Latest news with #digitalTechnologies
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pinewood Group plans $1.3bn data centre in Buckinghamshire
Pinewood Group has submitted an outline planning application for a £1bn ($1.3bn) data centre at the Pinewood South site in Buckinghamshire, UK. The proposal, submitted to Buckinghamshire Council, involves a 55,030m² facility, a 60-acre nature reserve, and a six-acre community garden, along with learning space. This development aligns with the UK government's designation of data centres in 2024 as 'Critical National Infrastructure'. The data centre is proposed within the Slough Availability Zone, recognised as a key strategic location. Pinewood Group CEO David Conway said: 'Our proposed plan for a data centre on the land to the south of Pinewood Studios is in alignment with the critical infrastructure needs identified by the government. 'The significant investment will bring jobs and additional benefits to the local community with the delivery of a nature reserve, community gardens and learning space.' Pinewood's planning application has a target determination date set for the end of 2025. If outline planning consent is granted, Pinewood will submit a detailed reserved matters application. In January this year, Pinewood announced a public consultation for expanding Pinewood Studios. The expansion includes production facilities and additional film stages alongside the data centre development. This mixed-use development aligns with the government's Modern Industrial Strategy, focusing on digital technologies and creative industries. The public consultation was scheduled from 25 to 27 February 2025 to engage the community in discussions about the site's development options. Commenting on the public consultation, Conway said: 'The reduction in global content production, combined with rising construction costs and business rates, triggered a review of our existing planning consent and we believe the revised proposals provide a credible alternative.' "Pinewood Group plans $1.3bn data centre in Buckinghamshire" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.


Asharq Al-Awsat
02-06-2025
- Health
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Grand Hajj Symposium Explores Capability, Ease in Performing Rituals
Saudi Arabia is leveraging artificial intelligence and digital technologies to enhance the Hajj experience, aiming to ensure safety, ease, and comfort for pilgrims, the Kingdom's Minister of Hajj and Umrah said on Sunday. Speaking at the opening of the 49th annual Grand Hajj Symposium in Jeddah, Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said the Kingdom's efforts reflect the leadership's commitment to providing a secure and seamless pilgrimage. He praised the high level of coordination among various agencies, describing it as a testament to Saudi Arabia's dedication to serving pilgrims. 'This year's symposium, held under the theme 'Capability for Hajj and Contemporary Developments,' highlights the balance between the core principles of Islamic jurisprudence and the evolving realities of the modern world,' Al-Rabiah said. During the event, Prince Faisal bin Salman, Chairman of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), announced the launch of a new forum on the history of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative is being organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia's efforts to serve pilgrims reflect a bold national vision to elevate the spiritual journey. The Kingdom's major expansion projects and innovative initiatives have allowed millions of Muslims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind, he noted. Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, emphasized that Islamic rulings on the Hajj pilgrimage are rooted in ease and accessibility, highlighting that physical and financial ability are key conditions for undertaking the journey. In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Fahd Al-Majid, Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars, at the symposium, the Grand Mufti said the obligation of Hajj is tied not only to physical and financial capability, but also to obtaining an official Hajj permit. 'Those unable to secure a Hajj permit are considered among those who are not able to perform Hajj, even if they meet the physical and financial requirements,' he said. Al-Sheikh underscored the importance of educating pilgrims on the jurisprudence of istita'ah, or capability, saying it helps safeguard lives and ensures a smoother pilgrimage experience. 'While Hajj involves a degree of hardship, it does not exceed normal bounds nor cause undue distress,' he added. He praised the Saudi leadership for its continued efforts in serving Muslims and facilitating access to the Two Holy Mosques. 'Since God entrusted Saudi Arabia with the care of the holy sites, the Kingdom has spared no effort in making Hajj easier for Muslims around the world,' he said. Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel said on Sunday that health readiness is a crucial component of the broader concept of istita'ah, or capability, for performing Hajj, underscoring the Kingdom's integrated approach to safeguarding pilgrims' well-being. Also speaking at the symposium, Al-Jalajel said the Saudi health system works closely with partners to ensure that health standards are met ahead of the pilgrimage season. 'Every year, we conduct a global assessment of environmental and epidemiological risks to determine health capability thresholds and protect pilgrims from potential threats,' he said. Al-Jalajel cited the Kingdom's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as a model of responsible health management, noting that Saudi authorities implemented precise and cautious measures to safely hold Hajj during the global crisis. The minister said Saudi Arabia continues to adapt to evolving conditions by enhancing its health infrastructure and medical protocols in the holy sites. These efforts include expanding heat-mitigation systems, improving medical preparedness, and building a 200-bed field hospital within 30 days to address the risk of heatstroke. He added that hospital bed capacity had been increased by 60%, while the speed of pharmaceutical deliveries to hospitals in the holy sites had been drastically improved through drone technology. 'Delivery times for medications in the holy sites have been cut from 90 minutes to just six,' Al-Jalajel said. Saudi Arabia's Public Security Director, Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, said on Sunday that the Hajj permit system plays a vital role in ensuring equal opportunity for pilgrims to perform the ritual in a safe and orderly environment. Al-Bassami emphasized that the Kingdom's security forces will continue to crack down on violators and those who aid them, as part of efforts to protect the sanctity and safety of the pilgrimage. Strict security measures are essential to safeguarding pilgrims. Ensuring their safety is one of the Kingdom's top priorities for a successful Hajj season, he said. Al-Bassami reaffirmed the position of the Council of Senior Scholars, which views obtaining a Hajj permit as part of the Islamic requirement of istita'ah (capability), as it serves the public interest and prevents harm. With over 1.6 million pilgrims expected this year, he stressed the importance of organized crowd control to prevent congestion and accidents. Reducing the number of unauthorized pilgrims contributes to public health, facilitates movement, and helps prevent loss of life, Al-Bassami affirmed.


Zawya
30-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Samsung Electronics targets increasing exports to Egypt by 30% in 3 years
Arab Finance: Samsung Electronics aims to increase its exports from Egypt by more than 30% over the next three years, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated. On May 27th, Madbouly met with Juhan Yoon, CFO of Samsung's Middle East Regional Headquarters, and discussed the new export burden refund program. He added that the company will leverage the program's benefits when it commits to increasing exports. During his meeting with Yoon, the Prime Minister reiterated that Egypt is prepared to offer exceptional incentives for industries focused on technology localization, especially those producing high volumes with significant local content and strong export performance. On his part, Yoon highlighted Samsung's global presence, noting that it has 14 factories worldwide and is a leader in digital technologies. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (