Expert Legal Solutions for the Construction Sector
At Manal Dhahi Legal Consultants, we fully understand the legal and technical complexities surrounding construction projects, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Whether you are a contractor, real estate developer, engineering consultant, or execution company, we provide comprehensive legal and technical support covering all stages of the project from planning and design to execution and delivery.
We combine our legal expertise with a deep understanding of engineering standards to ensure that contracts and agreements comply with the latest technical specifications, quality requirements, and safety regulations.
Our services include:
- Specialized legal consultations tailored to civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering projects.
- Drafting and reviewing execution contracts, subcontracting agreements, supply contracts, and engineering consultancy contracts in accordance with recognized engineering standards.
- Managing technical and legal disputes related to project delays, engineering modifications, quality assurance, and equipment malfunctions.
- Reviewing tender and bidding documents to ensure clarity of technical and legal terms and minimize legal risks.
- Providing legal support on licensing, occupational safety, and compliance with local and international engineering regulations.
- Legal representation in cases involving damage compensation, breaches of construction contracts, and enforcement of engineering obligations.
With Manal Dhahi Legal Consultants, you gain a legal partner who understands the technical and legal challenges of your project, helping you protect your interests and achieve sustainable success.
Navigating Construction Law in Bahrain: What You Need to Know
The construction industry in Bahrain is experiencing significant growth and development, positioning itself as a vital sector within the country’s economy. However, this rapid expansion also brings a multitude of complex legal challenges that can impact the success and sustainability of construction projects.
Stakeholders including developers, contractors, consultants, and engineers must navigate a landscape filled with critical issues such as ensuring contractors meet their obligations through performance bonds, handling disputes over retention money withheld to guarantee project completion, and managing the formal handover process through Taking Over Certificates.
Delays in project completion, variations in scope, and the defects liability period often become sources of disagreement that require precise legal intervention. Moreover, disputes related to payment delays, quality and compliance with technical standards, and adherence to health and safety regulations further complicate the construction process.
Effective dispute resolution mechanisms whether through arbitration, mediation, or litigation are essential to resolving conflicts swiftly and protecting all parties’ rights.
At Manal Dhahi Legal Consultants, Attorney & Private Notary, we bring extensive experience and a thorough understanding of Bahraini construction law, combined with practical insights into regional construction practices. Our firm is dedicated to providing customized legal support that addresses the unique challenges of the construction sector.
From contract drafting and review to managing claims and navigating regulatory compliance, we assist our clients at every stage of their projects.
Our mission is to safeguard your investments and interests, ensuring your projects proceed smoothly while fully complying with local and international laws and regulations. With Manal Dhahi Legal Consultants as your trusted legal partner, you gain a proactive ally committed to minimizing risks and maximizing the potential for successful and sustainable construction outcomes in Bahrain.

Our Values and Principles
At Manal Dhahi Legal Consultants, we believe that the foundation of our success lies in our steadfast commitment to core professional values. Integrity and transparency are at the forefront of everything we do, ensuring clear and honest communication with our clients at every stage. We also uphold the highest standards of quality and punctuality, delivering reliable and effective legal services that meet our clients’ expectations and support the success of their projects..
Our Construction Law Expertise
Our Achievements
At Manal Dhahi Legal Consultants, we take pride in our proven track record of successfully handling complex legal disputes within the construction industry.
Our expertise has enabled us to win numerous cases involving critical and often challenging issues such as:
- Performance Bond disputes, ensuring contractors meet their contractual obligations.
- Retention Money conflicts, securing fair release and proper deductions.
- Taking Over Certificate (TOC) delays and related payment issues.
- Defects Liability Period (DLP) claims, protecting clients during defect correction phases.
- Delay claims and requests for Extensions of Time, mitigating risks related to project overruns.
- Variation Orders disagreements, managing changes in scope, cost, and schedule.
- Payment Delays and Disputes, enforcing timely and complete payments.
- Quality and Compliance challenges, upholding adherence to technical standards and regulations.
- Health and Safety Compliance, addressing liability and regulatory obligations.
- Dispute Resolution and Claims, effectively managing arbitration, mediation, and litigation.
- Contract Interpretation and Enforcement, clarifying ambiguous terms to protect client rights.
- Insurance and Liability matters, ensuring adequate coverage and risk management.
Our consistent success in these areas reflects our deep understanding of both legal and technical aspects of construction projects, combined with strategic advocacy that protects and advances our clients' interests.
Expertise in FIDIC Contracts
Our legal team at Manal Dhahi Law Firm possesses in-depth knowledge of internationally recognized FIDIC contracts used in construction and infrastructure projects. We provide comprehensive support in drafting, reviewing, and interpreting FIDIC terms, as well as managing disputes related to them.
We also maintain strong professional relationships with several leading engineering firms that have extensive experience in implementing FIDIC contracts, allowing us to offer well-coordinated and integrated legal solutions that protect our clients’ interests and minimize legal risks on the ground.

We handle all matters related to construction law, including disputes over performance bonds, retention money, delays in project delivery, contract amendments, late payments, defects liability periods, compliance with quality and safety standards, and legal dispute resolution
We provide precise contract drafting and review services, monitor the enforcement of contractual terms, and intervene to resolve disputes before escalation, ensuring all parties adhere to the legal and technical requirements
Yes, we provide comprehensive legal support regarding licensing, occupational safety, and compliance with local and international engineering regulations to ensure smooth and lawful project execution
We utilize mediation, arbitration, and litigation depending on the nature of the dispute and the best available options to ensure a swift and effective resolution that protects our clients' rights
Absolutely, we provide full legal representation before all relevant courts and judicial authorities to safeguard your legal interests
The Defects Liability Period is a timeframe, usually up to ten years from handover, during which the contractor and supervising engineer are held responsible for structural failures or faults, unless caused by unforeseeable events or mistakes by the employer.
Yes — changes to a project can be formalized through Variation Orders. These adjust the work scope, budget, or deadlines, but must always be agreed upon in writing by all parties involved.
If a project is delayed, the party suffering the loss can seek compensation under the contract’s terms. This often includes agreed penalties for delay or claims for additional losses incurred.
Absolutely — arbitration is widely accepted for resolving construction disputes, especially with FIDIC-based agreements. It’s typically faster and more flexible than traditional court proceedings.
The employer can require the contractor to fix any faults discovered within the Defects Liability Period. If repairs aren’t made, the employer may pursue legal action or arbitration to recover costs or terminate the agreement if needed.
Yes — if a breach of contract, delay, or defect causes damage, the harmed party can claim compensation under the contract’s provisions or according to Bahraini law.
A Performance Bond acts as a financial guarantee from a bank or insurer, assuring that the contractor will fulfill their obligations. If they fail to deliver, the client can claim against the bond to recover losses.
Yes — advance payments are common practice to help contractors mobilize resources. They’re usually secured by an Advance Payment Guarantee and repaid progressively as work progresses.
Usually, the contractor handles all necessary permits and approvals, unless the contract says otherwise. The employer must provide any paperwork needed to complete the process.
Generally, a contractor can hire subcontractors for parts of the work but often needs written consent from the employer. The main contractor remains responsible for the final result.
If hidden issues like unstable soil or unknown utilities come up, the contractor must inform the employer right away. Both parties then decide how to adjust the project scope, timeline, or costs.
Liquidated Damages are preset penalties the contractor pays if they don’t finish on time. They protect the client from financial loss due to late delivery.
Payments are made in installments, linked to the amount of work done. The contractor submits claims, which are certified by the employer or project engineer before payments are released.
Retention is a small percentage held back from each payment to ensure the contractor completes the work properly. This withheld amount is usually released once all defects are fixed after the Defects Liability Period.
Yes — foreign contractors can operate in Bahrain if they meet licensing rules and labor laws. Depending on the project, they might also need to partner with a local company.
Construction disputes in Bahrain mainly fall under the Civil Code and any specific construction laws. Disagreements can be resolved through local courts or arbitration, depending on the contract.
Yes — contractors generally must have insurance covering things like third-party liability, employees, and property damage. Employers often require project-specific coverage like Contractors All Risks Insurance too.
Book a Consultation
Ready to safeguard your construction projects with expert legal guidance? Contact Manal Dhahi Legal Consultants today to learn how we can support your business every step of the way.