Gulf News

Union Properties’ claims case may take 18 months

A favourable verdict would boost developer’s numbers

- Staff Report

It could take “18 months” for a final verdict to be delivered in Union Properties’ Dh1.5 billion arbitratio­n claims against a contractor.

“The arbitratio­n proceeding­s are ongoing before one of the most prominent internatio­nal arbitral institutio­ns in Dubai,” the developer said in a statement issued yesterday.

A favourable verdict could be a much-needed boost for Union Properties, which has delivered disappoint­ing results in recent quarters. (The market is waiting its first quarter 2020 financials.)

“In the event that the subsidiary is able to obtain a successful award in this case, whether for the full claim amount or less, it is obvious that this will reflect very positively on the financial position of both the subsidiary as well as on Union Properties being the parent company of the subsidiary,” the statement added.

More facts revealed

It relates to a 2009 project and the claims are the “amounts owed to a fullyowned subsidiary of Union Properties,” the statement

It was in the best interest of the company and the shareholde­rs to pursue the recovery of the subsidiary’s dues by initiating arbitratio­n procedures.”

Union Properties statement

said. “The subsidiary was the subcontrac­tor nominated by the main contractor to carry out mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works for a major project in Dubai. “Following the delivery of the project, a dispute between the subsidiary (as subcontrac­tor) and the main contractor arose over certain variations to the works completed by the subsidiary and for which the subsidiary was due on certain payments.”

Since the project delivery in 2009, attempts were made by Union Properties to try and reach a settlement with the concerned contractor. But nothing could be done through these interim years.

“It was in the best interest of the company and the shareholde­rs to pursue the recovery of the subsidiary’s dues by initiating arbitratio­n procedures,” the statement said.

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