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Arab Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti Cabinet reviews security, economic projects in weekly meeting
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers held its weekly session on Tuesday at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister. Following the meeting, Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi issued a statement summarizing the session's key discussions and decisions. The Cabinet began by extending heartfelt congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the people of Kuwait on the advent of the Hijri New Year 1447 AH. Ministers offered prayers for continued prosperity and blessings for Kuwait and the Arab and Islamic nations. The meeting reviewed messages addressed to His Highness the Amir from leaders of friendly and allied countries, focusing on enhancing bilateral ties and strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. In line with its commitment to monitor regional developments and bolster national preparedness, the Cabinet examined the minutes of the Ministerial Committee for Food, Drug, and Water Security. Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi briefed the ministers on the Ministry's pharmaceutical and medical stockpiles, confirming readiness to supply hospitals and health centers with essential medications and supplies over sustained periods. Commerce and Industry Minister Khalifa Abdullah Al-Ajil Al-Askar presented a visual report on Kuwait's strategic food reserves, market surveillance, and cooperative society monitoring to ensure the stable availability of food items and bottled water. Cabinet members also discussed overall readiness measures taken by ministries and government agencies in light of regional conditions. Ministers affirmed the continued delivery of essential services and supplies, as well as efforts to maintain national security and stability. On the development front, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Mohammed Al-Mashaan provided a detailed update on the new Kuwait International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) project, including its infrastructure, access roads, service buildings, and aircraft facilities. T2 has earned a Gold Rating from the U.S. Green Building Council under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, signaling international recognition of its sustainability standards. The Cabinet expressed gratitude to Dr. Al-Mashaan, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and all involved in the T2 project. Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Abdullatif Hamed Al-Mishari offered a presentation on the Northern Economic Zone and Islands Project, emphasizing Bubiyan and Failaka Islands. The project is seen as a pivotal driver of non-oil revenue and a means to expand private sector engagement in industry, commerce, and tourism. Further, senior officials from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), and its General Reserve Sector discussed plans for a new Entertainment City. The initiative, aimed at enhancing Kuwait's tourism appeal and economic activity, will involve collaboration with leading international companies for investment and operations. As part of its commitment to combating terrorism and its financing, the Cabinet reviewed a recommendation from the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs concerning an amendment to Law No. 106 of 2013. The proposed decree-law, approved by the Cabinet, will be submitted to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final endorsement. The Council also acknowledged the Civil Service Commission's circular designating Thursday, June 26, 2025, as a public holiday in observance of the Hijri New Year. Official work will resume on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with exceptions granted for agencies providing essential services. The session concluded with a review of various items on the agenda. The Cabinet approved several matters and referred others to the relevant ministerial committees for further evaluation and procedural completion.
Observer
11-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Tender floated for commercial hub in EZAD Square
MUSCAT: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) announced on Wednesday the launch of a tender for the construction of the administrative and commercial buildings complex in the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah EZAD Square, IP4. The Authority invited experienced Omani-Saudi consortiums to submit bids via the electronic tendering platform 'Esnad.' The deadline for purchasing tender documents is set for June 26, with a site visit scheduled for June 30. The final date for submitting bids is August 11, 2025. The tender includes the construction of the main square of the Al Dhahirah Integrated Economic Zone, a business centre, an administrative building, a commercial centre, as well as a hotel and a health centre. The scope of work includes the execution of civil works, electrical and mechanical systems, and steel structures for the buildings. It also covers external works such as the construction of internal roads, sewage networks, water and irrigation systems, and landscaping. The total land area allocated for the complex is approximately 50,000 square metres, with the first phase covering a built-up area of around 17,000 square metres and the potential to expand to 38,000 square metres. Eng. Ibrahim Yousuf Al Zadjali, EZAD Project Manager, affirmed that smart city principles have been considered in the design of the facilities. The buildings have also been designed in line with the requirements for obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification, which will be implemented by the consortium awarded the tender. Al Dhahirah Integrated Economic Zone is located 20 kilometres from the Empty Quarter border crossing between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a total area of 388 square kilometres.
Muscat Daily
11-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Tender launched for commercial complex at EZAD Square
Muscat – The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) announced on Wednesday the launch of a tender for the construction of an administrative and commercial buildings complex in the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah (EZAD) Square. The authority has invited experienced Omani-Saudi consortiums to submit bids via the electronic tendering platform 'Isnad'. The deadline for purchasing tender documents is June 26, with a site visit scheduled for June 30. The final date for submitting bids is August 11, 2025. The tender includes the development of the main square within the Al Dhahirah Integrated Economic Zone, encompassing a business centre, an administrative building, a commercial centre, as well as a hotel and a health centre. The scope of work comprises the execution of civil works, electrical and mechanical systems, and steel structures for the buildings. It also includes external works such as the construction of internal roads, sewage networks, water and irrigation systems, and landscaping. The total land area allocated for the complex is approximately 50,000 square metres, with the first phase covering a built-up area of around 17,000 square metres, and the potential to expand to 38,000 square metres. Eng Ibrahim Yousuf al Zadjali, Project Manager of EZAD, affirmed that smart city principles have been integrated into the design of the facilities. The buildings have also been designed in accordance with the requirements for obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification, which will be implemented by the consortium awarded the tender. The Al Dhahirah Integrated Economic Zone is located 20 kilometres from the Empty Quarter border crossing between Oman and Saudi Arabia, and spans a total area of 388 square kilometres.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The 3rd Tallest Office Building in Hong Kong Central Plaza Awarded 4 Platinum Building Certifications
Acknowledgement as a Green and Sustainable Grade-A Office BuildingCommitted to Optimising Service Quality in a Comfortable Environment HONG KONG, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Central Plaza in Wan Chai is pleased to announce it has been awarded Platinum Rating in three environmental and sustainability related certificates. It also proudly received a Platinum ranking from WiredScore –a leading organisation in assessing building technology. – testament to Central Plaza's efforts in improving and upgrading its building facilities and system technologies with modern, greener and smarter offerings as well as staying abreast the wellbeing of its tenants. Central Plaza Moves with the Times to Embrace Environmentally Sustainable Goals; Achieves BEAM PLUS & LEED in Platinum Recognitions Central Plaza is committed to keeping up with the times by upgrading the quality of its property and creating Grade-A offices that meet the same energy efficiency standards as new buildings. Central Plaza received the BEAM Plus Platinum as well as Platinum recognition by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – the most recognised green building rating system globally. The BEAM Plus certification demonstrates a high level of sustainability measures in all aspects of management, operation and maintenance; while the LEED Platinum recognition demonstrates excellence in waste reduction and energy efficiency, confirming Central Plaza's achievements in upgrading its building facilities with sustainable goals in mind. In the past 5 years, electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions at Central Plaza have been reduced by 10 and 30%respectively; and water consumption has been reduced by 24.4%. Central Plaza continuously monitors its energy consumption and promotes a number of measures in resource efficiency. These include the adoption of water-cooled chillers and electricity-free cooling paint, which significantly reduces energy consumption and has the highest platinum rating in The CIC Green Product Certification. Conventional lighting is replaced with efficient LED lighting; while continuously running escalators are replaced by those that only service on demand; and automatic sensing taps with low flow rate now take the place of manual taps. Central Plaza Now a Quadruple Platinum-Recognition Holder Its People-Oriented Ethos Garnered Certifications from WELL CORE and WiredScore, Promoting Tenant Well-being and Anticipating Future Needs Central Plaza provides the best working environment for its tenants; it also implements an ongoing measurement of contaminant data to educate and empower occupants about their environmental quality in order to create a sustainable and healthy workspace environment. Central Plaza's People-Oriented ethos was awarded the WELL CORE Certification in recognition of features and practices to protect human health and well being – an acknowledgement that covers a number of physical and mental health concepts that enhance tenant comfort. Central Plaza also achieved Platinum for WiredScore, a digital leader in building technology company assessment. It ensures that the future needs of organisations are met with office spaces featuring excellent technological facilities, further strengthening Central Plaza's position as the leading Grade-A office building in Hong Kong. Together with 'Green Building Environmental Assessment Method' (BEAM Plus) and 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' (LEED), Central Plaza has officially become a Grade-A office with "Quadruple Platinum" building certifications. Diversified Global Enterprises Set Up Office in Wan Chai's Prime Location Central Plaza is a Grade-A office building located in the core business district of Wan Chai North; it is now the 3rd tallest office building in Hong Kong and a key landmark in the city. Central Plaza enjoys a premium location with excellent accessibility, connected to MTR Exhibition Centre Station and Wan Chai Station by a 3-minute walk; it also offers panoramic views of the Victoria Harbour on most floors, attracting a number of consulates in Hong Kong, as well as multinational corporations, public listed companies and local business organisations from different industries such as finance and investments, insurance, legal, accounting, energy, IT, electronics, media and real estate, testament to its panache in catering to the diverse the needs of companies in different sizes and different business natures as well the needs of both traditional and innovative industries. Central Plaza's efforts in Promoting Sustainability Garner it "Quadruple Platinum" Building Certifications Provide our tenants with a full range of the most comfortable and quality services and working environments Central Plaza is committed to energy conservation. The challenges of achieving "Quadruple Platinum" building certifications for the 1992-built Central Plaza are relatively greater than those of newly completed buildings. Yet, Central Plaza continues to keep pace with the times and strives to maintain the quality of Grade-A offices so to provide a more desirable working environment for its tenants. A representative from Central Plaza says, "As one of the Grade-A offices in the heart of Hong Kong's commercial districts, Central Plaza has long been devoted to optimising and improving building operations and facilities, continually upgrading our existing system and technologies, as well as striving for sustainable goals. Our 'Quadruple Platinum' recognition is the fuel and drive to our sustainable development and to provide our tenants with a full range of the most comfortable and quality services and working environments for the years to come." About Central Plaza Central Plaza, developed by a joint venture partnership comprising The Sino Group and Sun Hung Kai Properties, is a 75-storey Grade A office building with a 3-storey basement parking lot, totalling a height of approximately 374m. Along with the Annex, it offers approximately 1.18 million square feet of lettable space. Central Plaza stands majestically in Wan Chai North's core business district and offering magnificent views of Victoria Harbour. Hong Kong Convention Exhibition Centre and a number of five-star hotels are just located within the vicinity. Central Plaza enjoys a premium location with excellent accessibility, connected to MTR Exhibition Centre Station and Wan Chai Station by a 3-minute walk. The MTR directly connects Lo Wu Control Point and Lok Ma Chau Control Point. Commuters can travel to all destinations in Hong Kong and Mainland China conveniently. The transportation network spans the entire city that making it convenient to travel to various border crossings and airport. Please download high-resolution images here: The above press release was distributed by Above The Line PR on behalf of Central Plaza. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Central Plaza
Hans India
07-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Career: Exploring opportunities in interior design for students
Interior design today is much more than selecting colors and fabrics—it has grown into a multidisciplinary career that blends creativity with science, technology, sustainability, and psychology. For students inclined toward design, the interior design field offers a wide spectrum of opportunities that cater to changing lifestyles, technological innovations, and environmental priorities. As homes, workplaces, and public spaces evolve to meet new human needs, interior designers are playing a crucial role in shaping experiences that are not only visually engaging but also functional and future-ready. Specializing early helps students sharpen their focus, build a strong portfolio, and carve a niche in a competitive global market. Residential Design Residential design remains one of the most in-demand and dynamic fields. It's about more than aesthetics—students in this specialization learn how to create comfortable, practical, and environmentally sustainable homes. From apartments in urban high-rises to sprawling villas, the role involves space planning, lighting, storage solutions, and color theory. Students aiming for a career in residential design should develop technical skills in software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit, and understand the psychological impact of colors and layouts. Collaborating with real estate developers or home renovation firms through internships offers practical insights into client preferences and budget constraints. Healthcare Design The healthcare industry is embracing design like never before. Hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers are now prioritizing interiors that promote healing, comfort, and efficiency. For students interested in the intersection of human wellness and design, healthcare interiors present a meaningful and socially impactful career. The focus is on accessibility, calming aesthetics, soundproofing, and ergonomic design. Understanding the needs of patients and medical professionals is essential. Students should consider courses or certifications in healthcare design standards, color psychology, and biophilic design to improve patient outcomes through environmental design. Sustainable Design: Building a greener future With climate concerns growing, sustainability has become a cornerstone of interior design. Sustainable designers create spaces that are energy-efficient, use recycled or locally sourced materials, and reduce waste throughout the project lifecycle. This specialization is perfect for students passionate about the environment. Courses in green architecture, energy modeling, and materials science can provide a solid foundation. Green certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or GRIHA can make students more employable and ethically aware as professionals. Many government and private projects now mandate sustainability standards, making this a rapidly growing field. Set and Exhibition Design: Storytelling through space For creatively inclined students who are drawn to film, theater, or cultural exhibitions, set and exhibition design offers a high-impact career path. Whether it's a film set that transports viewers to another era or a museum installation that educates and engages, this specialization is about crafting experiences. The work involves a deep understanding of lighting, props, storytelling, and audience engagement. Students can build their skills by participating in college theater productions, working on student films, or volunteering at exhibitions and art fairs. Mastering 3D design tools and storytelling techniques will help build a standout portfolio. Preparing for a Design Career: What students should focus on Choosing the right specialization is just the beginning. To succeed in the interior design industry, students must: • Stay updated with global design trends and new materials • Develop strong digital skills (AutoCAD, Rhino, Revit, Adobe Suite) • Gain practical experience through internships or live projects • Build a diverse and dynamic design portfolio • Pursue certifications or short-term courses in niche areas • Cultivate soft skills like communication, presentation, and client handling Conclusion Whether it's designing intimate living spaces or immersive cultural experiences, the interior design profession allows students to make a tangible impact on people's everyday lives. With a wide range of specializations, this field offers room for creative exploration, technical mastery, and purpose-driven innovation. As design continues to shape how we live, work, heal, and play, students entering this field have a chance to lead that transformation—one space at a time.
