Latest news with #AliaAlFarsi
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
19-05-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Why The Mandarin Oriental Muscat Is A Must-Visit Escape
Set in a prestigious central location, Omani hospitality, curated experiences and local touches elevate the offering at the new Mandarin Oriental Muscat As the sleek limousine purrs through Shatti Al-Qurum, with its white villas and prominent flags, you know you're in an expensive neighbourhood. Flanked by embassies, within a short walk to the Muscat Opera House and hugging the coastline, the much-anticipated Mandarin Oriental Muscat has found a very special address. From the moment you are ushered into the lobby, where high-powered meetings and genial ladies' gatherings are taking place with pretty patisserie in the Sawa Lounge and Mandarin Cake Shop, one can see that this new property has already carved its place among the city's elite. There's something very reassuring about staying at a hotel that has established itself – and is frequented by – its own community. Its location is key. This is a hotel for those who want to be in the heart of the city, to immerse themselves in the Sultanate's culture and to take advantage of the bespoke excursions the hotel curates, from rose-picking visits to the Jabal Akhdar mountains to a trip to celebrated local artist Alia Al Farsi's Al Rusayl warehouse gallery and a tour of the evocative Muttrah souk scented with spice and frankincense. You'll also see her painted motorbike on the property, and be able to learn about how the hotel's symbol – its iconic fan – has been commissioned as an artwork featuring 11 Omani women in traditional, diverse dress. The 150-room and suite property has already become a top pick among the business community who find the central location indispensable. But as more of its leisure offerings are unveiled, it's attracting a wider range of families and tourists, too. Those looking to unwind find the swimming pool – a focal point at the heart of the property – a sanctuary to escape to. And the promenade on the waterfront is ideal for picturesque walks. Gastronomic offerings are another big draw for both hotel guests and visitors; all-day dining is provided at Rawya, which charms with its indoor-outdoor aesthetic, Silk Road-inspired story and sumptuous buffet breakfasts. Italian Essenza's terrace is the go-to for dinner. Classics are done with aplomb – burrata-topped Margherita pizzas, rich lasagne and veal Milanese all accounted for – but the culinary cognoscenti should opt for some of the more niche offerings; a flavourful penne fish ragu was a revelation. After a day basking in the sun or discovering local sites and natural treasures, returning to the sophisticated rooms is a welcome delight. Through artwork, French designer Xavier Cartron has infused a gentle local touch into the sprawling spaces (even entry level options start at 55sqm), while keeping the understated luxury stamp that the Far Eastern brand is known for. Our corner suite had a separate dining and seating area, was flanked by balconies overlooking the sea and pool and had a huge walk-in closet connected to the bathroom, complete with stand-alone tub. The Mandarin Oriental is of course known for its spas. The Muscat incarnation lives up to their world-famous reputation, with a traditional hammam, eight treatment rooms and a slew of rituals – like the rose quartz massage that evokes being surrounded by sand – that incorporate local beauty traditions. There are also international brands showcased, with facials using Biologique Recherche, and a collaboration with haute perfumerie house Amouage. There are many plans yet to be unveiled; we spotted shops and restaurant outlets by the waterfront, space for a Kids' Club and a programme of ideas for community initiatives that will create an even more vibrant environment; one that further infuses Omani tradition into the lives of lucky guests who get to stay here.
Arab Times
19-03-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Call for improved public restrooms at Kuwait's beaches, tourist hotspots, and travel routes
KUWAIT CITY, March 19: Municipal Council member Eng. Alia Al Farsi has submitted a proposal concerning the provision of public restrooms, emphasizing that these facilities are a necessity and a fundamental requirement, not a mere option. In her proposal, Eng. Al Farsi stated, "The availability of restrooms outside the home and in public facilities is essential for maintaining public health and safety, and it plays a significant role in improving the quality of life. Ensuring the locations of these restrooms are easily identifiable and accessible is a basic and necessary requirement." She further noted that the new Gulf Building Code is designed to promote public health and safety by establishing unified building standards that consider the region's environmental and geographical conditions. Based on this, Eng. Al Farsi proposed the following: To follow the guidelines set out in the Gulf Building Code and adhere to the building laws and regulations, particularly those clauses that require all buildings and facilities—whether commercial, investment, craft-related, or public—to provide restrooms that serve their users and visitors. Special attention should be given to the needs of the elderly, children, and individuals with medical conditions who require accessible restrooms. These restrooms must be sustainable, of high quality, and designed to accommodate men, women, and people with special needs in all public facilities and establishments. For example, but not limited to: Mubarakiya Market – increasing the number of restrooms. Public and tourist facilities. Public beaches. Land travel routes. Clear guidance and identification signs should be placed to direct individuals to the restrooms.
Arab Times
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Kuwait's 2.3 mln cars push parking crisis to new heights
KUWAIT CITY, March 5: The parking crisis in Kuwait is worsening due to the increasing number of cars. The latest statistics from the Ministry of Interior revealed that there are 2,374,339 licensed vehicles in the country -- 1,188,624 owned by citizens; 552,009 owned by expatriates; 455,192 company vehicles; 132,263 owned by Gulf nationals and 26,316 owned by non-Kuwaitis. Experts agree that it is necessary to resolve the crisis of cars parked randomly around private and government buildings and mosques, as this leads to visual pollution. They suggested the establishment of multi-storey parking lots in various areas to help solve this crisis. Eng. Alia Al Farsi, a member of the Municipal Council and a transportation engineering consultant, explained that the parking crisis extends to all types of land use and is widespread in investment housing areas. She submitted a proposal to the Municipal Council to solve this crisis in investment housing areas, and it is currently under technical study by the Construction Works Regulation Committee in Kuwait Municipality. Her proposal aims to encourage investors to establish parking lots in investment housing, as most investment housing buildings are located in and outside the Capital, leading to random parking around the buildings. This random parking leads to visual pollution and obstructs the movement of cars and pedestrians. The proposal aims to eliminate the parking crisis through optimal urban planning for parking lots in investment housing, finding a way out of the randomness of parking cars. This will raise the standard of living for those living around the residential buildings by eliminating parking in dirt yards, roads and sidewalks; thereby, adding value to the buildings, creating a sense of responsibility among individuals, and raising the level of traffic safety in investment housing areas. The proposal encourages the construction of multi-storey parking areas in investment housing buildings and complexes, in accordance with the terms and conditions set by the Municipality. In the absence of reliance on public transportation like trains, metros and buses; it is necessary to establish multi-storey parking lots in compliance with the engineering regulations that take all aspects into account. The problem also affects private housing areas, where cars and garbage containers accumulate due to the absence of appropriate urban organization. Bader Al-Hammadi, Vice President of the Traffic Safety Association and security expert, believes that the parking crisis can be solved through several axes, including the use of multi-storey parking lots in places where traffic congestion is common, especially in front of government agencies. He recommended providing means of transportation with specific technologies to transport citizens and expatriates to government agencies via public transportation and implement the subway idea with the speedy completion of railways to prevent excessive use of cars.
Arab Times
30-01-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Metro Future in Limbo as Gaps Persist
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 30: Various State agencies have been reviewing the 'Kuwait Metro' project over the past two decades and it has undergone many stages; including global consultation, feasibility studies, countless meetings, and the establishment of numerous committees; Municipal Council member Alia Al Farsi stated at the council's Technical Committee meeting on Tuesday. This is in response to the question of Deputy Chairman of the Council Khaled Al-Mutairi, about the project. Al-Farsi pointed out that she does not interpret the decision as a cancellation of the project, but a suspension until the issuance of a new law and mechanism to propose it without the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) system. Discussions also showed that the Public Authority for Roads and Transportation did not implement rapid transit system management or transportation management within its organizational structure. The authority previously stated that the country needs a central body to manage its transportation systems to achieve comprehensive planning and coordination. The committee said that 'development goals cannot be achieved if each of the involved party conducts separate studies and strategies for the transportation systems without collaboration and a comprehensive perspective. Discussions revealed that PART and the Municipality have their transportation strategies. This duplication is a waste of time, effort and public funds. Kuwait is a small country with the best planning, such as ring and radial roads. It is more appropriate to manage its transportation systems in a better way. The bus system needs to be restructured and developed at the drop-off and loading points and bus stops. The taxi system needs specific official drop-off and loading points.' In conclusion, the committee stressed the need for a specialized central authority in the State. 'This authority will utilize modern programs to analyze, develop and modify traffic light operations at intersections, which are crucial at this juncture. The metro is vital a mode of mass transportation in the country; considering its positive impact on the environment, sustainability, traffic safety and congestion. It is closely tied to the recovery of the country's economy,' the committee added.
