The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has inaugurated three state-of-the-art schools in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed City, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and a multinational consortium led by Plenary Group and BESIX Group.
The project marks the first public-private partnership (PPP) model school infrastructure project in the UAE. The project has significantly enhanced Abu Dhabi’s educational landscape by adding capacity for 5,360 students from kindergarten to grade 12 for the 2024-2025 academic year and beyond.
World-class educational facilities
The first educational facility that ADIO’s PPP procurement framework delivered was the Zayed City schools project. This project aims to elevate the standard of education infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, it seeks to serve as a model for greater private sector participation in the delivery and financing of public infrastructure across the emirate.
“By leveraging private sector expertise in design, construction and financing, we’ve created world-class educational facilities equipped to empower students with the learning spaces they need to reach their highest potential,” stated Yaser Al Nuaimi, acting head of infrastructure partnerships at ADIO.
Project spans 81,000 square meters
The three new schools in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed City span a total area of 81,000 square meters. Moreover, they meet the rigorous Estidama sustainability standards. The schools feature the latest technologies and learning spaces that inspire creativity, marking a new benchmark for educational facilities in the Middle East.
“This project not only empowers more students to access quality education but also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in realizing Abu Dhabi’s ambitious educational goals,” added Dr. Tareq Al Ameri, assets and facilities office director at ADEK.
Read: Dubai government announces holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday
ADIO expands PPP program
The successful completion of the Zayed City schools project underscores ADIO’s commitment to expanding its PPP program. Moreover, it serves as a testament to Abu Dhabi’s innovative approach to infrastructure development.
This initiative aims to increase private sector participation and foreign direct investment. Moreover, it seeks to enhance accountability and efficiency in public asset management, develop long-term collaborations between government and private entities, and provide investors with access to lucrative concessions.
BESIX and Plenary are the key private sector partners in the Zayed City Schools PPP Project Consortium. Plenary is an independent long-term investor, developer, and manager of public infrastructure, with over $56 billion in assets globally. Meanwhile, BESIX is a leading Belgian group operating in the Middle East since 1966. The group designs and builds complex projects globally and acts as an industrial equity provider and leader in public-private partnerships.
Building on this success, ADIO is also advancing other significant PPP projects, including the development of world-class student accommodation facilities in partnership with the top-ranking Khalifa University of Science and Technology.
For more miscellaneous news, click here.
