The New FIDIC Collaborative Contract Model: Integrating Collaborative Management Teams (CMTs) into GCC Giga-Project Concessions

Abstract

The rapid expansion of giga-projects across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has transformed the contractual landscape of infrastructure and concession-based development, creating a need for more collaborative and adaptive project delivery mechanisms. Traditional FIDIC contract models, while effective in allocating risks and responsibilities, have often been criticized for fostering adversarial relationships that contribute to disputes, delays, and cost overruns in large-scale projects. This article examines the emerging FIDIC collaborative contract model, with particular emphasis on the integration of Collaborative Management Teams (CMTs) into GCC giga-project concessions. Using a qualitative doctrinal research methodology based exclusively on secondary sources, the study analyzes recent developments in FIDIC contract philosophy, collaborative governance, and concession-based infrastructure procurement within the GCC. It argues that CMTs enhance communication, joint decision-making, proactive risk management, and stakeholder coordination throughout the project lifecycle. The article further explores the legal, institutional, and practical implications of embedding collaborative mechanisms into concession agreements, highlighting their potential to improve contractual performance, reduce disputes, and strengthen project resilience. The findings suggest that integrating CMTs within the evolving FIDIC framework offers a balanced contractual approach capable of supporting the successful delivery of complex GCC giga-projects while promoting long-term sustainability and value creation.