Innovative reuse of retail spaces into a visionary education hub for Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government

Established in 2005 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) is the first research and teaching institution focused on governance and public policy in the Arab world.

The goal was to create an innovative educational hub, with multipurpose spaces designed to accommodate smart technology, flexible learning areas, and promotes a sense of community, collaboration, critical thinking, and the exchange of ideas representing the strong MBRSG brand.

JLL assembled an integrated team to partner with MBRSG across various project stages, beginning with the Agency team identifying and acquiring the location in City Walk Dubai. The Project & Development Services team then led the interior design, MEP solutions and provided project management and cost management services for the construction and fit-out. With a single project partner across all aspects enabled a unified, coordinated strategy, minimising delays, reducing risks, and maximising success.

A retail floor of 17,343 sqft, transformed into a school using biophilic design principles offers a dynamic learning environment. It features flexible training rooms, intimate classrooms, a unique library, conference facilities, staff areas, and social spaces. Over 40 multipurpose office spaces, dedicated meeting rooms, a recording studio, café, and a large event terrace blend indoor and outdoor spaces.

Energy-efficient HVAC systems were installed to significantly reduce water and energy consumption while sustainable materials were carefully chosen for the fit-out to minimise environmental impact.

This thoughtful transformation exemplifies innovative space utilization, creating an ecosystem that fosters learning, collaboration, and community engagement in a former retail environment.

Through JLL's insights and expertise, MBRSG was able to make well-informed decisions about costs, timelines, and the long-term vision of their facility. This partnership ultimately contributed to the successful delivery of their new campus, ensuring the highest quality while staying on a tight timeline and within budget.