The last decade has seen tremendous growth in Abu Dhabi. As part of the region’s vision to become one of the world’s most dynamic cities by 2030, plans are well under way to construct a cultural district on Saadiyat Island, including new Louvre and Guggenheim museums; a Formula One race track and theme park on Yas Island (to name just a couple of high-profile projects); and the development of world-class industries.
The dramatic rise of the city as a global centre for business, tourism, and industry has been accompanied by an explosion in the population, as workers from around the globe flock to Abu Dhabi with their families. As a result, Abu Dhabi schools are struggling to meet demand and there is fierce competition for placement.
The Importance of Education to the Future of Abu Dhabi
In response to this challenge, a new British Community School—the British College Abu Dhabi (BCAD)—is being created. The BCAD will offer a state-of-the-art, not-for-profit British curriculum to students of all nationalities, and Abu Dhabi office partner Tim Pick is a member of the steering committee.
The Shearman & Sterling Abu Dhabi office had already been considering how best to support the Abu Dhabi community in the context of a new licensing law that requires all international law firms operating in the city to undertake pro bono work. Recognizing that exceptional education is the foundation to ensuring future generations are equipped to drive, shape, and deliver Abu Dhabi’s transformation, as well as a critical factor in attracting the world’s best talent, the firm decided to become involved in several school projects including development of the BCAD.
Assessing and Meeting the Needs of the Students
As an associate specialising in commercial construction law, I was asked to assist with negotiating and settling the professional and construction contracts required for the new BCAD. Counsel Brian Clayton and associate Shawn Davis formed the remainder of the team for this project. Associate Kelly Li is advising another school on its expansion.
In relation to the BCAD project, I have worked with the project coordinator to develop the tender package that will be issued to architects interested in bidding on the design, and have prepared those packages, which include the forms of professional appointments for the works. Plans for the BCAD incorporate a design that will be informed by the latest psychological principles of learning, and facilities that are suitable for extensive “out of hours” activities involving parents, students, and members of the community.
Moving the Process Forward
In January we sent out invitations to tender and forms of professional contracts for the design and construction of BCAD. Further work is required to negotiate and settle the remaining professional appointments and building contracts required for each project.
It has been, and continues to be, an enjoyable and rewarding experience to be able to use my legal experience to directly advance these British curriculum educational projects and to support, and feel part of, the Abu Dhabi community.