The Khalifa City School PPP, developed by Plenary BESIX, was named “PPP of the Year – MENA” at the Infra Global Awards 2025, presented during a ceremony held in Dubai on 9 September 2026, after the event had been postponed earlier in the year due to regional geopolitical developments.
The project forms part of Abu Dhabi's ambitious programme to modernise educational infrastructure and provide high-quality learning environments for future generations.
Delivering long-term value through partnership
The award recognises both the successful delivery of a major education project and the effectiveness of the public-private partnership (PPP) model. By bringing together public and private sector expertise, the project creates long-term value through an integrated approach encompassing design, construction, financing and lifecycle management.
For BESIX, the distinction reflects decades of experience across the full infrastructure lifecycle, from development and financing to construction and long-term asset management.
"Khalifa City School PPP demonstrates what can be achieved when public authorities and private partners share a long-term vision," said Tom Neyrinck, General Manager BESIX Invest. "We are proud to receive this recognition alongside our partner Plenary. We are also grateful to all the teams and and many stakeholders whose expertise and commitment contributed to the project's success, and who, amidst the challenging conditions they have been facing for several months, continue to strive day after day to deliver the project as quickly as reasonably possible.”
The award comes as demand for high-quality social infrastructure continues to grow across the Gulf region. Governments are increasingly turning to PPP models to deliver schools, student accommodation, water and waste treatment projects, and other essential infrastructure while ensuring long-term performance and value for communities.
Recognising a growing PPP track record
Over the years, BESIX has established itself as a leading PPP player through projects spanning education, healthcare, transportation and public infrastructure. By combining technical expertise, financial know-how and long-term asset management capabilities, the Group delivers sustainable infrastructure solutions that create lasting value for public authorities and end users alike.
The recognition highlights the impact of the Khalifa City School PPP, following the Zayed City Schools PPP, and the strength of the partnership behind it. It also reinforces BESIX's position as a trusted partner for public authorities seeking sustainable, innovative and high-performing infrastructure solutions.
The Infra Global Awards are among the infrastructure sector's leading international distinctions, celebrating excellence in infrastructure development and project finance worldwide.
