SMCS completes designs of Egypt residential project
Egypt's Samcrete Engineers & Contractors (SMCS) has announced that it has completed the design work for the Pyramids Heights Residences project over a 600,000-sq-m area in west Cairo.
The Pyramids Heights project includes 600 housing units at 140 m above sea level, with investments worth 1.2 billion Egyptian pounds ($135.2 million) and expected revenues of 2 billion Egyptian pounds, reported Amwal Alghad.
It is an integrated project which consists of two parts - a business complex and residential. Spanning over 211,000 sq m, the project involves 10 buildings and 12 local as well as international firms operating. The business complex was already completed in 2000, stated Hisham El-Kheshen, CEO of SMCS.
The company is in talks with a number of distinct partners and international consultants in real estate and urban development to implement this project, he added.
Saudi's Savola says EBRD will invest $100m in Egypt unit
Saudi Arabia's largest food products company, Savola Group, said on Tuesday the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will invest $100 million in one of its indirect subsidiaries in Egypt.
The investment in United Sugar Company of Egypt (USCE) will include a fresh injection of $50 million, as well as the conversion of existing debt of $50 million to equity, it said in a statement.
The deal would bolster USCE's balance sheet and help it cope with Egypt's economic problems, the statement said.
A chronic shortage of foreign currency is hampering Egyptian businesses, leading the central bank to ration dollars through auctions with commercial banks, giving priority to imports of strategic goods.
Savola that under its deal the share capital of USCE will be increased and new shares will be issued to the EBRD. Afterwards, Savola's share in USCE will be reduced from 19.32 percent to 10.37 percent. The ownership of United Sugar Company, also an indirect Savola subsidiary, in USCE will be cut from 56.65 percent to 30.42 percent.
EBRD's ownership in USCE will be 46.32 percent, the statement said.
The EBRD lists developing Egypt's agribusiness sector on its website as one of its aims. It has so far invested in 33 projects, with a cumulative investment of 1.7 billion euros ($1.9 billion), the website said.
Emaar launches premium residential project in Dubai
Leading Dubai developer Emaar Properties has announced the launch of Park Point, a premium residential project featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and a duplex unit, at its ambitious 'green city' Dubai Hills Estate.
A joint venture between Emaar and Meraas Holding, Dubai Hills Estate is a mixed-use development with a series of unique neighbourhoods set around an 18-hole championship golf course.
Set on prime land, spanning over 11 million sq m, it is a new 'city within the city' development. Envisaged as a premium lifestyle community, Dubai Hills Estate's master plan features vast stretches of landscaped parks and gardens, winding walkways, and extensive open areas.
Park Point is a sanctuary of serene living in Dubai Hills Estate featuring elegant homes and fabulous facilities, within one of the most exclusive new projects taking shape in Dubai, said a statement from Emaar.
It will boast of a wide range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments along with a duplex unit.
Launching the sales of the new units, Emaar said special offers are available for those looking to invest in Park Point.
Under its flexible payment plan, the buyers will first make a down payment of 10 per cent of the total value of the property, then a second intallment of 10 per cent on February 20, 2017 followed by a third on July 20 the same year.
The buyer then has to pay another 10 per cent on December 20, 2017 (when 20 per cent of the construction is completed) followed by another on April 20, 2018 (40 per cent work done) and then on August 20 (when 60 per cent work gets completed.
The final installment of 40 per cent will have to be paid on February 28, 2019 when the entire construction work gets completed, said the Dubai developer.
The residents of Park Point will get to experience healthy living in harmony with nature while enjoying an endless array of community facilities including sporting, entertainment and leisure facilities, it added.
Building on Emaar's credentials of developing integrated communities, Dubai Hills Estate will feature an iconic commercial centre, high-end retail centres, as well as low-rise and mid-rise residences, hotels and serviced hotel apartments, said a Emaar spokesman.
They will get access to an endless array of community facilities around Dubai Hills Estate - from a modern health club, golf club to nature trails, jogging tracks, children's play areas, and long-shaded pathways connecting parks and pools, he stated.
Adding to the convenience of residents, are educational institutions, healthcare facilities and mosques.
"One can stroll along a network of green corridors to community shopping centres or the neighbourhood mosque, while the kids bike safely to school on dedicated cycling tracks," said the spokesman.
Besides, a great selection of restaurants, cafés, hotels, medical clinics, spas and salons are all within easy reach of the residents, even as the allure of Downtown Dubai rises majestically on the nearby horizon, he added.- TradeArabia News Service
Dubai waterfront project on track for November launch
Dubai Properties (DP) has announced that the 12-km-long Marasi Business Bay Promenade is on schedule for launch in November, coinciding with the opening of the Dubai Water Canal being built by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).
A leading Dubai-based real estate master developer and asset manager known for renowned destinations across the emirate, DP said more than 10 km of the iconic promenade and surrounding infrastructure, including paving of open areas has been completed to date.
Once launched, the Marasi Business Bay Promenade will be a journey of discovery with unlimited options for entertainment, leisure, retail and an active lifestyle with scattered seating offering the perfect place to enjoy picturesque views of the marina and surrounding canal, said a statement from the developer.
The dynamic and vibrant destination, home to a variety of public facilities, will become the location of choice for outdoor family time, entertainment and fun weekends presenting a world rich with wonders waiting to be discovered onshore and offshore.
Abdulla Lahej, the group chief executive of DP said: "The Business Bay landscape will be redefined with the opening of the Marasi Business Bay Promenade and the Dubai Water Canal. Visitors and residents in this area, which has been known more for its commercial activities, will now have a unique venue in the heart of the city where they can enjoy a new active, urban lifestyle at the city's next iconic fitness and leisure destination."
"The Dh1-billion ($272 million) Marasi Business Bay mixed-use destination, as it weaves its way into the fabric of the city, will become synonymous with what Dubai has to offer ahead of the World Expo 2020 and in line with the Dubai Plan 2021 to create a smart and sustainable city with happy people," stated Lahej.
The region's first-ever purpose-built yachting destination located along the Dubai Water Canal on the extension to the Dubai Creek is divided into three uniquely themed main areas - The Marina, The Park and The Pier.
It is on schedule to be completed by 2023, transforming the Business Bay and Marina as the city's next waterfront landmark. Phase One of the Marasi Business Bay destination, comprising The Marina and The Park, is on schedule for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Also as part of Phase One, the UAE's first-ever water-homes, which are being built on water with pedestrian and boat access and provide unparalleled direct water views, are under construction and have attracted high-levels of local and international interest enhancing Dubai's iconic status as a preferred place to live, work and visit.
The 50,000-sq-m Park area will include 16 parks with water features, play areas, and interactive furniture, as well as an events space with an amphitheatre, outdoor cinema and weekly markets, complementing the waterfront promenade area while the lush green surroundings encourage an active and healthy lifestyle for families looking for the ultimate leisure destination.
The Marina will feature five palm tree-lined marinas with 1250 berths, alongside more than 100 floating retail and food and beverage ( F&B) outlets, an assortment of onshore boutique shopping, leisure and entertainment facilities as well as a range of local and international businesses.
Marasi Business Bay has direct connectivity to the city's main transport arteries - Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road - and it is located within 550 m from Downtown Dubai.- TradeArabia News Service
Etihad Airways expands Madrid service to daily operation
Etihad Airways today announced that its Abu Dhabi to Madrid route will operate daily with the introduction of three new flights each week, effective 1st June, 2017.
The additional frequencies underscore the airline's commitment to offer guests greater choice and more travel options.
Continuing to operate with a two-class Airbus A330-200 offering 22 Business and 240 Economy Class seats, the daily service will strengthen the air bridge between the two capital cities and appeal more to corporate and leisure travellers.
The extra flights will provide connections to key markets across the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent, Asia and Australia. Popular connecting destinations via Abu Dhabi include Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Mumbai and Delhi.
From Madrid, travellers are able to connect to the network of Etihad Airways' codeshare partner Air Europa to seven cities in Spain: Barcelona, Bilbao, Gran Canaria, La Coruna, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife and Vigo. Guests can connect with Air Europa beyond Madrid to destinations in South America and the Caribbean, including Asuncion, Cancun, Lima and Santo Domingo. Etihad Airways also offers links with codeshare partner Avianca between Madrid and the Colombian capital, Bogota.
Free Wi-Fi in Abu Dhabi taxis from next month
ABU DHABI // Taxi passengers in the capital will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi in their cabs from next month.
TransAD has announced the free Smart Wi-Fi service will be rolled out to taxis in November and is expected to be completed across its entire fleet by the middle of next year. The announcement was made at Gitex Technology Week in Dubai.
"TransAD is constantly striving to enhance the passenger experience it delivers in its taxis," said Mohammad Al Qamzi, General Manager of TransAD.
"We are pleased to partner with Telematics and BlueGreen to bring this world-class smart Wi-Fi service to our passengers, who can now avail of constant connectivity in our taxis for free. We are confident this service will enhance passenger satisfaction and happiness, and increase the use of our public taxi service in Abu Dhabi."
Jamal Saeed Al Nuaimi, General Manager of Etisalat- Abu Dhabi, said the UAE has always led the way in the region and globally to launch and implement smart technologies and services that impact the lives of residents.
"Etisalat is spearheading the UAE's smart city and digital transformation journey. We are proud to be associated with this project that is a global first. This is set to transform the digital experience of passengers in Abu Dhabi taxis, and I am sure will set the benchmark for Smart Taxi services across the UAE."
Qatari firm in deal to recycle construction waste
Qatari Primary Materials Company (QPMC) said it has signed a contract with Britain's TRL for the development of quality recycled aggregate for use in construction.
An independent company of engineers, consultants and technical specialists, TRL provides research, technology and software solutions.
With current construction projects in Qatar consuming large quantities of imported aggregate and generating huge quantities of construction waste, the duo have agreed to adopt innovative solutions to convert local construction waste into usable aggregate products that can be used for various construction applications including road construction, building and infrastructure development.
The new agreement aims to support Qatar's strategy of sustainable development and protecting the environment, at reduced costs, remarked Eisa Al Hammadi, the chief executive of QPMC after signing the deal with Dr Khaled Hassan, the country director and head of Middle East Infrastructure, TRL.
"At QPMC, we have placed the government strategy and economy at the centre of our operations. Working together with TRL will enable us to further extend our support to the government to promote sustainability throughout the development of local aggregate from construction waste," stated Al Hammadi.
"Our collaboration will also enable us to reduce reliance on imported aggregate and improve the quality of our local aggregate materials. This will have a positive effect on aggregate pricing, in addition to reducing pressure on our ports and developing new resources for our strategic reserve," he said.
In line with this agreement, both QPMC and TRL will work closely with government organisations and private industry to identify how various types of construction waste can be best produced to meet requirements of national and international specifications for use in construction, noted Al Hammadi.
"This will enable the development of a new source of aggregate stream and support the construction sector in Qatar," he added.
Dr Hassan said this was a significant milestone in improving the development of Qatar's sustainability, economy and environmental impact.
"We have a strong history of working with the relevant authorities in Qatar to improve sustainability and the development of recycled aggregate. Our cooperation with QPMC builds on this work and will open the doors for new aggregate products and business opportunities in the construction industry in Qatar," he observed.
According to him, both the companies will work jointly to implementing new codes of practice to improve the quality of recycled aggregates.
The aim is to improve the management of waste generated from construction waste in order to recycle more and dispose of less material. The recycled aggregate could be widely used in various construction applications including concrete buildings, road layers, concrete blocks and interlock, pipe bedding and fill applications, he stated.
"Recycling of construction waste would have great benefits in terms of protecting the environment and reduction of carbon footprint. In addition to developing a new source of local aggregate, the collaboration between QPMC and TRL will minimise damage of the desert through the continued disposal of construction waste in landfill sites," noted Dr Hassan.
"We aim to apply a new strategy for the developing of recycled aggregate to ensure quality products with pre-certification prior to use in construction. This will add great confidence in the use of recycled aggregate and encourage wider implementation in practice," he added.- TradeArabia News Service
Work starts on Doha Metro's underground stations
Qatar Rail has started work on many of the underground stations of the Doha Metro after the recent completion of the tunnelling of the entire 53.25km distance, said a report.
The total distance of the Doha Metro is a little more than 111 km comprising four major underground alignments - Red Line North (11.3 km), Red Line South (12.05km), Green Line (16.60km) and Gold Line (13.30km), reported the Gulf Times.
This is apart from the nearly 38km of mainly underground light transit rail being developed in Lusail, said the report.
The electro-mechanical works have commenced in many of the stations on the four lines.
The first phase of the Doha Metro project is likely to be completed in the next four years. Also by then, Doha Metro's 37 metro stations are expected to be operative, with an average journey time of two minutes between adjacent stations, stated the report.
By 2030, all the three networks - Doha Metro, Lusail Tram and the long-distance rail, which will link Qatar with the GCC Rail network - will be ready, it added.
Sohar Port and Free Zone mulls major expansion
Oman's Sohar Port and Freezone is working on an ambitious master-plan that will secure its continued growth over the next 25 years, a key executive of the industrial port said in a report.
The 2040 Master-Plan, currently under finalisation, envisions new capacity expansions on both the land and marine sides of the existing 2,000-hectare industrial port, Mahdi Al Lawatia, assets development manager, Sohar Port and Freezone, was quoted as saying in an Oman Daily Observer report.
Addressing the Port Development Middle East Conference, which opened yesterday (October 17) in Musacat, Al Lawatia said that with 95 per cent of the Sohar Industrial Port Area already developed or leased to investors, we have started our master-planning activities that will continue to support the growth of the industrial port well into the future.
He added that since coming into operation just over a decade ago, the port has snagged an impressive $26 billion in investment, underscoring its continuing appeal as an industrial and logistics hub.
Al Lawatia noted that international consultants Halcrow have been roped in to assist in the "smart-planning" of the port expansion, and that future infrastructure development will proceed only when a "sound business case" for such investments is firmly established.
Port of Duqm selects IFS applications to scale up operations
Oman's Port of Duqm has selected Sweden-based IFS, a global enterprise applications company, to facilitate the final transition from greenfield to a fully operational port.
Implemented jointly with Envecon, Port of Duqm will be able to scale up operations as clients, personnel, and suppliers are onboard, so it can effectively manage its core business processes.
Envecon is a trusted IFS partner specialising in ports and terminals, shipping companies, and offshore drilling operations.
Together, demonstrating functional and state-of-the-art technical fit, Envecon will implement IFS Applications as a centrally integrated ERP solution to manage Port of Duqm's operations.
Addditionally, business intelligence, and IFS Enterprise Operational Intelligence will play an integral role providing real-time insight into the business.
Reggy Vermeulen, chief executive officer, Port of Duqm, said: "The chemistry between us and the IFS and Envecon team during the selection process indicated a strong sharing of minds, and a common ambition to realise a mutual successful journey."
"Combined with exceptional industry expertise in harbour operations and the testimonies of their customers, IFS and Envecon demonstrated their ability to meet our needs. They will play a pivotal role in scaling our operations and realising our strategic objectives," he said.
Luis Ortega, managing director for Middle East, South Asia and Africa, IFS, said: "We look forward to working with Envecon in helping Port of Duqm scale up its operations, and driving business value from its investment in IFS Applications."
"In addition, this will add further value supporting other public and private organisations who will utilise the Duqm Port and Industrial facilities to facilitate their integration with the Port Authority services," he added. - TradeArabia News Service
Oman Railway seeks consultants for major projects
Oman Railway has floated a tender for picking a consultant for its ambitious rail project that will link all the three major ports in the country: Salalah, Sohar and Duqm, said a report.
The consultancy contract will be for 15 years, reported the Oman Daily Observer, citing a railway company statement.
The move comes as part of Oman's plans to build a new transport and logistics infrastructure: a modern railway network, for freight / passenger with future plans for high speed rail.
As per the contract, the winning consultant will be provide key services including operation and maintenance, infrastructure, rolling stock, management, railway facilities, mass transit system and auxiliary services such as transportation logistics to ports and mines, it stated.
Multiple consultants will be awarded the contract for the next two years with two possible extensions of one year each of Oman Rail requirements, said the report.
The deadline for collection of documents has been set at November 7, while the final submission date is December 8.
Bahrain real estate group unveils five major projects
Bahrain Real Estate Investment (Edamah) showcased five of its major development projects coming up in the kingdom at a presentation held during the sixth BCCI Business Roundup at the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre.
These projects - which include Sa'ada (happiness), a BD45-million ($117.4 million) waterfront development in Muharraq; a BD350 million ($913 million) North Hawar eco-friendly development, a key multi-storey car park in Adliya (The Terminal), a French-themed cultural hub (Versaille Plaza), and Isa Town Retail Strip (Sharwa) - once complete will create thousands of job opportunities across the kingdom.
Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), said these projects will positively impact the commercial and tourism sectors, and contribute to the development of the Bahraini economy.
The company currently manages an existing portfolio of over 60 properties and is also investing in new real estate projects in the kingdom that will ultimately drive the real estate industry's growth and positively contribute to the local economy.
A commercial state-owned company, Edamah was established to develop, manage and promote a diverse portfolio of signature real estate assets in the kingdom.
Following the endorsement of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and under the guidance of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of Edamah, the company announced Sa'ada, whose major highlights include a central car-parking station to the area and a link to Muharraq's historical souq with a modern waterfront.
Unveiling the project, Mireille Mustapha Babti, the chief development officer of Edamah, said the project will be developed in two phases.
The first phase will include a number of restaurants and cafes, a marina, and entertainment facilities, while the second phase will see a 4-star hotel being built along with a multi-storeyed car park that wil connect the traditional souq with the waterfront through a pedestrian bridge, explained Babti.
The site work on the project is due to commence during the first quarter of 2017, she stated.
Babti also briefed the audience on the progress of the recently announced North Hawar development. The company has appointed consultants to conduct due diligence works, including environmental studies, and aims to commence site works next year.
The first phase is expected to be completed during 2019, whilst the overall completion of the proposed ecofriendly development is due by 2021.
On its other medium-size real estate projects that aim to provide commercial and entertainment offerings, Babti said site work on the French-style Versaille's Plaza will begin by the year end.
Located in Isa Town, the kingdom's educational zone, this mixed-use development is inspired by the classic architectural style of Versailles Palace in France.
Comprising 13 French-themed retail units alongside six food and beverages (F&B) units, all components in this project are surrounded by lavish landscaped areas inspired by the renowned Versailles Gardens. The site work will be completion by 2017.
These included:
The other big project is The Terminal, a multi-storey car park in Adliya block 338 considered to be the food hub of Bahrain.
The new facility will provide over 300 car spaces to help enhance the parking experience in the area filled with restaurants and cafes. Site works have already commenced, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.
The Isa Town Retail Strip (Sharwa) is initiated to introduce convenience shopping in the area. Comprising of 24 retail and office units, Site works have already commenced, and project completion is expected by the first quarter of 2017.
Edamah stated that the portfolio of projects presented, including the first phase of North Hawar will create over 2,000 job opportunities and emphasised that the latest developments on these projects, along with new real estate projects will be announced in the coming months.- TradeArabia News Service
New 'flexible' work permit to allow illegal expats to work in Bahrain
A new "flexible" work permit will be launched in Bahrain in the next few months to allow 10,000 illegal expats to legitimately work for multiple employers for two years.
The move is limited to workers who have overstayed their visa in the country due to being exploited or abused by their employers, the Labour and Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) told Gulf Daily News.
It said the permit, which will cost $80 (BD30) a month in addition to a one-time fee of $530 (BD200), will not cover employees who fled from their employees or are involved in serious offences.
"We are currently streamlining our systems before starting to accept applications for the flexible work permit. The new permit will help workers - who have faced abuse in the past - to work legally in Bahrain with a number of employers," said LMRA chairman Jameel Humaidan.
Calling the permit a "legal alternative to employing illegal workers," officials said it will enable the said workers to take up temporary jobs in all sectors except those that require professional licences such as nursing and engineering.
The applicant for the permit will act as his own sponsor, revealed labour affairs under-secretary Sabah Al Dossary. He added around10,000 illegal workers will be integrated into the labour market through the new scheme.
In 2015, there were almost 32,000 illegal workers in Bahrain and 60,000 illegal residents, according to LMRA figures.
Bahrain awards $1.1bn contracts for new airport terminal
Bahrain has awarded a contract worth $1.1 billion to construct a brand new terminal at Bahrain International Airport to a joint venture of between the UAE's Arabtec and TAV Construction from Turkey.
The contract, which was signed at Bahrain International Air Show 2016 at Sakhir Airbase, includes the construction of the new passenger terminal building, the main services building and an aircraft bay.
The deal is part of Bahrain airport's modernisation programme that will increase the facility's capacity to 14 million passengers annually when it is fully completed.
Further contracts were also signed at the airshow, including an $11.7 million contract with CIMC from China for 25 passenger loading bridges in the new terminal; a $31 million contract with Vanderlande from the Netherlands for the baggage handling system; a $29.7 million contract with US firm L3 Communications for security screening equipment and a $12.5 million contract with Finnish company Kone for the horizontal and vertical transfer systems.
The deals were announced by Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed at a press conference, who said the project is one of the most significant projects for Bahrain and its future development.
"The airport modernisation programme is one of the most important strategic projects for the kingdom of Bahrain, as the airport serves all economic sectors and is a gateway for Bahrain to the rest of the world. Once completed, it will increase the airport's capacity to 14 million passengers annually," he said.
While work has started on piling and enabling works on the site, construction on the new terminal will start in May this year.
"These jobs aim to facilitate the main contractor to enter by May, where we hope to begin the work and we expect the main contractor to mobilise in two months' time. By 2019 we hope to have our new terminal ready," he added.
Mohammed Albinfalah, CEO of Bahrain Airport Company, said the airport modernisation programme "is the largest infrastructure project for the Bahrain International Airport in over 30 years" and is necessary in order "to keep up with the rapid pace of progress in the aviation industry."
"The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, in cooperation with Bahrain Airport Company, has put in place this ambitious program which will be implemented in phases in order to enhance the infrastructure and services in the sector. We are expecting to complete the project in 2019, and expect to see a 3-fold increase in direct flights and numbers of airline using the new passenger terminal building as a result," Albinfalah added.
KBR wins US Army project contract in Kuwait
KBR, a major engineering, procurement and construction company, said its joint venture with top private security firm Triple Canopy, has been awarded a major contract by the US Army for its Kuwait base operations.
It is a firm fixed-price contract for one year with four option years. The total contract for the first year is valued at over $115 million and the full contract is expected to exceed $800 million over the five year life of the contract, said a statement from KBR.
As per the deal, KBR-Triple Canopy JV will provide logistics, engineering services and installation support services including morale, welfare and recreation (MWR); information management; forms and publications, official mail, and reproduction services; postal operations; healthcare support services; operations, security, fire and emergency services, it stated.
The Kuwait Base Operations and Security Support Services (K-BOSSS 2.0) contract will cover the Kuwait Area of Responsibility including: Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring, Udairi Range Complex, Camp Patriot on the Kuwait Naval Base (KNB), the Aerial Port of Debarkation (APOD) located at the Kuwait City International Airport (KCIA), and Sea Port of Debarkation (SPOD) located at the Kuwait Port of Shuaiba, it added.
On the contract win, Stuart Bradie, the president and chief executive of KBR, said: "We are very pleased about this opportunity, along with Triple Canopy, to provide base operations and security support services for the Army in Kuwait."
"The KBOSSS 2.0 contract, awarded by US Army Contracting Command - Rock Island, provides us the opportunity to continue our long, successful history providing major overseas installation services support solutions for the US Armed Services," stated Bradie.
"This win underscores KBR's reputation as a strategic services integrator providing disciplined delivery, high customer satisfaction and unparalleled performance in austere contingency environments and in their accompanying theater opening locations," he added.
KBR has earlier provided services support solutions for the US joint Armed Services spanning the military operational continuum from contingencies to critical forward locations across the globe and at home, said the statement.
The company provides Base Operations Support Services for the US Navy in Djibouti and Bahrain while simultaneously providing immediate response services support solutions for the US Army in Kuwait, Iraq and much of Europe through the Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation IV contract, it added.- TradeArabia News Service
Health insurance for expats in Kuwait set to jump 165% in 2017
Health insurance costs for expats working in Kuwait's private sector will rise from $165 (KD50) to $430 (KD130) in 2017, according the CEO of Kuwait Health Assurance Company (KHAC).
Dr Ahmad Al- Saleh, CEO of KHAC, the company that oversees provision of expat healthcare in the country, said the increase in charges will be in line with the new independent healthcare system for foreigners.
The rise in charges will not reflect the actual cost of health services being offered to expats in Kuwait, Al-Saleh told Arab Times.
"The total number of expatriates who will benefit from this project will be about 2 million excluding those categorised as housemaids," Al-Saleh said.
DHAMAN, the name of the independent healthcare system for expats, will be carried out in two phases of which the first will begin in Q1 2017 in primary healthcare centres and the second will begin by the end of 2019.
The ministry of health said it will issue necessary licenses for medical centres which provide services for expats in the private sector, assistant undersecretary for private sector health services Dr Mohammad Al-Khashti said.
He said DHAMAN will also build three hospitals in Jahra, Farwaniya and Ahmadi as part of its plan to provide services to expats through a total of 15 healthcare centres.
Mandatory health insurance scheme to apply to all Kuwait visitors
Kuwait's ministries of health and interior are looking to introduce a mandatory health insurance plan for all visitors to the Gulf country.
The proposed insurance plan would apply and cover all visitors including families, tourists or visitors arriving on commercial visit visas, reported Kuwait Times.
It will also apply to visitors applying for temporary residencies and those notified to leave the country.
Officials said similar schemes have been introduced in many countries and are meant to help increase Kuwait's financial revenues.
Kuwait inches closer to expat only hospitals
KUWAIT: Kuwait's plan to achieve complete nationality-based segregation at its medical facilities is on track, with the first steps set to take place early next year when clinics run by a medical insurance company will begin offering services exclusively for expatriates.
In addition to the 15 clinics that will be spread across Kuwait, the Health Insurance Hospitals Company, a public shareholding firm for health insurance established in accordance with a decision by the Cabinet, will provide medical care for expatriates through three hospitals to be officially opened by late 2019, CEO Dr Ahmad Al-Saleh said during a conference sponsored by the health ministry.
When those hospitals become operational, the plan is to prohibit expats from receiving medical attention at public hospitals and clinics, making access to those facilities - where services are mostly offered free of charge - exclusive to Kuwaiti citizens. This step also comes at an additional cost for foreigners. Once the new company takes over the duties of offering health services to expats from the health ministry, expats' annual health insurance fees will increase to KD 130, Saleh confirmed, without giving an exact date for its implementation.
At present, expatriates must pay KD 50 per year health insurance before they can renew their residencies. This allows them basic services in the public healthcare system including polyclinics and government hospitals. Expatriates are also required to pay additional fees for a variety of medical procedures, especially surgeries, hospital stays and radiology examinations. Expatriates also pay KD 1 for each visit to public clinics and KD 2 to casualty sections at hospitals.
Under the ministry of health's law No. 1/1999 pertaining with health insurance for foreigners, obtaining medical insurance is obligatory in order to issue or renew a resident's visa. Therefore, the KD 130 insurance fee will become mandatory according to the same law. There has been debate in the past that the government should give expats the choice of buying health insurance plans from private insurance companies.
The Health Insurance Hospitals Company was established according to the public-private-partnership (PPP) model with a KD 230 million capital, and the government owns 24 percent of its shares, while 26 percent is owned by strategic investor Arabi Holding Group. The remaining 50 percent will be offered in an initial public offering at a later date.
Furthermore, most expats are likely not going to find the option of buying insurance policies from private companies financially feasible as well. The average monthly salary for expat workers in the private sector is KD 255 according to official statistics, while the minimum average cost for private health insurance in Kuwait reaches KD 140 a year, and goes up the older the buyer is.
The idea to establish expat-exclusive hospitals came after the government decided it was the best solution to the problem of its heavily overcrowded public medical facilities. The current health sector's capacity is 7,000 beds in public hospitals and 1,000 in private hospitals, with an average of three beds for every 10,000 in Kuwait, Dr Mohammad Al-Khashti, the ministry of health's assistant undersecretary for private medical services, said during the launch of the 2nd Kuwait Conference for Insurance and Investment in the Health Sector on Tuesday. The ministry hopes to increase the capacity to 15,000 by 2020, he added. The ministry is also expected later this year to open the Jaber Hospital - a nearly 1,200-bed public hospital billed as the largest hospital in the Middle East - which will be exclusively for Kuwaitis.
Meanwhile, the three planned hospitals for expatriates will have a bed capacity of 700 each, and will be built in Ahmadi, Jahra and Farwaniya governorates. They will serve only around two million expatriates working in the private sector, while non-Kuwaiti public sector employees and domestic helpers (nearly one million) are either going to continue to be treated at public hospitals or through an alternative health plan, likely at private medical facilities via a mechanism to be decided later.
Minimum salary for visit visas raised to KD 200
KUWAIT: The interior ministry has increased the minimum wage required for a foreigner to issue visit visas for relatives, only a few days after the state approved a decision to raise the salary required for expatriate workers to sponsor their wives and children, in a move said to help curb an increase in the country's expat population.
An expat must now have a minimum salary of KD 200 to apply for a visit visa for his wife or children, said Maj Gen Talal Maarafi, director general of the interior ministry's residency affairs department. The previous minimum wage was KD 150.
Meanwhile, the minimum salary must be KD 300 for an expat applying for a visa for a sibling or any other relative, except for parents, whose age must not exceed 50 yearsMaarafi explained.
The interior ministry last year set the duration of a visit visa issued for a wife or child to three months, while visit visas for relatives were restricted to one month.
Last Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah issued a decision amending the foreign residency law to raise the salary requirement for dependent visas from KD 250 to KD 450, a move expected to cut the number of foreign families in the country.
The two most recent steps come as Kuwait scrambles for solutions to address a demographic imbalance problem that is widely blamed for the country's deteriorating public services and infrastructure and unemployment among other issues. "We have 2,670,000 expats, and if we do not take such measures, this number will double in a few years, creating a bigger problem," Maarafi told Al-Rai daily.
How can a person whose monthly salary is KD 250 deal with the high cost of living and meet all the demands of his family?" Maarafi said in defense of the interior ministry's decision. "It is illogical, and keeping it unchanged means costing the state money and commitment towards unproductive manpower." Maarafi reassured that the decision will not be enforced retroactively, and will only affect dependent visa applications submitted after the decision became effective. Dependent visas issued before the decision can still be renewed based on the old salary, and the same goes for issuing visas for newborns, he added.
Only male expatriates are allowed to sponsor a family, according to Kuwait's residency laws. The average salary of a male expat in the private sector is only KD 247, according to the latest statistics. In case the husband dies, a working mother can sponsor her children, provided that her monthly salary meets the KD 450 minimum requirement, Maarafi explained. Some exceptions will also be made on humanitarian grounds regarding spouses and children, he added.
The interior ministry's recent measures are directly linked to the government's plan to readjust Kuwait's population, which is currently dominated by expats at nearly 70 percent, according to sources familiar with the issue. Meanwhile, the same sources who spoke to Al-Rai on the condition of anonymity admitted that a proposal to reduce or set a quota for the number of expat communities in Kuwait will take time to implement, adding that any step in this regard would be taken on a gradual basis in order to minimize any potential negative effects that might happen as a result. "[Rushing the decision] could create confusion in the state's economic and labor market fields, in addition to the effect a drastic reduction could have on Kuwait's relations with other countries," said the sources.
The Egyptian government last week urged Kuwait to retract a decision it recently made to reduce the monthly rent allowance paid to expat teachers in public schools from KD 150 to KD 60, which affects nearly 13,000 Egyptian teachers working in the state. Egyptian Minister of Manpower Mohammad Saafan was even quoted in the Kuwaiti press as saying that the 'crisis' resulting from this decision will be presented for discussion during the Arab Labor Organization's meeting late next week in Qatar.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Planning and Development Hind Al-Subaih reiterated as well that rectifying Kuwait's demographic imbalance remains part of the government's plans, yet its implementation needs "prolonged periods of time".
In other news, Maarafi announced that the interior ministry will implement the interior minister's decision pertaining with rectifying the situation of Palestinians in Kuwait who carry travel documents issued by Arab countries. Nearly 8,000 Palestinians have been dealing with a dilemma for the past few months after Egyptian authorities stopped renewing their travel documents issued by the Egyptian government on grounds that they already carry Palestinian passports.
However, those Palestinians could not renew their visas in Kuwait because Kuwaiti authorities were yet to recognize their passports as official documents. But this changes this week as the systems at all immigration departments around Kuwait will be updated to accept Palestinian passports, Maarafi said, adding that Palestinians with expired visas would then be required to obtain a certificate from the Palestinian Embassy to confirm that their passports are valid, before their new visas are printed on the passport.
Separately, Maarafi expressed hope that the foreign ministry would begin searching for new markets to recruit domestic helpers before a national domestic labor recruitment company that was established earlier this year begins its work.
Driver's licenses; Expats run SMEs
KUWAIT: The newly-established Public Authority for Roads Transportation will soon take over the duties of issuing and renewing driver's licenses, as well as car registrations, license plates and inspection.
Coordination is currently ongoing with the Interior Ministry's Traffic General Department to complete the transition as soon as possible, an official at the authority said. -Al-Anbaa Expats run SMEs
Around 98 percent of small and medium enterprises in Kuwait are managed by expatriates who are hired by Kuwaiti owners who receive substantial support from the government to run their businesses, political and economic analyst Fawaz Al-Shaibani said, adding that his conclusions were based on statistics obtained from the Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP). -Al-Qabas
Ikea Saudi launches online shopping
Ghassan Ahmed Al Sulaiman Furniture Trading, Ikea Saudi Arabia, the leading home furnishings company in the region, has launched an online shopping facility from its website.
With the official launch of Ikea Saudi Arabia's new e-commerce platform and with just a few clicks, customers can now purchase select Ikea products and have them delivered right to their doorsteps. The e-commerce platform is now available in selected cities and will be later rolled out to cover all areas across the kingdom.
Faisal Al Gain, country marketing manager at Ikea Saudi Arabia, said: "Saudi Arabia has been one of the fastest growing e-commerce markets in the Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region. Due to boundless technological progress that we have witnessed during this day and age, it is only right for us to keep reinventing ourselves and the experience we offer our customers as we are continuously committed to creating a better everyday life for the many people."
"This is an exciting time for us as we want to further build on our growth story and expand our online presence to become closer to our customers in the kingdom whilst providing them with a remarkable and convenient shopping experience," he added.
Through this newly launched platform, Ikea has facilitated further services allowing for purchases to take place with set delivery dates that fit the customer's convenience, in addition to providing secure payment options through Sadad and other major credit cards. - TradeArabia News Service
German railway firm plans to use NSTC for trade to Iran
Deutsche Bahn, a leading German railway company, plans to use the International North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC) and begin delivering goods from Europe to Iran via Azerbaijan Republic, said a report.
Representatives of the German railway operator said that they were interested in using NSTC, which is expected to provide a faster and more efficient trade connectivity between Europe and Southeast Asia, added the Iran Daily News report.
The International North-South Transport Corridor is the ship, rail, and road route for moving freight between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia. The objective of the corridor is to increase trade connectivity between major cities such as Mumbai, Moscow, Tehran, Baku, Bandar Abbas, Astrakhan, Bandar Anzali, etc.
Dry runs of two routes were conducted in 2014, the first was Mumbai to Baku via Bandar Abbas and the second was Mumbai to Astrakhan via Bandar Abbas, Tehran and Bandar Anzali.
The issue of using this route was raised in a recent meeting in Tehran between the heads of railways of Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the German operator's officials, the report said.
The meeting discussed prospects of development of the North-South international transit corridor, and exchanged views on transportation of goods from India and Gulf states to Europe and vice-versa.
The participants also exchanged views on the participation of Deutsche Bahn in the transporting goods through the route. The German company will send its first container to Iran in late November via Azerbaijan using the transit path, added the report.
Dutch airline KLM has resumed flights to Tehran, Iran, after a three-year recess, said a report.
The first flight was welcomed Imam Khomeini international Airport of Tehran on Saturday night, said a report in IRNA.
KLM managing director and chief operating officer René de Groot said that lifting Western sanctions on Tehran and resuming flights between Iran and Netherlands can help increase the knowledge of Dutch people about Iranian market.
There will be seven flights a week operating between Tehran and Amsterdam, de Groot said.
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