Abu Dhabi issues two PPP tenders to the private sector

Tenders managed under ADIO’s PPP procurement framework

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi is launching two major infrastructure public-private partnership (PPP) projects under the Partnership Projects framework issued by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), for the procurement of three new schools and phase 2 of its street lighting upgrade programme. Potential bidders can now submit expressions of interest for the two projects.

These PPP projects will enhance opportunities for private sector involvement in the delivery of infrastructure projects and public services, while improving liveability, access and quality of services for Abu Dhabi residents.

H.E. Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi, Director General of ADIO, said: “Collaboration with the private sector is an integral part of the Abu Dhabi leadership’s vision to drive long-term economic growth in the emirate. In 2020, ADIO laid the foundations to supercharge collaboration between business and government. With Abu Dhabi’s PPP framework firmly established, we are launching new major infrastructure projects as part of a pipeline of PPP projects that will strengthen sustainable private sector-led economic growth in the emirate.”

The Zayed City Schools PPP project will provide three new schools with a capacity of 5,360 students in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed City. The project, structured in a collaboration framework between ADIO and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), will provide students access to high-quality learning environments and modern facilities, enhancing the attractiveness of Zayed City and Abu Dhabi.

The end contract will include the design, build, finance, maintenance and transfer of three schools with a concession period of 22 years, inclusive of a construction period of 24 months and a maintenance period of 20 years.

H.E. Amer Al Hammadi, Undersecretary of ADEK, said: “We are committed to the continuous enhancement of Abu Dhabi’s education infrastructure in alignment with the emirate’s growing residential communities. Across our sector, PPP models continue to diversify the school ecosystem and enrich students’ learning experience and future pathways. Leveraging our successful Charter School model, which currently counts 15 private sector-operated and public sector-owned schools across the emirate, the project for three new Charter Schools in Zayed City will offer convenient and high-quality education options for catchment students, aiding Abu Dhabi’s ongoing social development.”

Phase 2 of the Street Lighting LED PPP programme will see approximately 140,000 of the emirate’s streetlights replaced with energy-efficient LED technology, resulting in a reduction of approximately 76 percent in power consumption - equivalent to cost savings of AED 705 million - and will be structured as a 12-year concession agreement with DMT.

H.E. Abdullah Al Sahi, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said: “The success of Abu Dhabi’s PPP programme is based on several key components, the most important of which is the consolidation of cooperation between people and institutions in working towards the common goal of creating tangible positive effects for our societies.”

H.E. Abdullah Al Sahi continued: “We are paving the way for ambitious projects through the implementation of the second phase of the Street Lighting LED PPP project, which comes as a continuation of the first phase to achieve high-quality street lighting. The Street Lighting LED PPP programme will reduce operating costs and improve the elements of smart city empowerment by replacing the existing street lighting with energy-saving LED streetlights. In the second phase, we are expanding the geographical scope of the project to include the Al Ain City and the Al Dhafrah Region.”

H.E. Abdullah Al Sahi added: "We will continue to achieve sustainable achievements through the exemplary employment of partnerships with the private sector, in conjunction with adherence to the highest international quality standards, to establish the position of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi among the most preferred cities to live in the world."

ADIO is the central Abu Dhabi government authority with responsibility for the facilitation, development and procurement of all infrastructure projects delivered through a PPP framework in Abu Dhabi, in line with its mandate to support private sector investment in the emirate. It works with entities across Abu Dhabi, including ADEK and DMT, to facilitate PPPs, as part of the government’s plan to procure approximately AED 10 billion worth of infrastructure partnership projects.

Expressions of interest are now open for these two PPP projects. For more information, visit: https://www.investinabudhabi.ae/en/Infrastructure-Partnerships 

Following the submission of expressions of interest, ADIO will be conducting a technical workshop to help build technical PPP knowledge and awareness within the local design, engineering, and construction community. The workshop is aimed primarily at design and engineering consultancies and construction firms that may not have PPP infrastructure delivery experience.

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About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government entity responsible for attracting and facilitating investment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADIO enables opportunities for innovative investors and businesses of all sizes, facilitating connections across Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem to help them establish and grow in the emirate. With a comprehensive range of tailored services and incentives, ADIO helps businesses achieve long-term, sustainable success in the market and across the region.

About the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the Education Sector regulator across the Emirate. It oversees and provides services throughout a learner’s journey from early education to university and beyond. It also champions inclusivity for People of Determination in the mainstream schooling system and by providing specialised schools.

Across Early Childhood and K-12, ADEK licenses and regulates nurseries and private schools in Abu Dhabi while also legislating, mandating and managing its own Charter Schools and 2 schools for People of Determination.

ADEK also annually provides distinguished Abu Dhabi students with full scholarships and support to study at the best universities around the world. In addition, the Department audits and enhances the delivery of Higher Education in Abu Dhabi, attracting Higher Education Institutions to open the required programs or schools that serve Abu Dhabi’s needs while championing a student and faculty-friendly ecosystem in the Emirate.

With a vision to Empower Education. Empower Minds. Empower the Future, ADEK recognises that every learner is different, and a diversity of teaching methods are essential for students to succeed. To that effect, ADEK partners with stakeholders to enable a great education system to flourish in Abu Dhabi and nurture future-ready graduates who have the 21st century skills required to sustain and carry forward Abu Dhabi’s vision.

About the Department of Municipalities and Transport

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) was established by Law No. 30 of 2019 and is the entity responsible for managing the urban planning and transport sectors, and three regional municipalities.

As the entity responsible for supporting the growth and urban development of Abu Dhabi Emirate, the DMT guides, regulates and monitors urban development activities. The expert authority improves municipal work to provide comprehensive services and creates higher living standards for residents through the supervision and management of the municipalities.

The DMT ensures the highest standards of safety, security, sustainability and technological developments of land, air and maritime transport networks of the Emirate, in line with the highest international standards and UAE legislation.

One of the DMT’s top priorities is to fulfil the vision of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, which draws on the vision of our UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

© Press Release 2021