Pinsent Masons advises senior and equity bridge lenders on Khalifa University Student Accommodation public-private partnership project

27 Aug 2024 | 09:22 am |

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised HSBC, Korea Development Bank, The Norinchukin Bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank on all aspects of the project financing of the Khalifa University Student Accommodation public-private partnership (PPP) project.

This development is the largest student accommodation PPP in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and includes a 23-year concession to design, build, finance, and maintain 3,260 student rooms and communal facilities across Khalifa University’s main campus and Sas Al Nakhl campus. Construction is scheduled for completion by winter 2026.

Catherine Workman, Head of Middle East region, said: “We’re delighted to have had another opportunity to work with this dynamic consortium, who have once again demonstrated their ability to deliver key social infrastructure through PPP.”

The project was awarded by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology to the KUnnected Living consortium, comprising Plenary Group, BESIX, and Mazrui International, with construction undertaken by United Engineering Construction.

The Pinsent Masons team was led by Catherine Workman and Matthew Escritt and involved a multidisciplinary team including Martin Bishop, Chris Hall, Albert Kromm and Kenza Krim.

Matthew Escritt, Head of Finance & Projects (Middle East), added: “This is another significant achievement for Abu Dhabi, which is leading the way with PPP in the region.”

This project builds on the success of the Zayed City Schools PPP project, where three schools have recently become operational, on which Pinsent Masons also advised. This underscores Abu Dhabi's significant progress in bolstering its social infrastructure through PPPs. 

Latest press releases

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons part of consortium appointed to advise Nuclear Waste Services on UK Geological Disposal and Waste Repository Projects

Pinsent Masons, Burges Salmon and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer have been appointed to support Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) in relation to the planning, consenting and regulatory work associated with the UK’s Geological Disposal Facility and Low Level Waste Repository. 

Pinsent Masons completes move into new Sydney office

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has today launched its second decade in Australia by completing its move into new offices at 33 Alfred Street in Sydney.

Pinsent Masons announces double corporate partner hire to London capital markets team

International law firm Pinsent Masons has today announced that it has strengthened its City practice with the hire of two senior corporate partners, Nicholas Holmes from Ashurst and Dinesh Banani from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.

People who viewed this press release also viewed

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons announces double corporate partner hire to London capital markets team

International law firm Pinsent Masons has today announced that it has strengthened its City practice with the hire of two senior corporate partners, Nicholas Holmes from Ashurst and Dinesh Banani from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.

Pinsent Masons advises International Finance Corporation on milestone Bhutan investment

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised International Finance Corporation (IFC), the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets, on its first ever investment in Bhutan’s energy and infrastructure sectors.

Pinsent Masons hires leading funds partner in Luxembourg

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has today announced the hire of Manfred Dietrich to lead its funds and asset management team in Luxembourg.

For all media enquiries, including arranging an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact the press office on

+44 (0)20 7418 8199 or 

Location contacts

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.