Top 5 Causes of Project Delays in Oman & GCC And How to Solve Them

Introduction: Why Delays Are the Biggest Pain Point in GCC Projects

In the fast-evolving economies of Oman and the wider GCC, construction and infrastructure projects are the backbone of growth. From mega public sector developments to private industrial ventures, timely project delivery is more than just a performance metric it determines profitability, reputation, and regional competitiveness.

However, despite decades of development and world-class ambitions, project delays remain a chronic challenge. Studies suggest that nearly 70% of large-scale projects in the GCC exceed their planned timelines, resulting in cost overruns, disrupted cash flows, and stakeholder dissatisfaction.

To tackle this persistent issue, it’s critical to understand what’s really causing these delays and how to prevent them.

Below are the five most common causes of project delays in Oman and the GCC, along with practical, actionable solutions based on proven global best practices.

Cause 1: Poor Planning & Scheduling

The Issue:

Many projects begin with ambitious timelines and loosely defined scopes. Weak planning frameworks, poor resource forecasting, and fragmented communication between contractors, consultants, and clients result in misaligned schedules that are difficult to maintain. In the GCC, where large projects often involve multiple subcontractors and international suppliers, even minor planning gaps can cascade into months of delay.

The Solution:

• Integrate detailed project planning at inception: Establish clear baselines for scope, schedule, and cost before mobilization.
• Adopt integrated scheduling tools: Use advanced project management software such as Primavera P6 or MS Project for precise timeline mapping, resource leveling, and progress tracking.
• Create a dynamic risk register: Identify potential risks early and link mitigation measures to specific milestones.
• Enforce a culture of accountability: Assign ownership of deliverables and review project progress weekly, not monthly.

How Al Qarar Helps:

Al Qarar’s Planning & Controls practice establishes robust project frameworks that combine international best practices with local market realities. We help clients create achievable, data-backed schedules, monitor real-time progress, and forecast potential delays before they occur ensuring projects start with clarity and stay on track until completion.

Cause 2: Ineffective Contract Management

The Issue:

Contracts define expectations, deliverables, and obligations—yet many project stakeholders in the GCC face disputes due to unclear terms, inconsistent documentation, or weak enforcement. This leads to misinterpretation, payment disputes, and scope creep, all of which stall project momentum.

The Solution:

• Develop precise, balanced contracts: Ensure terms clearly define deliverables, responsibilities, payment milestones, and penalties for non-performance.
• Implement a Contract Administration System (CAS): Digitize all contracts, variations, and correspondence for easy tracking and transparency.
• Conduct periodic contract audits: Review compliance, progress, and payment claims to detect issues early.
• Build team awareness: Conduct workshops for project managers, engineers, and procurement teams to align understanding of contractual obligations.

How Al Qarar Helps:

Al Qarar’s Contract & Claims Management specialists bring in-depth knowledge of FIDIC and regional contract standards. We help clients draft, interpret, and manage contracts efficiently reducing ambiguity, minimizing disputes, and ensuring smooth communication between all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Cause 3: Claims & Disputes

The Issue:

Construction claims are inevitable in complex projects, but unresolved disputes can bring entire projects to a halt. In Oman and the GCC, claims often escalate due to poor documentation, delayed communication, and lack of independent assessment—causing schedule slippage and increased legal costs.

The Solution:

• Establish a claims management process early: Define how claims will be recorded, evaluated, and resolved in the project charter.
• Maintain proper documentation: Record all events, variations, and correspondence in real time for defensible claims management.
• Engage neutral experts: Utilize third-party specialists to mediate disputes before they evolve into arbitration or litigation.
• Promote early resolution: Adopt Dispute Avoidance Boards (DAB) or Adjudication mechanisms to keep projects moving.

How Al Qarar Helps:

Our Expert Services team specializes in claims evaluation, forensic delay analysis, and dispute resolution. Al Qarar provides structured, evidence-based solutions that safeguard client interests while maintaining project momentum. Our proactive claim prevention strategies help clients save time, cost, and reputation.

Cause 4: Lack of Real-Time Data & Analytics

The Issue:

Many projects still rely on static Excel reports or manual progress updates. By the time performance data reaches decision-makers, it’s outdated. Without real-time insights, leaders cannot make informed, timely decisions resulting in avoidable overruns and inefficiencies.

The Solution:

• Adopt digital project control dashboards: Centralize data on schedule, cost, and risk metrics using platforms like Power BI or proprietary analytics tools.
• Use IoT and field data integration: Collect live data from equipment, materials, and site teams to monitor productivity and safety.
• Implement performance KPIs: Measure Earned Value, Cost Performance Index (CPI), and Schedule Performance Index (SPI) for accurate tracking.
• Leverage predictive analytics: Anticipate bottlenecks before they impact the critical path.

How Al Qarar Helps:

Through our Construction Analytics framework, Al Qarar enables clients to visualize project health in real time. Our dashboards consolidate cost, schedule, and performance metrics, empowering decision-makers to act fast, improve accuracy, and minimize risks before they escalate.

Cause 5: Weak Governance & Decision Making

The Issue:

Projects in the GCC often involve multiple stakeholders—ministries, contractors, consultants, and financial institutions. When governance is unclear and decision-making is slow, approvals get delayed, and project direction becomes fragmented.

The Solution:

• Establish clear governance frameworks: Define roles, responsibilities, and escalation protocols from day one.
• Empower project leadership: Give project directors authority to make on-the-spot operational decisions within defined thresholds.
• Ensure structured reporting: Create a regular cadence for executive reporting with dashboards that focus on exceptions, not just summaries.
• Encourage collaboration: Use joint review sessions and progress alignment meetings to maintain transparency across all parties.

How Al Qarar Helps:

Al Qarar’s Planning & Controls methodology includes the development of project governance frameworks that foster clarity, accountability, and timely decision-making. We align project teams under a single vision bridging the gap between strategy and execution.

Al Qarar’s Solution Framework

At Al Qarar, we understand that every delay has both technical and human dimensions. Our integrated framework combines advanced methodologies, technology, and industry expertise to eliminate those pain points:

• Planning & Controls – Setting up detailed schedules, governance systems, and reporting mechanisms aligned with global best practices.
• Construction Analytics – Leveraging data-driven insights to identify risks, track performance, and optimize decision-making in real time.
• Expert Services – Providing contractual, claims, and forensic expertise that protects client interests and accelerates project delivery.

This holistic framework is designed to create transparency, drive accountability, and ensure every project is completed on time and within budget.

Conclusion: Delivering Projects on Time and On Budget

Project delays are not inevitable they are preventable. With the right planning, data, governance, and contractual discipline, project owners in Oman and the GCC can drastically improve delivery performance.

At Al Qarar, our mission is to transform how projects are managed empowering clients to lead with confidence, control, and clarity.

Partner with Al Qarar to deliver your projects on time and on budget.