Latest news with #NouraAl-Mashaan
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait evaluates the status of projects with China
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan on Thursday chaired the 22nd meeting of the ministerial committee tasked with monitoring the implementation of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between Kuwait and the People's Republic of China. The meeting reviewed the latest progress on key development projects outlined in the MoUs, including cooperation on the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, electrical power systems and renewable energy development, a low-carbon green waste recycling system, housing development, environmental infrastructure for wastewater treatment plants, and the establishment of free and economic zones. Dr. Al-Mashaan conveyed the strong interest and directives of Kuwait's top political leadership to closely follow all aspects of these projects, remain updated on their progress, and expedite executive procedures through coordination between ministries, relevant authorities, and Chinese government agencies. Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and committee member Ambassador Samih Hayat said the session was part of regular follow-up meetings to assess the executive status of agreements between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of continuing all necessary measures to accelerate the implementation of major national projects. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Mishari, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Head of the Fatwa and Legislation Department Counselor Salah Al-Majed, and Ambassador Samih Hayat.
Arab Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait completes foundational phase of unified GIS project: Minister
KUWAIT CITY, July 7: The Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, announced on Monday the completion of the foundational phase of the unified Geographic Information System (GIS) project, marking a significant step in the ministry's broader digital transformation strategy. In a press statement, Dr. Al-Mashaan said the ministry has successfully developed unified technical specifications for the delivery of geographic data across all technical sectors. These specifications have already been applied to 12 maintenance contracts during the project's initial pilot phase. She noted that the initiative is being implemented within a strategic framework extending through 2026, with the goal of standardizing GIS specifications across all ministry-affiliated sectors. As part of this plan, an institutional geographic data center will be established to serve as the central authority for managing and updating all geographic data. To enhance transparency and oversight, Dr. Al-Mashaan revealed the launch of an interactive digital dashboard. This platform will monitor the progress of maintenance operations and ongoing projects, helping embed a culture of using geographic data in planning, management, and decision-making. The minister added that a systematic field-based mechanism has been adopted to integrate contract and work order data by linking GIS system layers through unified coding. This approach has been carried out in collaboration with relevant ministry teams to ensure data quality and integration. Dr. Al-Mashaan emphasized that continuous coordination with the Public Authority for Civil Information has been key to enhancing the GIS system's effectiveness and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data provided.
Kuwait Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait seeks to benefit from UAE rail expertise
KUWAIT: Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan affirmed Kuwait's commitment to learning from pioneering regional experiences in the railway sector, particularly the successful model established by the sisterly United Arab Emirates through the formation of the Hafeet Rail Company. Her remarks came during a meeting held Sunday with a delegation from the UAE's Etihad Rail Company, headed by CEO Eng Shadi Malak. The visit falls within the framework of strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in infrastructure development. KUWAIT: Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan is seen during the reception of a delegation from the Emirati company (Etihad Rail), headed by CEO Eng Shadi Malak during the official visit to the country.- KUNA Dr Al-Mashaan praised the Hafeet Rail Company project — a joint initiative between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman — as an exemplary model of Gulf integration in infrastructure. She noted that such collaborative efforts support shared economic interests and reinforce regional connectivity. 'Cooperation in this strategic sector underscores Kuwait's commitment to supporting Gulf integration and fostering stronger economic and geographic ties among GCC member states,' she said. Al-Mashaan stressed the importance of continued coordination among technical teams to ensure the successful implementation of high-quality infrastructure projects that serve the development aspirations of the region. For his part, Undersecretary Eid Al-Rashidi reiterated the ministry's dedication to leveraging successful regional experiences, emphasizing that early-stage collaboration in rail projects contributes to establishing a sustainable and efficient railway network that enhances regional interconnectivity and advances common development objectives. During the meeting, attendees were briefed on a technical presentation detailing Kuwait's future railway plans. Minister Al-Mashaan outlined the ministry's strategic vision to build a sustainable national railway network inspired by leading regional practices, while addressing environmental and economic considerations in line with Kuwait's broader goals for sustainable development. — KUNA
Arab Times
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Kuwait continues road development works in Sulaibikhat under new contracts
KUWAIT CITY, June 26: Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan confirmed on Thursday that field teams from the ministry are continuing infrastructure development works on Khalaf Al-Ahmar Road in Sulaibikhat, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the country's internal road network and implement scheduled maintenance programs. In a press statement, Dr. Al-Mashaan said the Ministry of Public Works remains committed to developing the country's infrastructure by upgrading internal roads in accordance with the ministry's long-term plans. She noted that the ministry's engineers are supervising the implementation on-site, ensuring compliance with approved technical specifications and safety standards while utilizing modern equipment and machinery. "The work is proceeding according to the approved timeline while upholding all necessary safety and security protocols," the minister said. Al-Mashaan emphasized that the internal road maintenance and rehabilitation initiative aims to improve living conditions in residential areas and address road-related issues in response to public feedback. The program is being executed in collaboration with relevant regulatory bodies. She reaffirmed the ministry's dedication to providing a safe and modern road network that supports efficient traffic flow and helps reduce risks and traffic accidents. The minister also called on residents in the area to cooperate and show understanding regarding temporary diversions until the completion of the works. Deputy Engineer Mamdouh Al-Enezi, who supervises Road Maintenance Contract No. 13 in Jahra Governorate, stated that he and his team were present on-site at Khalaf Al-Ahmar Road to monitor progress and assess the latest developments under the newly launched maintenance contracts. Al-Enezi explained that Thursday's work involved laying a layer of Type 3 asphalt as part of the broader plan to enhance road quality and performance.
Kuwait Times
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait's T2 meets LEED Gold standards, local accessibility code
KUWAIT: Kuwait's Cabinet on Tuesday reviewed the progress of Terminal 2 (T2) at Kuwait International Airport, highlighting its achievement in earning the LEED Gold Certification — a milestone that places the project among the most environmentally sustainable airport terminals in the region. The update came during the Cabinet's weekly meeting at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan presented a comprehensive visual briefing detailing the airport's design and infrastructure components, which include the terminal building, support facilities, aircraft stands and access roads. Dr Al-Mashaan announced that the terminal was awarded LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a globally recognized sustainability rating system overseen by the US Green Building Council. The certification affirms that the terminal meets rigorous environmental standards across energy efficiency, water conservation, building materials and indoor environmental quality. The Cabinet praised the Ministry of Public Works, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and all contributing teams for delivering a future-focused project that aligns with Kuwait's national sustainability and development goals. Officials emphasized that the terminal's green design is not only a technical achievement but also a reflection of Kuwait's growing commitment to environmental stewardship in public infrastructure. The LEED-certified terminal incorporates advanced energy systems, natural lighting, and sustainable materials to reduce the building's carbon footprint. It is also expected to contribute significantly to improving passenger capacity and operational efficiency. In a related statement, Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah emphasized that the new terminal is also fully committed to applying the Kuwait Accessibility Code, a universal design framework that ensures the facility accommodates the needs of all members of society, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals with special needs. Al-Huwailah told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the project includes sensory rooms designed specifically for those who may experience challenges in high-stimulation environments, such as children with autism or individuals with cognitive impairments and age-related conditions like Alzheimer's. She explained that the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities has worked closely with the Ministry of Public Works, Kuwait Municipality, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to ensure the terminal's design reflects Kuwait's national values of inclusion, social justice and accessibility. 'The adoption of the national accessibility code in the new airport project is a model of institutional integration and embodies the state's vision for an inclusive built environment that serves all members of society without exception,' Al-Huwailah said. The Kuwait Accessibility Code is a set of nationally approved technical and engineering standards aimed at making public and private spaces accessible and usable by everyone — especially people with disabilities and the elderly— through universal design principles. — KUNA
