CMS advises Abu Dhabi Investment Office on development of first student accommodation PPP

CMS has advised Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) on its joint project with Khalifa University to develop the largest student accommodation facility under a public-private partnership (PPP) model in Abu Dhabi. ADIO and Khalifa University have awarded the delivery of the project to KUnnected Living, a multinational consortium comprising Plenary Group, BESIX Group and Mazrui International.

The project marks the first student accommodation to be developed under Abu Dhabi’s well-established Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Programme. The initiative encompasses a 23-year concession for the design, construction, financing, and maintenance of 3,260 student rooms and communal facilities spread across Khalifa University’s Main Campus and its Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus.

ADIO is responsible for structuring and procuring all infrastructure projects executed through the PPP framework in Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the deal, David Moore, CMS lead partner on the project said, “We are pleased to have supported ADIO on the award of this landmark project to KUnnected Living, which represents a significant milestone in the development of the largest student accommodation project under Abu Dhabi’s public-private partnership model. This project exemplifies the strength and potential of public-private partnerships in delivering critical infrastructure. Our team’s expertise in navigating complex PPP frameworks has helped in bringing this project to commercial close, and we are proud to contribute to a development that will deliver top-ranked educational facilities and support the region’s growth in the education sector.”

The CMS team was led by David Moore and Iona Hunter with assistance from Sam Ridge.