Public-Private Partnership (PPP): a plain guide for people in Dubai

How a PPP works, step by step

1. 1

   Understand what a PPP is

   In a PPP, the public sector partners with a private sector partner to jointly plan, finance, construct, and/or operate or maintain an asset or service. It is a shared undertaking, not a simple handover, and it is commonly used to deliver infrastructure and public services.

2. 2

   Know who brings what

   The private sector partner brings in their expertise, resources, and capital to the project, while the public sector partner provides oversight and regulatory support. Each side contributes what it does best.

3. 3

   Follow the money: financing

   PPPs often involve the private sector partner providing financing for the project, in addition to design, construction, and operation. This is one of the key characteristics that sets a PPP apart from a standard public contract.

4. 4

   Share the risk

   PPPs involve the sharing of risks between the public and private partners. Rather than one side carrying everything, responsibility is split according to who is best placed to manage each risk.

5. 5

   Expect innovation

   PPPs often involve the private sector in bringing new ideas, technology, and best practices to a project. Innovation is a built-in feature of the model, not an afterthought.

6. 6

   Pick the right model

   The structure of a PPP can vary. There are nine main functions that help determine which Public-Private Partnership model should be used, so the exact shape depends on the project. For the current list of models and any applicable requirements, check the authority's website.

   Documents:PPP model guidance

Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.

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