Abu Dhabi, UAE – Great Minds Event Management today announced the Construction Contracts & Dispute Resolution Forum (CCDRF) 2026, taking place 29–30 September 2026 at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, in partnership with arbitrateAD (Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre) and supported by the UAE Contractors Association.
The forum is a critical gathering for the MENA region's construction industry professionals aiming to enhance contractual practices across the sector. As the region's construction landscape evolves — driven by an accelerating pipeline of mega and giga projects — the need for effective contract management and efficient dispute resolution has become paramount. Construction disputes are estimated to cost the UAE up to $8 billion annually, and Saudi Arabia up to $15 billion, underscoring the urgency of the conversations CCDRF 2026 is designed to host.
The event will bring together project owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, legal experts, arbitrators, mediators and key stakeholders from across the Middle East and beyond to discuss best practices, share insights on emerging trends, and explore innovative solutions to common contractual challenges. Through collaborative discussions, case studies and workshops, CCDRF 2026 aims to promote smoother project execution and foster a culture of transparency in contract management.
The two-day agenda will span contract strategy and risk allocation, the latest updates on FIDIC contracts, claims preparation and delay analysis, dispute avoidance through effective contract administration, arbitration, mediation, adjudication and dispute boards, and emerging legal and regulatory developments across the GCC. Delegates will also hear lessons learned directly from major infrastructure and mega-project deliveries across the region.
CCDRF 2026 will host more than 40 expert speakers and welcome over 300 senior industry professionals, including 100+ contractors, developers and consultants, and 50+ legal, arbitration and dispute resolution experts, with delegations attending from across the GCC and international markets. Confirmed speakers include Adrian Cole, Judge at the Court of Cassation, Kingdom of Bahrain; Bing Yan, Executive Director of arbitrateAD; Balaji Prasad, Group CFO of BinLadin International Holding Group; and senior representatives from ADNOC Group, DP World, Azizi Developments and MERED, among others.
CCDRF 2026 was built to close the gap between contractual theory and what actually happens on the ground when disputes arise. By bringing owners, contractors, legal counsel and arbitrators into the same room, the forum creates a platform where landmark cases, best practices and emerging trends in contract management and dispute resolution can be shared openly — allowing participating organisations to position themselves as genuine leaders in the field.
Beyond the agenda, CCDRF 2026 offers participants unparalleled visibility and networking opportunities with key industry stakeholders, providing a platform to enhance brand recognition within the construction and legal sectors of the region.
Registration for CCDRF 2026 is now open to government entities, contractors, developers, legal firms, consultants, sponsors, exhibitors and industry stakeholders. Delegate places are limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.
For more information, the preliminary agenda, speaker lineup and registration, visit: Construction Contracts & Dispute Resolution Forum
