Latest news with #AlKindi
Al Etihad
15-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tadweer Group drives eco-awareness, plastic-free campaign at Liwa Date Festival
15 July 2025 16:44 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Tadweer Group, Abu Dhabi's waste management authority, is bringing its eco-awareness campaign and plastic-free drive to the Liwa Date Festival. Through a series of workshops, the group seeks to engage the community in conversations about sustainable year's Liwa Date Festival, which kicked off on Monday and runs until July 27 in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region, has introduced new environmental initiatives and competitions - including a creative campaign that encourages transforming discarded palm tree parts into festival features 24 heritage and agricultural competitions, divided into categories such as dates, fruits and model farms, with prizes exceeding Dh8.7 million.'Tadweer Group's key objective at Liwa Date Festival 2025 is to promote and increase environmental awareness and responsible waste management among visitors of all ages,' said Dr. Reem Al Kindi, Head of Public Awareness at Tadweer Group, in an interview with opportunity to spark discussions about environmental practices comes at a perfect time, with this month recognised globally as Plastic-Free July.'Since July is Plastic-Free Month, Tadweer Group will be focusing on the importance of reducing, reusing, recycling plastics through several workshops [and educational lectures],' Dr. Al Kindi said. Other Green InitiativesBeyond raising awareness, the group also aims to equip the community with practical tools for responsible waste management. Liwa Datę Festival serves as a launchpad for Tadweer's new campaign called 'Our Sustainable Farms'.Set to be launched in August, the initiative will promote proper waste management and sustainable farming across rural communities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Region, Al Dhafra Region, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.'As part of the initiative, farmers will be encouraged to share their own best practices, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and collective impact,' Dr. Al Kindi said. In addition, Tadweer is rolling out its School Sustainability Champions Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Education 'to help develop the next generation of sustainability leaders', Dr. Al Kindi said. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Observer
13-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Human development policies must be tailored to governorate needs
SALALAH, JULY 13 Shaikh Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, delivered a keynote presentation during the 11th Annual Human Development Conference held in Salalah, calling for a more decentralised and localised approach to development planning in Oman. In his presentation, Al Kindi highlighted a number of persistent challenges facing development at the governorate level. He pointed to the disparity in infrastructure and development opportunities between governorates, noting that weak alignment between educational outcomes and local labour market needs continues to hinder inclusive growth. He also emphasised that limited resources pose a serious obstacle to skills development, particularly in the face of rising demand for technical and vocational competencies. The Governor further identified the slow activation of local partnerships as a constraint on development, citing the need for improved coordination among government agencies, the private sector, and civil society. Youth unemployment, particularly among new graduates, remains high in many governorates, which Al Kindi attributed to a lack of training programmes that are closely aligned with the demands of local economies. He also addressed the growing trend of internal migration from rural areas to urban centres, which, he warned, is weakening the social and economic fabric of many local communities. Finally, he noted that the absence of accurate local-level data makes it difficult to measure the impact of public policies and to base decisions on reliable information. To address these challenges, Al Kindi presented six key policy recommendations. First, he called for the design of localised development programmes tailored to the specific needs of each governorate. This includes developing micro-level development plans that take into account local strengths, weaknesses, and priorities. Second, he advocated for empowering local leadership by transferring certain policy-making powers to governorates. This would allow decision-making to become more responsive and context-driven. Third, he encouraged the strengthening of partnerships with local companies and non-governmental organisations, arguing that such collaborations are essential for delivering targeted development outcomes. Fourth, Al Kindi recommended greater investment in technical and vocational education as well as support for local innovation and entrepreneurship. He stressed the importance of preparing youth for emerging sectors in the local economy. Fifth, he called for improvements in the quality of public services, including the introduction of clearer performance standards, institutional accountability, and continuous evaluation of service delivery. Finally, he proposed the development of localised data platforms that would allow for better monitoring of key development indicators. These platforms would support more informed policy-making and help track the effectiveness of government interventions on the ground. Al Kindi's presentation aligned closely with Oman Vision 2040's emphasis on decentralisation, citizen empowerment, and regional development. His remarks underscored the urgency of building governance models that respond to local realities while contributing to national goals. The conference, which continues through July 14 at Millennium Resort Salalah, provides a platform for exchanging ideas and forging partnerships to advance human development across the Sultanate of Oman.
Observer
09-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
40 projects worth RO 1.8 billion localised via Invest Oman platform
MUSCAT: A total of 40 high-value investment projects, valued at approximately RO 1.8 billion, have been successfully localised across Oman's special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities, signalling a major step forward in the country's economic diversification strategy. According to the latest issue of Duqm Economist magazine, these projects were facilitated through the Invest Oman platform, underscoring its growing role as a national engine for investment attraction and execution. Eng Nasser bin Khalifa al Kindi, CEO of Invest Oman, revealed that nearly 90 investment proposals worth around RO 4.9 billion have been processed through the platform to date. Of these, 40 projects have reached the localisation stage, covering key sectors such as manufacturing, food security, and healthcare. These investments not only reflect strong confidence in Oman's investor climate but also align with Vision 2040 objectives to generate economic value, create jobs, and deepen public-private collaboration. The platform, launched to streamline investment facilitation, integrates 22 key government and private sector entities, including OPAZ, Madayn, the Environment Authority, and major ministries, all working under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Its one-stop approach allows investors to complete licensing and regulatory procedures under one roof, significantly reducing processing times and administrative bottlenecks. Al Kindi noted that among the platform's notable features is an interactive investment opportunity map, enabling investors to identify geographically strategic projects based on factors such as infrastructure proximity, logistics access, and available incentives. This digital tool, combined with real-time support from sector specialists and negotiators, helps convert investment interest into actionable projects more efficiently. Of the 40 localised projects, many are in the industrial sector, which has emerged as the top destination for investment, especially in areas linked to export manufacturing and supply chain integration. Food security is another high-performing sector, boosted by national strategies to enhance self-reliance. Healthcare investments are also on the rise, driven by growing demand for modern medical facilities and services. Eng Al Kindi said the platform's investor screening process includes evaluation of financial strength, sectoral experience, and alignment with sustainable development priorities. Each proposal is vetted through rigorous economic and technical feasibility studies to ensure that only projects with high impact and long-term viability are endorsed. He added that Oman's improving economic fundamentals—such as sustained growth, better credit ratings, and rising foreign direct investment—continue to attract global players. In Q3 of 2024 alone, foreign investment stood at RO 26.677 billion, a 16% rise year-on-year. The manufacturing sector accounted for over half of this total. India, China, and Egypt were among the top sources of foreign investment, alongside strong local investor participation, reflecting both regional trust and international confidence in Oman's evolving business ecosystem. Al Kindi confirmed that a major upgrade of the Invest Oman digital platform is underway to further improve user experience, making processes more intuitive and transparent. This, he said, is part of the platform's goal to position Oman as a competitive global destination for strategic, sustainable, and high-return investments.
Sharjah 24
02-07-2025
- Sharjah 24
Abubakr Al Kindi: "Our Heritage Through Their Eyes" reflects Arab culture
The conference is scheduled to take place on July 2 and 3 at the Arabian Heritage Centre, and the exhibition aims to shed light on how others perceive folk heritage. It is divided into three sections: Emirati, Gulf, and Arab. The Emirati Section: "The Country in Western Memory" Al Kindi stated that the Emirati section presents the theme "The Country in Western Memory," showcasing numerous images preserved in the memories of Western travellers, along with their impressions and observations about the people of the UAE, their culture, customs, and traditions. The Gulf Section: Cities Visited by Global Travellers He added, in statements to "Sharjah 24," that the Gulf section covers cities in the region visited by travelers from Portugal, the Netherlands, France, England, and the United States of America. The Arab Section: Writings and Art of Western Travellers The Arab section, Al Kindi noted, features writings by Western travellers, explorers, and artists who journeyed through the Arab region, with its rich heritage serving as fertile material for their work. Maps, Images, and Books Documenting Regional Heritage Each section includes a collection of maps, photographs, and books about the UAE, the Gulf, and the broader Arab region, presenting and analysing how these travelers viewed and documented these areas.
Observer
28-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
E-freelancing gains momentum among Omani youth
MUSCAT: Online freelancing is gaining strong traction across the Sultanate of Oman, fuelled by the evolving digital economy and proactive government initiatives that support self-employment and youth empowerment. Aza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, noted that e-commerce has become one of the most prominent freelancing sectors. This growth has been supported by streamlined licensing procedures, including the introduction of the 'Freelance Business Register' – a low-cost, regulated framework for individuals to operate legally. She emphasised that e-commerce offers significant advantages: low startup costs, broad consumer reach, and access to regional and global markets. These benefits make it an ideal platform for young Omanis seeking to build sustainable businesses and diversify income streams. Aza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Over 200 commercial activities are now covered by freelance licences, allowing businesses to gain consumer trust through platforms such as 'Maroof Oman,' which authenticates licensed e-stores. Al Kindi highlighted e-commerce's contribution to job creation, especially for graduates and job seekers in marketing, software, and digital design. The sector also showcases Omani talent and innovation, boosting value-added economic activity and modernising the business landscape. She cited the government's National E-Commerce Plan (2022–2027), which includes initiatives like the SME Authority's training programmes for global platforms such as Amazon and Noon. Other initiatives, such as the Ministry of Transport's 'Makin' programme, help upskill Omanis with in-demand technical skills. In conclusion, Al Kindi noted that online freelancing is not just a source of income but a critical stepping stone for entrepreneurship. It allows Omanis to build professional portfolios and networks before launching independent ventures, reinforcing Oman Vision 2040's aspirations for a knowledge-driven, innovative economy. — ONA
