In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and a multinational consortium led by Plenary Group and BESIX Group, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has launched three new schools in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed City. This initiative represents the UAE’s first public-private partnership (PPP) model for school infrastructure.

The project significantly boosts Abu Dhabi’s educational capacity, accommodating 5,360 students from kindergarten through grade 12 starting in the 2024-2025 academic year. The Zayed City schools project is the first educational facility delivered through ADIO’s PPP procurement framework.

“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.

The three new schools in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed City, which cover 81,000 square meters, adhere to Estidama sustainability standards and feature advanced technologies.

“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.

The initiative aims to boost private sector participation and foreign direct investment (FDI), enhance accountability and efficiency in public asset management, and promote long-term collaborations between government and private entities. It also offers investors access to lucrative concessions. BESIX and Plenary are key private sector partners in the Zayed City Schools PPP Project Consortium.

Additionally, ADIO is advancing other major PPP projects, including developing improved student accommodation facilities in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

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