Resolving Construction Disputes in Times of Crisis: The Theory of Exceptional Circumstances

The severing of diplomatic ties with Qatar and subsequent application of restrictive measures have highlighted the predicament in which parties to a construction contract may find themselves when external factors affect their performance.This article examines the defences available when the performance of pre-existing contractual obligations in the MENA region becomes excessively onerous due to external events, with a special focus on the theory of exceptional circumstances.