Integrating social value framework into Abu Dhabi’s public-private partnership school program

ABU DHABI, UAE – In collaboration with Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), BESIX Plenary Education Properties Development (BPE) has introduced a structured social value framework across its public-private partnership (PPP) school projects in Abu Dhabi, allocating approximately AED$1.4 million to support student wellbeing, community engagement, and inclusive development initiatives.

The framework integrates community-focused contributions into long-term infrastructure delivery and was announced during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit 2026 (ADIS 2026), reflecting the emirate’s continued focus on advancing innovative, impact-driven infrastructure partnerships.

As part of this framework, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) responsible for the delivery and operation of PPP schools will allocate funding over the remaining concession period to deliver targeted initiatives that support students and their families.

Rabih Doueiri, General Manager, BPE, said: “As long-term partners in Abu Dhabi’s education sector, we are committed to delivering value that goes beyond infrastructure. This initiative enables us to actively support the wellbeing of students and their families, while contributing to stronger, more connected school communities. It reflects our shared vision with ADIO to create lasting value through every stage of the PPP lifecycle.”

Through this initiative, SPVs will deliver targeted programs spanning student wellbeing and resilience, and cultural and heritage engagement aligned with UAE values, as well as sports, arts development, and community outreach activities involving students and families. These contributions are designed to complement core infrastructure delivery by strengthening connections between schools and the communities they serve.

The program aligns with the UAE’s National Family Growth Agenda 2031, under the Education and Society pillar, and supports the objectives of the Year of Family, reinforcing a focus on family engagement, inclusive development and student wellbeing.

The framework forms part of ADIO’s PPP model, which integrates structured social value mechanisms into project design and delivery, ensuring consistent and measurable contributions from private sector partners.

Eid Alobeidli, Director of Musataha & PPP at ADIO, said: “Abu Dhabi’s PPP model is designed to deliver long-term value across both infrastructure and community outcomes. By embedding structured social contributions into our PPP framework, we are aligning private sector participation with national priorities and enabling measurable impact that supports student development, community engagement, and inclusive growth.”

A defined governance framework underpins delivery, with annual allocations approved through SPV governance structures and implementation. The program will include ongoing monitoring and reporting, alongside engagement with school leadership to ensure initiatives respond to evolving student and community needs.

By integrating social value into PPP delivery, BESIX Plenary and ADIO are supporting infrastructure models that deliver both economic and social outcomes, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for innovative and impact-driven partnerships.