PPP Project Delivers State-of-the-Art Education Facilities in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, along with consortium partners BESIX and Plenary, have inaugurated the Zayed City Schools. Developed under the UAE’s first public-private partnership model for school infrastructure, this milestone project sets a new standard for private sector participation in the development of Abu Dhabi’s social infrastructure.

Zayed City Schools will accommodate 5,360 students from kindergarten through 12th grade for the 2024-25 academic year. BESIX managed all aspects of the project, from financing, design and procurement to construction, commissioning and ensuring a seamless transition into long-term operation and maintenance.

The inauguration of the Zayed City Schools follows the commercial close of another pioneering PPP project: the Khalifa University Accommodation, designed to provide high-quality student living facilities. Both projects are part of ADIO’s PPP program, and demonstrate the power of collaboration in leveraging private sector expertise and attracting foreign investment to develop state-of-the-art educational infrastructure that supports Abu Dhabi’s growth.

Spanning 4,900 hectares, the Zayed City Schools were built to meet stringent Estidama sustainability standards. The campuses integrate advanced technologies and modern learning spaces that foster creativity, while promoting environmental responsibility. These schools align with Abu Dhabi’s sustainability and innovation objectives, setting a new benchmark for education facilities in the region.

In 2023, the Zayed City Schools project was awarded the Social Infrastructure Deal of the Year 2022 for the Middle East & Africa region at the IJGlobal Awards, recognized for its innovation, execution, sustainability, financial structure and social impact.