Khaled Al-Mashaan: "We have a responsibility to develop sustainable buildings that support an economically and socially viable urban environment."

KUWAIT, May 08, 2016: Committing to a sustainable urban development in the countries in which the company operates, ALARGAN International Real Estate Company held a seminar for its senior management and employees - including architects, engineers, urban planners, and supporting teams - on Kuwait's Housing and Urban Development to open internal discussions on planning strategies and the outlook of Kuwait's urban development.

The seminar was led by Architect and Urban Researcher Sharifa Alshalfan. Alshalfan is an architect and a researcher who is currently a visiting fellow at the Middle East Centre's Kuwait Program at London School of Economics. She is also a consultant on urban issues and teaches at the College of Architecture in Kuwait University.

Held at the company's LEED-awarded headquarters in Kuwait, Alshalfan shed light on the increasing challenges facing urban development in Kuwait, and the land-use policies and social housing laws that have contributed to the urbanization process of Kuwait City and outlying areas. The lecture also gave a historical overview of the master planning process and its implementation in Kuwait, the integration of the housing welfare system, and the effect of the process on quality of life.

Khaled Al-Meshaan, CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of ALARGAN International Real Estate Company, said: "Urban development is a core challenge in our region, and in Kuwait specifically, as we work to meet the needs for housing, leisure and social spaces of a fast-growing population. As an internationally-recognized developer with a focus on developing middle income level residential housing, we have a responsibility to develop sustainable buildings that support an economically and socially viable urban environment. We are developing residential and community projects to last, in an aim that they remain an integral part of the larger urban development process and add value to their surrounding communities.

"The seminar with Ms. Sharifa Alshalfan highlights crucial challenges that we as developers must consider in the development of our real estate projects, so as to design sustainable solutions for the ever-shifting needs of Kuwait."

In the lecture, Alshalfan presented facts and findings on her study on urban development and methods of housing welfare distribution to meet the increasing housing needs. She also identified the effect of the urban policy on society, in which the city is not only treated as a flat landscape but is also misused. Alshalfan ended her presentation with insights to overcome current practices and challenges in order to raise the quality of life for citizens and residents today, and for generations to come.

"Real estate developers have a significant role in making real changes to urban development in Kuwait," Alshalfan said, "especially in light of an unprecedented need for quality housing, growing commercial developments and increasing traffic congestion. Our main challenge today is urban expansion and planning, and without the contribution of both the public and private sector, we will not be able to develop a sustainable urban setting that will contribute to the economic and social welfare in Kuwait."

In 2015, ALARGAN received international recognition at the International Property Awards held in London, and was also awarded the Best Retail Architecture, Bahrain Award, at the Arabian Property Awards in Dubai for its ARGAN Village development, which redefines architecture and the overall community offering in a mixed used property. ARGAN Village brings together modern architecture and traditional Bahraini designs in an urban village that offers a unique setting comprising a redeveloped public garden surrounded by retail and food offerings.

ALARGAN International Real Estate Company is a leading real estate company based in Kuwait and focused on the development of affordable and middle income housing in the GCC. The company strives to integrate its motto, 'Life... As You Love It', across its projects by creating "live, work, play and savor" environments that present a unique lifestyle experience. The company also endeavors to pass on its sustainability values to the community by including green and energy efficient initiatives in its projects.

ALARGAN is the only company in Kuwait to have obtained Platinum ranking, the highest, in the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program, which is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). ALARGAN follows a balanced investment strategy, and seizes opportunities with stable and superior returns based on the market's investment cycle. Its projects are diverse and located across the Gulf region, including the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, and cover popular hotels resorts, widely visited shopping and food destinations, large development communities, and middle income level residential housing.

© Press Release 2016