Dabi, in collaboration with an alliance led by Besex Group and Bilinari Group, inaugurated three modern schools in Zayed City, Abu Dhabi. This was the first project of its kind completed under the public-private partnership model launched by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. The project was completed on time and within budget, meeting the highest standards, thanks to the combined efforts of various authorities, especially the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, which played a key role in improving the Emirate’s educational sector. Starting from the academic year 2024-2025, the new schools will be able to accommodate up to 5,360 students at various educational levels — from kindergarten to high school.
A special ceremony dedicated to the opening of new schools was held in Zayed City with the participation of Mubarak Hamad Al-Muhairi, Deputy Minister of Education and Knowledge of Abu Dhabi, Bader Salim Sultan Al-Ulam, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Dr. Tarek Al-Amiri, Director of the Office of Assets and Facilities in the Department of Education and Knowledge Abu Dhabi, as well as several high-ranking representatives of the alliance, including Peter Limbredks, CEO of Bessex Middle East, Elias Sfeir, Head of Concessions and Assets at Bessex Middle East, Benoit Fadani, Development Director of Bessex Middle East and others.
The Zayed City Schools Project aims to improve the quality of education in Abu Dhabi and serves as an example to facilitate private sector participation in financing and infrastructure projects in the Emirate. Yasser Al Nuaimi, Acting Head of Infrastructure Partnerships at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, noted: “The Zayed City Schools project illustrates the important role of public-private partnership models in the development of infrastructure initiatives in the emirate. Using the expertise of the private sector in design, financing and construction, we have created world-class educational institutions that allow students to benefit from the learning process as effectively as possible. The success of this project paves the way for closer cooperation between the public and private sectors, providing significant opportunities for our private sector partners to maintain sustainable growth in Abu Dhabi and achieve long-term investment returns.”
The new schools cover an area of 81,000 square meters in Zayed City and are characterized by a design that meets the requirements of sustainable development, consistent with the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Development agenda. They are equipped with modern technology and offer educational spaces aimed at inspiring creativity and learning.
Dr. Tarek Al-Amiri, Director of the Assets and Facilities Office at the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, said: “The opening of Zayed City Schools is a significant milestone on our path to providing world-class education in Abu Dhabi. This project expands access to quality education for more students and highlights the importance of public-private partnerships to achieve Abu Dhabi’s ambitious educational goals. We remain committed to ensuring that every student in the Emirate has the opportunity to study and develop in a supportive environment conducive to creativity and excellence.”
Mohammed Badreddin, CEO of Besex Bilinari (Besex Bilinari Alliance), stated: “As a key partner in the Zayed City Schools Project alliance, Besex Bilinari is proud to contribute to this innovative project, which embodies a future-oriented vision for the development of educational infrastructure. This strategic partnership is characterized by the ability to provide maximum added value, using the best capabilities of public and private institutions to create large infrastructure projects that serve as a model of innovation and development. The Zayed City Schools project illustrates the spirit of cooperation between the public and private sectors. We are confident that this success, completed on time and within budget, will be the beginning of a long-term relationship that will flourish throughout the operational phase, emphasizing the importance of close cooperation in building a bright and sustainable future.”
The success of the Zayed City Schools project underscores the commitment of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to expand the scope of the public-private partnership program and is evidence of the emirate’s innovative approach to the development of infrastructure projects. The program aims to increase the participation of the private sector and foreign direct investment in public infrastructure projects, increase the responsibility and efficiency of public asset management, develop long-term partnerships between public institutions and private companies, and increase opportunities for investors to benefit from attractive investment opportunities.
The Bilinari Group, specializing in public infrastructure development, is an independent investor with a long-term perspective, with more than $56 billion in projects throughout North America, Australia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom, with a focus on public-private partnerships, local project development, asset management and infrastructure projects of international scale. Meanwhile, the Bessex Belgium Group has been operating in the construction sector, real estate development and concessions in the Middle East and GCC countries since 1966, implementing advanced projects around the world. In addition to her role in structuring the ownership of major development projects, she has demonstrated leadership in successful public-private partnerships and the sustainable management of various public infrastructure and environmental initiatives. ADIO continues to accumulate successes to develop additional opportunities for public-private partnerships, including the creation of world-class educational institutions for students at Khalifa University of Science and Technology.
