Classification of contractors nearing end

A classification of contractors by the UAE Contractor's Associa-tion (UCA) is in the final stages. It is awaiting the creation of a supreme council for the building and construction sector, to which it will submit the report for implementation.

The association is also conducting a comparative study on classification systems in GCC countries to gain from their experience.

"We have been trying to put a classification system in place for the UAE's contractors based on their ability, strength and performance so that there is a fair system of prequalification in the tendering," said Rashed Ahmed Rashed, general manager of UCA.

"Once this is established, all contractors will have a level-playing field in their own areas and can bid for projects. A small-time construction company should not bid for larger projects and suffer later due to financial problems, while there are larger players to handle the job.

"Similarly, smaller projects should be left for the new and smaller firms to handle. This would clearly distinguish the players and their areas."

UCA has been pursuing reforms in the construction sector to streamline procedures in tendering, classification, giving fair contracts, tackling the issue of payments, labour problems, among others.

It submitted a comprehensive report to the government last year with a proposal to set up a supreme council to execute the recommendations to improve the sector's performance.