We are excited to announce that BESIX has been awarded Preferred Bidder status on the Khalifa University Accommodation PPP Project in Abu Dhabi. This achievement marks a dynamic collaboration between BESIX, Plenary Group, Mazrui International, and United Engineering Construction that blends international infrastructure expertise, facilities management expertise, and local UAE investment insight.
- Collaborative Effort: BESIX, Plenary Group, Mazrui International, and United Engineering Construction are operating under the banner of KUnnected Living.
- Key Role: BESIX plays a pivotal role at all levels of the project - contributing 45% of SPV, 50% of FM via our O&M team, and our Shared Services team acting as a technical advisor overseeing the EPC contractor (UNEC) and leveraging our extensive in-house engineering and construction expertise to ensure timely delivery according to the desired quality standards.
- Equity Investment: BESIX serves as a co-sponsor and equal largest equity investor alongside Plenary Group for this 20-year concession.
- Expertise Contribution: Providing unparalleled technical, commercial, and financial support, solidifying our PPP leadership in social infrastructure in the region, and leveraging our engineering, construction, and maintenance expertise.
Spanning 114,000 square meters and with a capacity of 3,250 beds across two sites, this project sets new standards in student accommodation.
- Student Experience: Focus on individual ensuite rooms (the only university in the UAE with such accommodations), green spaces, natural light, and strategic student-centric amenities.
- Facilities Management: Full spectrum of services, exploring additional student welfare services.
- Designed For Maintenance: The O&M team ensures seamless operation over the 20 years, with whole-of-life asset management.
Commercial Close and contract signing are scheduled for April 2024, with Financial Close in July 2024. Construction is expected to be completed within a swift 24-month period.
To our dedicated project team – Tender, Engineering, Project Delivery, O&M, Finance, Legal, and the PPP team – thank you for your dedication and hard work in making this achievement possible. This is a great example of the power of collaboration and unity!