Latest news with #Spanish-based
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Moroccan Students Contribute Over €133 Million to Spain's Economy
Rabat – Spain is not only getting revenues from trade exports but also from education, as over 7,263 Moroccans were enrolled in Spanish universities in the last academic year. Data shared with Morocco World News from StudiesIn estimates that a Moroccan student enrolled in a public university in Valladolid could pay around €8,360 in tuition over four years. This is in addition to living costs that could range between €7,200 to €14,400. The study shows that studying at a private university like Madrid or Barcelona would require higher budgets. ' Using a conservative estimate of €15,560 per student (based on affordable cities like Valladolid), the total spending by the 7,263 Moroccan students currently studying in Spain would be: 7,263 students × €15,560 = approximately €113 million over four years,' the source said. This means that the number could exceed €200 million if many Moroccan students are based in cities with higher living and tuition costs, or if they are enrolled in private universities. StudiesIn also shared the overall number of international students that signed up for Spanish-based universities, noting that the European country welcomed a record of 241,777 international students in the 2022-2023 academic year, up from 224,080 in the previous season. This also represents a strong rebound from 175,382 students in 2020-2021 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Moroccan students are drawn to Spain for a variety of reasons,' the study said, noting the availability of academic programs in both Spanish and English. The factors also include a 'strong reputation for high-quality public and private universities' as well as the opportunity to live in a diverse environment with international student communities from different backgrounds. 'Spain's geographic closeness, shared history, linguistic, and cultural familiarity also make it a particularly appealing choice for Moroccan families,' the same source added. also highlights the costs Spanish universities charge students depending on the region. In Madrid, a bachelor's degree could cost between €66,200 in a public university, while the number could be nearly double in a private university (€105,200).' In Barcelona, public schooling could be similar to Madrid's rates or more, ranging between €62,240 and €95,040 at public universities. But the budget is estimated at more than €165,760 in private universities. Four-year costs for a bachelor's degree in Valencia at a public university range between €50,000 and €69,000, while the budget could exceed €133,000 at private universities. In Seville, the total budget could be between €30,000 and €60,000 in a public school. For StudiesIn, Valladolid is known for affordability, as public university students can spend between €15,560 to €22,760, while private university students may pay between €16,800 and €134,400 for four years. Tags: Education in MoroccoSpain and Morocco
Observer
11-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Funding secured for solar project at Barka V desalination plant
MUSCAT: Madrid-headquartered GS Inima has secured financing to build a 6.3MWp photovoltaic plant at the Barka V desalination facility in Oman, marking a significant step toward integrating renewable energy into critical infrastructure. In a statement, the company said the project aligns with its commitment to a sustainable water management model, particularly in regions like Oman where solar potential is high and water demand is critical. 'The financing of the Barka 5 photovoltaic plant culminates the development of this project, which began in 2022. In addition to reaffirming its environmental commitment, GS Inima optimises the profitability of the Barka 5 desalination plant project, 100% owned by GS Inima, and consolidates its presence in the Middle East. COFIDES' support in the investment of this project has been decisive, and we want to express our gratitude to the entire COFIDES team that has collaborated with GS Inima during this phase of the project,' said Juan José Benayas, CEO of GS Inima Barka 5 Desalination Plant. The new solar facility, intended for self-consumption, will supply approximately 11% of the desalination plant's energy needs through 2044. Spanning 40,000 square meters, the solar installation will be designed, built, operated, and maintained entirely by GS Inima Barka V Desalination Co SAOC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spanish-based international water infrastructure company GS Inima Environment. Funding support came from COFIDES, a Spanish public-private entity that helps promote sustainable international investments by Spanish companies. Their backing was key to advancing the solar integration effort, which further cements GS Inima's presence in the Middle East. Barka V, which became operational in June 2024, is GS Inima's first project in the region. The plant produces 100,000 cubic meters of potable water per day—enough to serve more than 800,000 people in Oman's Muscat and Batinah regions. This will be GS Inima's second project in Oman to incorporate solar power into the desalination process, reinforcing the company's role in pioneering hybrid solutions that reduce carbon emissions and enhance resource efficiency. The solar-powered desalination model is particularly relevant for Oman, where abundant sunlight, high temperatures, and growing water demands make clean energy solutions both practical and strategic. GS Inima says the Barka V project will not only reduce the plant's carbon footprint but also contribute to Oman's broader sustainability goals. With this new milestone, GS Inima continues to expand its global leadership in integrated water cycle solutions, while promoting resilient infrastructure that supports long-term environmental and operational sustainability.
Irish Independent
11-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Tipperary campaigner outlines to Justice Minister why IPAS contract at landmark hotel should be scrapped
Today at 10:22 A Tipperary woman campaigning to save Dundrum House's built heritage, has written to the Justice Minister and other TDs outlining why a new contract to provide accommodation for 277 people should be terminated. Dundrum House has been at the centre of planning controversies, and recently, a contract worth €16m-€20m was signed by the Department of Justice with a Spanish-based company called Utmasta, to provide refuge for up to 277 international protection applicants.
Observer
07-06-2025
- Observer
Tourism master plan for Oman's White Mountain
MUSCAT, JUNE 7 Spanish-based tourism and hospitality industry consulting firm THR Strategic Tourism Advisors has announced that it has been appointed by Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to master plan the development of Jabal Al Abyadh (The White Mountain) into a sustainable tourism attraction. Located in the Wilayat of Al Hamra in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Jabal Al Abyadh is the second highest peak in Oman, reaching an elevation of around 3,000 metres. Unlike other well-known mountain destinations in the governorate, notably Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Jabal Shams, which are connected by modern access to the summit of the White Mountain is only via graded tracks that are off-limits to only but the most skilled motorists. But with Jabal Al Abyadh enjoying almost the same favourable natural and weather-related characteristics as Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Jabal Shams – cooler climes, rugged landscapes, campsites and other features suited for adventure tourism – authorities have decided to open up this location to tourism development as well. 'We are excited to share that we've officially launched a project to develop a tourism master plan for Jabal Al Abyadh, also known as Oman's White Mountain,' said THR. The company added in a post that a team from THR, accompanied by representatives from the ministry and local experts, had recently made an initial site visit to 'explore this breathtaking destination, located less than a 2-hour drive from Muscat'. Commenting on the significance of the mountain destination, THR added: Al Abyadh holds remarkable potential for nature-based and cultural tourism, with its stunning wadis, rich archaeological sites, awe-inspiring caves, and above all the warm hospitality of its people. This visit was an essential step in understanding the area's assets and identifying opportunities for sustainable tourism development that honours both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.' According to experts, the toponym 'White Mountain' is a reference to the presence of extensive limestone and ophiolite rock formations in Jabal Al Abyadh. Part of its appeal also stems from the presence of abandoned mountain villages and ancient Aflaj system, underscoring the mountain's historical value. Additionally, pastoral communities on the summit have preferred to live traditional lives as goat-herders while eschewing many of the creature comforts afforded by modern living. THR, which has undertaken over 1100 projects in around 70 countries, specialises in tourism and hospitality industry consulting, destination strategy, marketing and management, resorts and hotels, and tourism development plans.
RTÉ News
29-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Dundrum locals vow to continue protest outside IPAS hotel
Locals in a Co Tipperary village are vowing to continue their protest outside a former hotel now housing applicants seeking international protection a year after their demonstration first began. It has been one year since round-the-clock protests began outside Dundrum House Hotel, with local TDs now calling on the Minister for Justice and the Dáil's Public Accounts Committee to review a new contract signed with its operators. Dundrum House is an 18th-century country estate, situated around 14km from both Cashel and Tipperary town. The hotel building was closed to the public following a ballroom fire in 2015, but its golf resort, restaurant and leisure facility continue to trade. Locals welcomed 277 Ukrainian refugees to the guest accommodation there in 2022. However, as many moved on from the facility, political representatives were told on 29 May last year that Dundrum House would begin to accommodate international protection applicants as well as Ukrainian refugees, while details of a new two-year contract confirmed plans to provide 277 beds for international protection applicants there last month. Local residents have maintained a 24/7 presence at the hotel gates for a year, with people taking turns to attend the makeshift camp where a caravan and tent with a wood-burning stove provide shelter under floodlights. The camp is surrounded by Irish flags and numerous placards with slogans including "Dundrum says No to Direct Provision", "Peaceful Community Protest Supported by Local Businesses" and "Make Dundrum Great Again". One of those protesting, Fiona Kennedy, told RTÉ's Drivetime that the camp "has never once been unattended", even on Christmas Day and through extreme winter storms. Locals are "steadfast" in their view that a village of 220 people cannot cater for 277 international protection applicants, and their main aim is to "get our hotel back" for tourism. With a number of new arrivals to the hotel this week, Ms Kennedy said locals know it is housing international protection applicants, but "are at a loss to understand how a contract could have been signed". Ms Kennedy said planning issues were raised by Tipperary County Council, and separately there were "three court cases pending at the moment" relating to Dundrum House. Local political representatives claimed the two-year contract could be worth €16 million to €20 million following government communications in April confirming that 277 beds would be provided for international protection applicants in Dundrum House. The property is being operated by Utmasta Limited, a newly formed Spanish-based company with a 20-year lease on the site.
