As Zayed City continues to grow as a key urban centre in Abu Dhabi, the demand for high-quality, accessible education has risen sharply. The Zayed City Schools project responds directly to this need, delivering one of the region’s largest educational complexes to date.
Designed to accommodate 5,360 students, the development includes three distinct yet integrated schools: a Kindergarten and Cycle One School for boys and girls, a Cycle Two and Three Girls’ School, and a Cycle Two and Three Boys’ School. Beyond education, the project supports employment for over 220 teachers and 75 support staff, creating lasting social and economic value for the community.
Managing a high-impact development
WT was engaged to provide comprehensive project management and cost management services across all phases of this ambitious initiative. Our role included strategic planning, budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder coordination – ensuring that the complex was delivered on time, within budget, and in line with both educational needs and regulatory standards.
Managing a facility of this scale posed a unique challenge: how to design and coordinate a space that effectively serves different age groups and genders, while remaining cohesive and adaptable. We addressed this by fostering close collaboration between architects, educators, and government stakeholders to align the design with learning outcomes and local cultural considerations.
Delivering certainty through coordination and technology
Given the size and multi-phase nature of the project, we employed proactive risk management strategies to mitigate potential cost overruns, scheduling delays, and coordination challenges. Regular progress reviews and dynamic cost control allowed the project team to respond quickly to design revisions and evolving requirements, preserving both quality and momentum.
Digital technologies, particularly Building Information Modelling (BIM), played a central role in streamlining project delivery. BIM enhanced design accuracy by helping to identify and resolve spatial conflicts early, and improved communication among disciplines – ultimately reducing rework and keeping the project on track.
Long-term benefits for a growing community
Completed in 2024, the Zayed City Schools complex serves as a cornerstone of the region’s educational infrastructure. Our involvement helped ensure efficient delivery and financial discipline, providing the client with confidence and clarity throughout the process. The result is a high-performance educational environment that not only meets current demand but supports long-term youth development, job creation, and sustainable community growth.