Great news to share across the Group: four BESIX public‑private partnership (PPP) projects have been shortlisted at the Partnership Awards 2026, one of the leading international awards in the PPP sector.
The nominations recognise outstanding collaboration between public and private partners, as well as long‑term value creation. Above all, they highlight the commitment, expertise and teamwork of our colleagues across regions and disciplines.
The winners will be announced on 30 April 2026 in London.
Four flagship projects in Europe and the Middle East
The shortlisted projects span Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates, showcasing the breadth of BESIX’s PPP expertise.
The nominated projects are:
- Khalifa City School in Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Khalifa University Student Accommodation in Abu Dhabi, UAE
- R4WO ring road project in Ghent, Belgium
- ViA15 motorway project in the Netherlands
Each project reflects our ability to deliver complex infrastructure that serves communities for decades to come.
Education and social infrastructure in Abu Dhabi
The Khalifa City School project has been shortlisted for Best Education and Higher Education Project. Delivered under an innovative and accelerated procurement approach, it will provide a new campus for 3,380 students and is set to open for the 2026 academic year. The project is part of the existing Zayed City Schools PPP and is delivered by the BESIX‑Plenary consortium in close cooperation with local authorities.
The Khalifa University Student Accommodation project is nominated for Best Social Infrastructure Project. Once completed, it will offer 3,260 student rooms across two campuses, making it the largest student housing PPP in the Middle East. BESIX plays a central role in leadership, integration and long‑term facilities management, contributing to high‑quality, student‑centred living environments.
Mobility projects recognised in Belgium and the Netherlands
In Belgium, the R4WO project around Ghent has received a double nomination for Best Transport Project and Best Financial Structure. Delivered through the BRAVO4 consortium, the project is transforming more than 30 kilometres of the R4 Ring Road. It combines infrastructure renewal, improved road safety and sustainable mobility, supported by an innovative financing model in which BESIX Group is also an equity investor.
In the Netherlands, the ViA15 motorway project has been shortlisted for Best Transport Project. As part of the GelreGroen consortium, BESIX contributes to the extension of the A15 and the widening of the A12 and A15, strengthening a key European logistics corridor. Sustainability, nature‑inclusive design and long‑term mobility improvements are central to the project.
A collective achievement
Together, these nominations underline BESIX’s integrated PPP approach, covering financing, equity investment, design, construction and long‑term operation and maintenance. More importantly, they recognise the dedication and collaboration of our teams and partners.
Pierre Sironval, CEO of BESIX Group, puts it clearly: “These nominations recognise the commitment of our teams and partners, and our strong belief in public‑private partnerships as a powerful way to deliver complex, socially valuable infrastructure.”
Well done to everyone involved in these outstanding projects, and good luck at the awards ceremony!