Educational roadmap

Malaysia is known for developing its’ educational policies through developing its’ human resources, as the Malaysian higher education system focuses on training students to be ready for jobs that mainly depend on practice more than academic knowledge, while the student can gain the needed experience later.

On the other hand, Malaysian institutes offer different educational systems such as academic and professional education, leading the higher education focus toward developing the skillset and knowledge of each student to be able to improve their technology skills by themselves.

Higher education makes a very big chance for students to work on their professional side through the many MOUs and agreements between ministries to provide training opportunities for local and international university students, with more than 208 certified training institutes.

Educational roadmap ...

Dr. Abdulrahim Abdulwahed

The National Education and Development Plan for the Government and the Ministry of Education for 2015-2025 has several key points aimed at enhancing vocational training and skills as a parallel path to success in line with higher education, and to achieve the excellence and success that the student will get after graduating from these institutes loaded with various experiences and experiences.

Among the official efforts made by the Ministry in developing the education sector concerned is to allow industrial institutes and schools to design and approve curricula and work on the training section within them, simulate the practical reality and accompanying training programs, and coordination between training instructors Professional and technical.

However, with getting closer to completion of the major educational achievement by reaching the number of 200,000 foreign students in Malaysia by 2020, the difficult circumstances experienced by the country during the past years, especially before the return of Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to power, has significantly affected the higher education process planned before.

We believe that achieving this goal considering the reconstruction phase of state institutions and programs needs to reconsider the implementation of this specific educational strategy. All of this, despite the continued success of this sector in its public image, but it is difficult to achieve the goal set by the number of students within the plans of the government.

Statistics show that more than 127,583 international students were enrolled in Malaysia in March 2019. More than 70% of them are studying in private universities and higher education institutions in the private sector. Public universities have seen more than 30,000 foreign students in 2019, According to official statistics.

Malaysia will need more than 70,000 international students to join its universities in the year 2020 to achieve its strategic goal, which led the Secretary of the Malaysian Ministry of Education Mohammed Ghazali Abbas to invite public and private universities in the country to work together closely to achieve that goal.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Education said that next year will see a growth in the number of foreign students in the country, growth may reach the highest rates of between 20-30%, but those rates on the importance of it will not enable Malaysia to reach its goal of reaching 200 thousand foreign students Next year.

Reaching 200,000 foreign students mark, will generate significant revenues for the Malaysian treasury, while in the past years it has earned 7.2 billion ringgits annually from the cost of university study, living costs, and various services spent by foreign students during their study in Malaysia.

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Abu Dhabi launches world’s first university of Artificial Intelligence

Abu Dhabi has announced the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, MBZUAI, the first graduate level, research-based AI university in the world.

The university is named after HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who has long advocated for the UAE’s development of human capital through knowledge and scientific thinking to take the nation into the future.

Dubai Expo 2020 targets 25 Million Visitors

Expo 2020 Dubai expects to welcome 25 million visitors in 6 months between October 20, 2020 and April 10, 2021, of which 70 percent (about 11 million) will come from outside Dubai.

Dubai set to host nine medical conferences during Expo 2020

Dubai Expo 2020 has announced that it will be holding a series of 9 medical conferences and specialist events at the new Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), spread throughout the peak six-month period of the Expo.

The conferences, organized by a Dubai-based medical conference and consumer events specialist, MCO, will focus on high-tech innovations in healthcare with the help of cutting-edge technology.

VISA regional HQ set to open in Dubai in 2021

VISA, the global digital payments firm, says it has appointed international property developer Sweid & Sweid to build its new Dubai headquarters at a prime location situated in the heart of the vibrant business cities of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City.

The new VISA headquarters building which is on track for completion in June 2021 will cater for operations in the company’s Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) region, a statement said.

VISA regional HQ set to open in Dubai in 2021

DUBAI – “ASWAQ”

The new VISA headquarters building which is on track for completion in June 2021 will cater for operations in the company's Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) region, a statement said.

The move is said will enable VISA to increase its capacity to over 500 employees and continue to evolve and expand its capabilities across the 96 countries currently under CEMEA’s Dubai-based command.

Covering over 100,000 square feet, it will feature a state-of-the-art Innovation Hub, collaborative office spaces, outdoor terraces and integrated lobby areas that will transform the way people work and interact with the fintech company, the statement said.

Visa’s regional president for the CEMEA region, Andrew Torre said: “This is not only an investment in Dubai but in the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) region, which is a rapidly-growing market for Visa. Tech-savvy and innovative, Dubai embodies the spirit of Visa and the future of our CEMEA region as a whole, making it the ideal centre of operations for us to continue to introduce innovative digital payment technology and solutions to help individuals, businesses and economies thrive.”

The purpose-built project adds to Sweid & Sweid growing portfolio of iconic developments. Maher Sweid, managing partner of Sweid & Sweid, said: “Since our inception in 2006 we have delivered the highest quality projects for our multinational tenants, and look forward to contributing to the development of Dubai’s economy by facilitating the growth of leading technology companies such as Visa and creating jobs for the next generation.”

In October, Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG) had officially announced its role as the concept design architect for the exclusive new VISA headquarters building . BSBG’s Group Design Director Michael Lewis led-studio (the BSBG design hub) through the concept phase in collaboration with long-term client, developer, Sweid & Sweid.

In addition to the complete design packages, BSBG is also providing lead consultancy and structural engineering for the VISA HQ building. It said: “The concept is founded on the strength of the internalised structure, featuring a strong rythmical quality to the facade , with aspirations of becoming something of a reference point in terms of commercial design.”

While recently revealing design details of the new VISA HQ building, BSBG said: “We had to create a solution appropriate for the VISA brand. It is a prominent global organisation, where financial security and authority is of the utmost importance. We had to display its position as a tech savvy, connected and trustworthy organisation. I think we have achieved a standalone landmark building in that respect. It represents VISA as a brand , while also sitting comfortably in the context of Dubai Internet City.”

“We’re presenting an international corporate headquarters , but with commercial elements , cafes and retail, a public front face , a graded element and a public plaza. There are a number of leasable units at the prow of the building, and it links with the walkable network of the district to create the feeling of connectivity and promote the concept of a connected city.”

It is a world class, certainly in keeping with the Sweid and Sweid demands for each of their projects and moreover its a monument fitting for the world’s largest financial services organisation to call home. In view of site constraints, there are six levels of basement parking to ensure the efficiency of the building met international standards.

Abdulla Belhoul, chief commercial officer at TECOM Group, added: “We continuously strive to enable thriving sectors and industries that contribute to the growth and diversification of Dubai’s economy. In line with this priority, Visa CEMEA’s new headquarters is a welcome addition to our dynamic communities that promote innovation and are currently home to more than 5,600 business partners from around the globe.”

Mubadala and RDIF consider joint investment in US$2.8bn project in Russia

Mubadala, Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment firm, and state-owned Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) are considering the potential investment with Russia’s top woodworking firm Sveze to build a new US$2.8 billion (Dh10bn) pulp mill plant in northwest Russia, Mubadala said in a recent statement.

Mubadala and RDIF consider joint investment in US$2.8bn project in Russia

DUBAI – “ASWAQ”

Mubadala, Abu Dhabi's strategic investment firm, and state-owned Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) are considering the potential investment with Russia's top woodworking firm Sveze to build a new US$2.8 billion (Dh10bn) pulp mill plant in northwest Russia, Mubadala said in a recent statement.

The agreement to explore the potential investment in the Russian wood pulp plant is one of the six deals signed between the two companies aimed at boosting cooperation in various sectors which include advanced technologies, healthcare, transport and logistics. The two entities will also cooperate in artificial intelligence and invest in key areas of Russia’s 5-year strategic development plans.

The new project, based in Vologda, with a design capacity output of more than 1.3 million tonnes of wood pulp annually, will focus on Russian and key European and Asian markets, the company said without revealing the size of the proposed investment.

The Mubadala-RDIF collaboration is part of their successful long-term investment partnership that began in 2013 when the two companies formed a US$7bn co-investment platform, and have so far made more than 45 joint investments with an aggregate value in excess of US$2bn (Dhs 7bn).

“The six collaboration agreements announced today demonstrate the strength of the multi-dimensional relationship that continues to flourish between RDIF and Mubadala as a symbol of the much deeper bond between our two nations,” Mubadala's group chief executive and managing director, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, said when commenting on the announcement.

The agreements were announced following the official visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the United Arab Emirates.

The two entities are also considering a joint investment of US$300 million into NefteTransService, one of Russia’s largest operators of railway rolling stock, through a consortium led by RDIF to expand its current facilities.

In the advanced technologies sector, RDIF and Mubadala have agreed to partner with the leading Russian face recognition technologies developer, NtechLab, to support the expansion of its business in the Middle East.

Mubadala and RDIF have also agreed to expand their investment in the Professional Logistics Technologies platform to build a multi-temperature distribution centre and related infrastructure in Moscow with a gross leasable area of over 100,000 sq.m.that will be leased to a leading food retailer, according to the statement.

The new deals, coinciding with the recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Abu Dhabi, also include boosting healthcare infrastructure in Russia as well as providing an opportunity for Russian patients to seek treatment and medical care by advanced clinics in the UAE.

RDIF’s chief executive, Kirill Dmitriev said: “We remain committed to supporting these new initiatives and to maintaining our productive partnership with Mubadala in the long term. We are grateful to our partners at Mubadala for the strong interest they have shown in our country for many years. We are confident that together we will continue to make successful investments both for implementing Russia’s national projects and reaching technology development targets, particularly in AI. The investments we make are aimed at advancing all the key areas of the economy, as well as enhancing living standards in Russia.”

RDIF is dedicated to bringing these six cooperation agreements to fruition, by raising capital and through engaging the expertise of international partners such as Mubadala,” added Dmitriev.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) also recently awarded Lukoil a 5 per cent stake in the ultra-sour gas Ghasha concession, marking the first time a Russian energy company has participated in the emirate's upstream activities.

The Russian energy firm will pay Dh697.3m as a signing fee for the stake in a concession expected to produce up to 1.5 billion cubic feet per day of gas and 120,000 barrels per day of crude and high-value condensate by 2025.

Adnoc and Russia’s Gazprom Neft also agreed to explore opportunities for a partnership in production and exploration of sour gas, which commonly refers to gas with large volumes of sulphur, in Abu Dhabi.

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) also signed an agreement with Russia's state-owned nuclear energy firm Rosatom to look at collaborations, which could include the setting up of a nuclear science centre in the UAE, plant development and investment and training for Emiraties, Enec said in a statement recently.

Mall of Oman

Muscat

Mall of Oman Project on track for 2021 opening

Mall of Oman is one of a major commercial development project currently under construction in the heart of Muscat down town, and is being developed by Majid Al Futtaim, a prominent UAE-based real estate developer.

Mall of Oman Project on track for 2021 opening

DUBAI – “ASWAQ”

The Mall, the fifth and biggest lifestyle destination in the sultanate, is set to open in March 2021, after having completed two major infrastructure milestones – new roads and flyovers, connecting the mall to the Muscat Expressway, and the completion of the Muscat Electricity Distribution Company (MEDC) Primary Substation.

An extensive roads upgrade to interchange number 6 on the Muscat Expressway has been completed, along with four new bridges and an underpass to ease access to the mall. In addition, extensive retaining walls and utility divisions have been completed to facilitate the works. The new access will add to the convenience of visiting the mall as it will directly lead to the 5,200 dedicated parking bays with a total built-up area of 161,313 sq.m. More than a kilometre of the 12-metre-high retaining walls are now in place, as well as the initial road directional signage for Mall of Oman.

The recently completed and energised MEDC Primary Substation will allow the 9 distribution substations in the mall to be progressively energised, which will allow the completion of the Central Cooling Plant and introduction of wild air into the mall.

This will be the third mall in Oman for Majid Al Futtami in addition to Muscat and Qurrum City Centres.

Considered to be the biggest project of its kind in the sultanate, Mall of Oman will have 350 outlets in a 137,000 sq.m. retail space, as well as an 8,000 sq.m. play area and restaurants in addition to several other brands, making it Oman’s flagship destination for retail, leisure, and entertainment.

The mall will also include the sultanate’s first Abercrombie & Fitch and largest VOX Cinemas (9,610 sq.m.), a Magic Planet family entertainment centre, a 12,200 sq.m. Carrefour Hypermarket and the largest indoor snow park (14,513 sq.m.) in the sultanate. The project will also include energy centre, substations, plant rooms, landscaping and infrastructure and a hotel offering 292 rooms. A gross leasable area of 144,708 sq.m.will also be made available.

Ghaith Shocair, Chief Executive Officer Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls, said: “The tourism and retail sectors are integral to Oman’s economy and are poised to drive economic growth and contribute to diversification in the country. These objectives are aligned with Vision 2040 and we are privileged to be able to contribute to this vision as long-term partners and investors. By developing Mall of Oman, we continue to contribute to the growth of the local tourism industry and enable job creation for residents both during and post-construction. A development project of this size and scope is beneficial to Oman’s citizens and residents and will positively contribute to economic and social development in the Sultanate.”

AECOM is providing lead consultancy services for the monumental Mall of Oman project in the Sultanate of Oman. In addition to lead consultancy services, AECOM provided full building engineering and architecture design. They are currently providing construction supervision services during construction. The mall is due to open in Q3 of 2019.

Located at Madinat Al Ifran, Mall of Oman has a LEED Gold target. If successfully achieved it will be the first major retail project in Oman to obtain this prestigious accreditation. The project has also invested in a central cooling plant, photovoltaic technology and engaged with the local authorities to ensure that the surrounding infrastructure benefits from the project.

The project was fully developed in BIM, ensuring design coordination and assisting with the procurement process.

The Mall of Oman is the inaugural mega-mall for the Sultanate and will play a leading role in putting Oman on the retail map and supporting the national vision of a tourism industry. This project will not only enhance the client’s already significant retail investment but will also secure a proportion of the Omani spend, currently being lost primarily to the UAE.

Construction Week magazine awarded Mall of Oman Commercial Project of the Year 2017.

Saudi Arabia Launches Tourist Visa for 49 countries

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently launched a new tourist visa program that will allow holidaymakers who already hold a visa from the United States, Britain or the European Union (EU) Schengen Zone, expanding eligibility beyond an initial list of 49 countries.

Riyadh Season 2019 witnessed a colourful start in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh is turning into a big entertainment city with more than 100 events for 3 months that takes place from October 15 to December 15 all around Riyadh.

Kuwait’s Zain Launches Subscription Video on Demand Service ‘PlayVOD’

Zain, the Kuwait-based digital service provider, has announced the launch of a subscription video on demand (SVOD) service in its home market.

The inaugural launch of PlayVOD in Kuwait follows a company-wide agreement entered between Zain Group and Digital Virgo, a France-based specialist in telecom payments, monetization and digital marketing earlier this year.

Educational roadmap

Educational roadmap ...

Abu Dhabi launches world’s first university of Artificial Intelligence

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