BESIX shortlisted with four PPP projects at the Partnership Awards 2026

Four landmark PPP projects in Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates have been shortlisted at the Partnership Awards 2026, one of the sector’s leading international awards for public‑private partnerships. The nominations recognise BESIX’s deep expertise in complex, sustainable and socially valuable projects, as well as its ability to deliver high-performance outcomes through effective collaboration between public and private sectors. The winners will be announced during the Partnership Awards 2026 held on 30 April 2026 in London.

The four nominated projects are:

1. Khalifa City School (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

2. Khalifa University Student Accommodation (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

3. R4WO ring road project (Ghent, Belgium)

4. ViA15 motorway project (the Netherlands)

The Khalifa City School PPP project in Abu Dhabi has been shortlisted for Best Education and Higher Education Project for its innovative and accelerated procurement approach. Delivered under an augmentation framework within the existing Zayed City Schools PPP, the project enables the rapid delivery of a new campus for 3,380 students. Working closely with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the BESIX‑Plenary consortium delivered a value‑for‑money solution covering the design, build, finance and 18‑year operation and maintenance, with the school scheduled to be operational for the 2026 academic year.

Nominated for Best Social Infrastructure Project, the Khalifa University Student Accommodation PPP is the largest student housing PPP in the Middle East. Awarded by ADIO and Khalifa University to a consortium led by BESIX Group, Plenary Group and Mazrui International, the project will deliver 3,260 student rooms across two campuses under a 23‑year concession. BESIX plays a key role in project leadership, integration and long‑term facilities management, helping to create high‑quality, student‑centred accommodation that supports the university’s international ambitions.

In Belgium, R4WO has received two nominations: Best Transport Project and Best Financial Structure. Delivered through the BRAVO4 consortium for De Werkvennootschap, the project is transforming more than 30 kilometres of Ghent’s R4 Ring Road, including 22 intersections, under a 30‑year DBFM contract. BESIX contributes to the comprehensive renewal of this key mobility corridor, improving traffic flow, road safety and sustainable mobility. The project also stands out for its innovative financing structure, combining traditional bank financing with international investment funds, with BESIX Group investing 20% of the equity.

The ViA15 motorway project in the Netherlands has been shortlisted for Best Transport Project, recognising its innovative PPP structure and long‑term value creation. As a key member of the GelreGroen consortium, alongside Dura Vermeer, HOCHTIEF, Van Oord and John Laing, BESIX contributes to the extension of the A15 and the widening of the A12 and A15, strengthening the corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Germany. BESIX played an important role in structuring the financing and acts as a shareholder, with sustainability, nature‑inclusive design and long‑term mobility improvements at the heart of the project.

Together, these nominations reflect BESIX’s integrated expertise in public‑private partnerships, spanning sectors, geographies and delivery models. From equity investment and financing to design, construction and long‑term operation and maintenance, BESIX continues to deliver durable infrastructure solutions through strong partnerships.