns, with regional surveys indicating average delays of around 80.9%. Extension of Time (EOT) claims are the principal contractual method by which contractors seek relief from liquidated damages resulting from such delays. Despite the high frequency of EOT claims in the UAE, empirical research into the elements influencing their success or failure is limited. This study aims to analyse the factors influencing the success of EOT claims in the UAE construction industry. The research objectives include Identify the contractual basis of EOT claims, Investigate the relevance of documentary evidence on the success rate of EOT claims, Examine the impact of stakeholder behaviour on decision making in EOT evaluation and identify critical success factors relevant to EOT claims in the UAE construction industry. The quantitative research approach was used, with a structured questionnaire survey distributed to construction professionals with direct experience in preparation or assessing EOT claims, such as planning engineers, project managers and contract administrators. The data were examined using IBM SPSS, which included descriptive statistics and reliability analysis. The findings reveal that late authority /NOC approval is the most common contractual basis for delay events in UAE EOT claims, emphasising the importance of regulatory processes on project timelines. The baseline programme was recognised as the most essential documentation proof necessary to support an EOT claim. In terms of stakeholder behaviour, assessors delivering transparent and well-explained decisions were deemed the most essential conduct in EOT evaluation. Key considerations for EOT claim success include a clear identification of the delay event, its critical path impact, and contractual basis, as well as contemporaneous documents and a logical narrative explaining the delay from start to end. The study concludes by recommending that practitioners improve their contractual knowledge and entitlement literacy, which would lead to fairer and more consistent EOT assessment in the UAE construction sector.