Future-ready school campus in Abu Dhabi wins Education Project of the Year
At a glance
The Yasmina British Academy in Abu Dhabi is a modern, flexible and sustainable campus that incorporates green building design principles. Designed for Aldar Properties and Aldar Education, the expansion of the campus provides an inclusive learning environment for students aged 3 to 18. The project enhances educational quality while integrating energy-efficient systems, advanced digital infrastructure and sustainable construction practices that contribute to the region’s long-term development goals.
The challenge
Aldar sought to expand Yasmina British Academy to accommodate growing demand for high-quality education and provide a complete learning pathway from early years to secondary levels. The new large-scale campus had to meet Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) standards, support modern teaching methods and incorporate sustainable design principles.
The project had to:
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Increase capacity for more than 3,600 students across 141 new classrooms
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Deliver modern facilities such as laboratories, art studios and sports spaces
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Maintain strict timelines while managing safety, cost and quality
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Integrate sustainability into design and construction without disrupting ongoing school operations
Our response
We led the construction and building engineering delivery across both phases of the project. Phase 1 introduced an Early Learning Centre for children aged three to six, completed in 2022. Phase 2, completed in 2024, expanded the campus and enhanced facilities for primary and secondary students.
Our multidisciplinary team worked closely with Aldar Education to develop a people-centred, energy-efficient design. Highlights of our collaborative approach included:
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Application of building information modelling (BIM) to coordinate architectural, structural and MEP systems, minimising errors and improving scheduling accuracy
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Integration of sustainable construction materials and energy-efficient features such as smart lighting, adaptive HVAC systems and greywater recycling
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Creation of flexible spaces that combine learning, recreation and collaboration, supported by science labs, STEAM classrooms, a media suite and performance areas
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Use of recycled materials and eco-conscious design to reduce the school’s environmental footprint
This unified process enabled smooth delivery, strong collaboration and measurable performance outcomes.
The impact
The expanded Yasmina British Academy now serves as a thriving community hub that supports education, recreation and local growth. The project achieved a 30 percent reduction in project delays, 20 percent reduction in overall construction costs, 25 percent decrease in energy consumption and 30 percent reduction in water usage.
The campus created approximately 1,800 jobs during construction and continues to generate lasting employment opportunities for educators and staff. New facilities, including auditoriums, sports centres and collaborative learning spaces, enhance student engagement and community interaction.
Sustainability remains central to the project’s legacy. Solar panels, water-efficient systems and green spaces promote biodiversity and energy savings, while modern design and digital connectivity foster lifelong learning in a healthy, adaptable environment. Yasmina British Academy demonstrates how innovation and green building design can enrich education and community life in the United Arab Emirates.