Gas Expert Witness
Independent Gas Expert Witness services for gas processing, LNG, pipeline and storage facilities across the UAE and Middle East.
Natural gas sits at the centre of the UAE's push for energy self-sufficiency, with ADNOC executing some of the largest offshore and onshore gas developments in the region. These are among the most technically complex construction and process-engineering programmes in the country, and disputes on them require experts fluent in both upstream engineering and international arbitration practice.
The Hail and Ghasha Gas Development
ADNOC's Hail and Ghasha project, developed with partners Eni and PTTEP, is one of the UAE's largest offshore gas developments, targeting production of around 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day by 2030 while capturing roughly 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually — positioning it as among the first offshore gas developments in the world designed to operate at net-zero emissions. ADNOC previously awarded contracts worth close to US$17 billion for the project, which involves constructing ten artificial islands within the Ghasha concession to minimise environmental impact on the surrounding marine biosphere reserve, with the fully unmanned offshore facilities operated remotely using sensors, drones and digital twin technology.
In December 2025, ADNOC secured up to US$11 billion in structured, non-recourse financing for the project's midstream gas production — one of several landmark financing transactions alongside a US$4.9 billion oil pipeline partnership and a US$10.1 billion gas pipeline agreement. Elsewhere, ADNOC is progressing the onshore Diyab unconventional gasfield and the US$5 billion Rich Gas Development, part of a broader US$150 billion investment plan running through 2030.
Where Gas Sector Disputes Arise
- Offshore construction and marine works disputes, including artificial island construction, subsea pipeline installation and remote facility commissioning.
- EPC delay claims on multi-billion-dollar gas processing packages, where causation analysis must account for offshore logistics, weather windows and specialist marine plant availability.
- Quantum disputes on variations tied to sour gas processing technology, safety-critical design changes and In-Country Value procurement requirements.
- Structured financing and contractual interface disputes, where non-recourse project financing structures increase scrutiny of underlying EPC performance and cost certainty.
Our Gas Sector Capability
Our experts combine upstream and midstream engineering knowledge with quantum and delay expertise, applying FIDIC and bespoke EPC contract analysis alongside SCL Protocol methodology. Reports are prepared to IBA Rules and CIArb Protocol standards for DIFC Courts, DIAC, ADCCAC, as well as GCC-seated arbitrations more broadly.
Contact us to discuss expert witness support for a gas sector dispute.
Discuss Your Matter With Us
Forward a concise brief of your matter to us. We shall respond promptly and with discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What core competencies does a Gas Expert Witness bring to GCC arbitration?
- A Gas Expert Witness provides specialised technical and commercial analysis for complex energy projects across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Our experts possess deep knowledge of gas processing and LNG terminal specifications, enabling them to evaluate complex claims involving HAZOP-driven changes and modular fabrication delays. By applying RICS standards, they provide tribunals with impartial evidence required to resolve high-value disputes within the DIAC or arbitrateAD frameworks effectively.
- How do your experts approach delay analysis under the SCL Protocol?
- Our specialists utilise the SCL Delay and Disruption Protocol to provide robust, evidence-based assessments of project timelines. In the context of UAE pipeline or storage facility construction, we meticulously examine the programme to identify critical path impacts caused by late hook-up or commissioning milestones. This forensic approach ensures that our Gas Expert Witness reports offer a clear, chronological narrative that withstands rigorous cross-examination during formal proceedings.
- Why is independent technical evidence vital for Middle Eastern gas disputes?
- Disputes involving gas infrastructure in the GCC often involve massive scale and multi-jurisdictional contractors. Independent evidence is crucial because it bridges the gap between complex engineering realities and legal requirements. Whether dealing with ADGM or Qatari courts, a Gas Expert Witness provides the objective clarity needed to determine liability and quantum, ensuring that technical failures or commercial disagreements are assessed without bias or influence.
- Can your firm provide expert testimony for FIDIC-based gas contracts?
- Yes, our experts are highly experienced in navigating the nuances of FIDIC Silver and Yellow Books, which are prevalent in Middle Eastern energy sectors. We assist employers and contractors by interpreting contractual obligations regarding variations and extensions of time. By acting as a Gas Expert Witness, we help parties quantify disruption claims arising from unforeseen ground conditions or design changes common in large-scale regional pipeline and storage developments.
- Where are your expert witness services typically utilised within the region?
- Our services are deployed across major energy hubs including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. We support legal teams in the DIAC, ADGM, and DIFC courts, as well as international arbitrations involving regional gas facilities. From offshore hook-ups in the Gulf to onshore processing plants in the Rub' al Khali, our Gas Expert Witness team provides local geographical insight combined with international standards of professional excellence.
- When should a legal team instruct a Gas Expert Witness during a dispute?
- Instruction should ideally occur as soon as a dispute is formalised, or even during the early adjudication phase. Early involvement allows the Gas Expert Witness to assist in narrowing the technical issues and identifying critical evidence within project records. In the fast-paced UAE construction market, timely forensic analysis of shutdown windows and fabrication delays can facilitate earlier settlements or provide a stronger foundation for a successful tribunal outcome.
- If a dispute involves complex quantum issues, how is the valuation determined?
- Valuation is determined through a rigorous analysis of actual costs, market rates, and project records. Our experts apply recognised quantity surveying principles to calculate the financial impact of disruption and defects in gas facilities. As a Gas Expert Witness, we ensure that quantum reports are precise and substantiated, providing a reliable basis for compensation claims within the regulatory environments of the UAE and the wider Middle East.