The Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a prestigious institution and the only extension of the Sorbonne in the Middle East. Established to provide a high-quality French-speaking higher education, the university aims to attract top students from the UAE and across the region.

The joint venture contractors Habtoor Leighton and Murray & Roberts were awarded to construct the two-phase Abu Dhabi Sorbonne University campus for 2,000 students, with residential accommodation for 500 students.

Pascall+Watson was commissioned by the joint venture contractor team to oversee design management and delivery of the project including schematic and detailed design. Upon completing the design phase, Pascall+Watson was asked to expand their role in the project to include the production of shop drawings on behalf of the contractor.

This project has been procured as a Design & Build contract with phase 1 opened in September 2009 (lecture wing 1, administration block, library, dining hall) and Phase 2 opened in August 2010 (the central cupola, lecture wing 2, male/female residential blocks and a world-class sports hall facility)