Latest news with #Azura
Daily Express
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Express
Oceanman makes a return this Sunday
Published on: Friday, July 18, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 18, 2025 Text Size: Participants of a previous Oceanman Malaysia event with their medals. Kota Kinabalu: Oceanman, the world's premier open-water swimming endurance event, is set to return to Sabah with the second edition of Oceanman Kota Kinabalu on July 20 (Sunday), in the waters of Pantai Dalit, Tuaran. The competition will challenge swimmers of all ages and abilities to test their limits against the backdrop of the breathtaking Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu's coastline. Advertisement The event will feature a range of distances, including the Sprint 2km, 5km, 10km 500-metre relay race, as well as the Oceankids 500-metre race, catering to swimmers of all levels. Participants can expect a unique and unforgettable experience, swimming in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. The event will also showcase the beauty and diversity of Sabah's marine life and ecosystems. 'We are thrilled to bring Oceanman to Sabah for the second time, after last year's successful event,' said Azura Zainol Abidin, Event Director of Oceanman Malaysia. 'Kota Kinabalu offers an incredible setting for this world-class event, and we are confident that it will be a resounding success yet again,' Azura added. In its first chapter last year in October, Oceanman Kota Kinabalu welcomed 200 participants. This year, Oceanman Kota Kinabalu is welcoming 592 participating swimmers from 39 countries around the world, signifying a strong sign of global interest and engagement in the sport. This open water swimming event challenges these swimmers to test their swimming capabilities in an open sea setting, as opposed to within the constraints of a swimming pool. In addition, this global event is also expected to contribute to the local economy and tourism industry in Sabah. 'We are organising an exciting, enjoyable open water swimming series under a cleverly branded umbrella for swimmers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds,' says Race Director Amirizal Ishak. 'This event is perfect for a 'swimcation' with the whole family. The support from Tourism Malaysia and the Sabah Tourism Board will be instrumental in making the Oceanman event a mainstay as a Sabah event. Hopefully, Oceanman will offer an exciting new experience for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said. Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) believes the event can help strengthen Sabah's reputation as a leading sports tourism destination in Malaysia. 'As the host venue for Oceanman Malaysia these three years (2024-2026), we are excited about the potential this event holds for positioning Sabah as a prime destination for sports tourism,' he said. Oceanman has also proven to be an inclusive sporting event welcoming participants as young as 7 years old and as old as 70 on top of an Inspiration Category for swimmers with disabilities. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
South China Morning Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Malaysian sisters marry foreigners, communicate with hand gestures, spark online hilarity
Three Malaysian sisters have caused online hilarity after they married men from different countries, forcing their family to break the language barriers by using gestures and facial expressions. Advertisement The women's father, Razali Yusof, 85, from Perak in northwestern Malaysia, says they married men from Britain, Egypt and Pakistan, according to local media outlet Harian Metro. Razali said that neither he nor his wife speaks English, and none of his sons-in-law speak Malay. The trio of husbands from Britain, Pakistan and Egypt with their Malaysian wives. Photo: handout This means the family has to rely on hand gestures and facial expressions to communicate. Razali described their conversations as being like 'chickens talking to ducks', a local idiom for mutual incomprehension. He said that after years of living together, they have built a strong mutual understanding and no longer need to use full sentences to communicate. Advertisement Briton Robin Kennedy, 53, was drawn to Azura, the eldest of Razali's daughters, because of her gentle and cheerful nature.
Observer
07-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
New residence redefines coastal living in Oman
MUSCAT: Al Mouj Muscat has unveiled its latest milestone in luxury real estate with the launch of Azura Beach Residences, a groundbreaking waterfront development that introduces the first dual-frontage homes in the Sultanate of Oman — offering residents breathtaking views of both the ocean and the marina. This exclusive new neighbourhood, set within the West Point precinct of the sought-after Al Marsa District, reflects a bold evolution in Al Mouj Muscat's vision for integrated coastal living. In an exclusive interview with the Oman Observer, Salma al Hashmi, Vice President of Marketing at Al Mouj Muscat, explained the inspiration behind the project and how Azura exemplifies the developer's commitment to community-centric design, sustainability and architectural distinction. 'Our vision is always rooted in four guiding principles,' Al Hashmi began. 'We listen intently to what our customers truly value. We study the geographical character of each plot of land. We aim to deliver sustainable design and we integrate nature into every aspect of the community. Azura Beach Residences is a perfect manifestation of that vision'. According to Al Hashmi, the unique location — with the marina to one side and the open sea on the other — naturally lent itself to a design that maximises both water views and a sense of openness. 'The land inspired us,' she said. 'It's peaceful, it's rare and it called for something distinctive — something that embraces the rhythm of nature while meeting the evolving desires of our residents'. Launched on July 6, 2025, Azura Beach Residences spans 19,500 sq m of prime coastal land and offers just 309 units, including 286 one- to three-bedroom apartments and 23 four-bedroom chalets — each designed with private plunge pools, three-car parking spaces and seamless indoor-outdoor layouts that amplify natural light and scenic vistas. This sense of intentional exclusivity is central to the project's long-term value proposition. 'The number of homes is deliberately limited,' Al Hashmi emphasised. 'We continuously assess market demand and respond with carefully calibrated offerings. Exclusivity here isn't about scarcity for its own sake — it's about ensuring each residence retains value, appeal and a strong sense of privacy'. 'As you've seen by yourself tonight,' she added, 'the interest has been phenomenal. We're anticipating a full sell-out of this sector within just a few days'. Beyond architecture, Azura Beach Residences is designed to enhance the lifestyle fabric of Al Marsa District. Residents benefit from direct access to Al Mouj Walk and the marina promenade, while enjoying integrated amenities such as an infinity pool, landscaped relaxation zones, co-working lounges, children's play areas and a fully equipped gym. The community is also preparing to launch new sports facilities, including padel and tennis courts, as part of its broader vision for healthy living. 'Wellness is not an afterthought — it's an essential pillar of our masterplan,' said Al Hashmi. 'From walking tracks to leisure and fitness spaces, every detail is crafted to encourage movement, mindfulness and connection with nature'.
Malay Mail
03-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Morocco turns to desalination to save crops, jobs as drought worsens
AGADIR, July 4 — On the drought-stricken plains of Morocco's Chtouka region, cherry tomato farms stretch as far as the eye can see, clinging to life through a single, environmentally contentious lifeline: desalination. 'We wouldn't be here without it,' said Abir Lemseffer, who manages production for the tomato giant Azura. Severe drought driven by climate change has gripped the North African country since 2018, leaving Azura's 800 hectares (2,000 acres) of farms entirely dependent on desalinated water. But the technology comes at a high cost—both financially and environmentally. It is energy-intensive, and in a country where more than half of the electricity still comes from coal, it carries a heavy carbon footprint. Since 2022, Morocco's largest desalination plant, located nearby, has been producing 125,000 cubic metres (4.4 million cubic feet) of water a day. The supply irrigates 12,000 hectares of farmland and provides drinking water for 1.6 million people in Agadir and surrounding areas, said Ayoub Ramdi of the regional agricultural development office. By the end of 2026, officials hope to boost production to 400,000 cubic metres of water, half of which would be designated for agriculture. Without that water, 'a catastrophic scenario would loom over Morocco', said Rqia Bourziza, an agronomist. Agriculture, which contributes about 12 percent to Morocco's overall economy, has been badly hit by six consecutive years of drought—prompting the country to go all-in on desalination. Across Morocco, there are 16 plants capable of producing 270 million cubic metres of water per year, with a target of reaching 1.7 billion cubic metres by 2030. Desalination is a good alternative, but only for high-value crops such as tomatoes and orchard fruits. — AFP pic Pricey water While around 1,500 farmers in the Agadir region make use of the water provided by the plant, others don't because it's simply too expensive. Among them is Hassan, who grows courgettes and peppers on half a hectare of land and uses water from a well shared with 60 other farmers. 'I can't afford to use that water,' he said, declining to give his full name. Desalinated water is sold at $0.56 per cubic metre, excluding taxes, compared with $0.11 per cubic metre for conventional water. That hefty price tag comes despite a 40 percent subsidy from public coffers. Ali Hatimy, another agronomist, said 'the cost of desalinated water significantly reduces the range of potential crops because only very high-value-added crops can offset it'. Bourziza insisted that desalination was 'a very good alternative' but only for high-value crops such as tomatoes and orchard fruits. Beyond the financial cost, desalination also exerts an environmental cost, said Hatimy. 'The production of desalinated water requires tremendous amounts of electrical energy and brine discharges impact marine ecosystems,' he said. Highly concentrated brine is a byproduct of the desalination process. Ramdi, from the agricultural development office, said that 'no impact' had been observed in the waters around Agadir, adding that the brine was diluted before its release. While Morocco has a growing share of renewable energy, 62 percent of its electricity came from coal in 2023 and 14 percent from oil and gas, according to the International Energy Agency. Insufficient groundwater The stakes in the wider region of Souss-Massa, which accounts for 85 percent of Morocco's fruit and vegetable exports, are high. Nearly two million tonnes are produced each year, with a turnover of $1.1 billion. Ramdi said the desalination plant had thus helped to protect $1 billion of revenue a year and more than a million jobs. 'Desalination has saved agriculture in Chtouka,' said Mohamed Boumarg, walking through one of his tomato greenhouses. 'Before, I only cultivated five hectares because I was constrained by the amount of water I had. Groundwater was not sufficient,' said the 38-year-old farmer who now grows 20 hectares of tomatoes, with 60 percent of his crop marked for export. 'Our survival depends on it,' said Lemseffer of Azura. 'Either we accept sacrificing some of our margin by using desalinated water, or we close up shop.' — AFP
Kuwait Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Drought-hit Morocco turns to desalination to save vegetable bounty
AGADIR: On the drought-stricken plains of Morocco's Chtouka region, cherry tomato farms stretch as far as the eye can see, clinging to life through a single, environmentally contentious lifeline: desalination. 'We wouldn't be here without it,' said Abir Lemseffer, who manages production for the tomato giant Azura. Severe drought driven by climate change has gripped the North African country since 2018, leaving Azura's 800 hectares of farms entirely dependent on desalinated water. But the technology comes at a high cost - both financially and environmentally. It is energy-intensive, and in a country where more than half of the electricity still comes from coal, it carries a heavy carbon footprint. Since 2022, Morocco's largest desalination plant, located nearby, has been producing 125,000 cubic meters (4.4 million cubic feet) of water a day. The supply irrigates 12,000 hectares of farmland and provides drinking water for 1.6 million people in Agadir and surrounding areas, said Ayoub Ramdi of the regional agricultural development office. By the end of 2026, officials hope to boost production to 400,000 cubic meters of water, half of which would be designated for agriculture. Without that water, 'a catastrophic scenario would loom over Morocco', said Rqia Bourziza, an agronomist. Agriculture, which contributes about 12 percent to Morocco's overall economy, has been badly hit by six consecutive years of drought - prompting the country to go all-in on desalination. Across Morocco, there are 16 plants capable of producing 270 million cubic meters of water per year, with a target of reaching 1.7 billion cubic meters by 2030. While around 1,500 farmers in the Agadir region make use of the water provided by the plant, others don't because it's simply too expensive. Among them is Hassan, who grows courgettes and peppers on half a hectare of land and uses water from a well shared with 60 other farmers. 'I can't afford to use that water,' he said, declining to give his full name. Desalinated water is sold at $0.56 per cubic meter, excluding taxes, compared with $0.11 per cubic meter for conventional water. That hefty price tag comes despite a 40 percent subsidy from public coffers. Ali Hatimy, another agronomist, said 'the cost of desalinated water significantly reduces the range of potential crops because only very high-value-added crops can offset it'. Bourziza insisted that desalination was 'a very good alternative' but only for high-value crops such as tomatoes and orchard fruits. Beyond the financial cost, desalination also exerts an environmental cost, said Hatimy. 'The production of desalinated water requires tremendous amounts of electrical energy and brine discharges impact marine ecosystems,' he said. Highly concentrated brine is a byproduct of the desalination process. Ramdi, from the agricultural development office, said that 'no impact' had been observed in the waters around Agadir, adding that the brine was diluted before its release. While Morocco has a growing share of renewable energy, 62 percent of its electricity came from coal in 2023 and 14 percent from oil and gas, according to the International Energy Agency. Insufficient groundwater The stakes in the wider region of Souss-Massa, which accounts for 85 percent of Morocco's fruit and vegetable exports, are high. Nearly two million tons are produced each year, with a turnover of $1.1 billion. Ramdi said the desalination plant had thus helped to protect $1 billion of revenue a year and more than a million jobs. 'Desalination has saved agriculture in Chtouka,' said Mohamed Boumarg, walking through one of his tomato greenhouses. 'Before, I only cultivated five hectares because I was constrained by the amount of water I had. Groundwater was not sufficient,' said the 38-year-old farmer who now grows 20 hectares of tomatoes, with 60 percent of his crop marked for export. 'Our survival depends on it,' said Lemseffer of Azura. 'Either we accept sacrificing some of our margin by using desalinated water, or we close up shop.'- AFP
