ARCHITECTURE
Having maintained top-notch quality during Kuwait's infrastructure boom, architecture firms continue to play a vital role in the transformation of Kuwait and the wider MENA region.

Since its inception 50 years ago, Pace has played an integral part in Kuwait's historical transformation by providing the best architecture and infrastructure development. We have also established ourselves as an educational institution for promising architects and engineers. We continue to deliver projects within the region in sectors such as retail, healthcare, and megainfrastructure projects. We have delivered over 1,250 successful projects including Avenues Phase IV, Riyadh Metro, and Kuwait University Administration Facilities. Pace offers cohesion by having its full team under one roof for any given project, creating a steady workflow that can solve problems quickly and effectively. Adopting this business model also allowed Pace to tap early into advanced new technologies and construction methodologies in the region, offering new opportunities for innovation and quality for clients who benefited from improved project efficiencies, reduced environmental impact, and savings in operational and management costs. As a design-led firm, we are keen to invest in our capabilities across a broad range of disciplines and expand our project portfolio accordingly. Into 2019, we will embark on two key programs: the 'Pace Digital Design and Delivery Process' and 'Talent Management' project, aimed at futureproofing the quality of our work and investment in our people.

The key for being a distinguished firm is the collaboration between the two partners: Hamed Zubaid and myself. Our collaboration truly understands Kuwaiti lifestyle and culture, and the balance between male and female perspectives also perfects the equation. HZMB creates solutions that undergo stages of development and discussions between the partners. This healthy dynamic as well as hours of hard work, repetition, and perseverance ensure the uniqueness and success of our every project. Our regional expansion was achieved through personal relations and marketing activity. The introduction of a new architecture language to the Kuwaiti market is the reason why HZMB's projects stand out. We believe that when more of our projects are completed, our presence abroad will become stronger. For us, every project starts with setting a compatible space program to the budget and land which is the seed to a healthy design. We then reshape and reconstruct the given space program and put forth innovative multi-use and efficient solutions that our clients have never thought of. These solutions always solve the function first and then address esthetics. The final product shapes our clients' lives in the years to come.

Many factors allow SSH to distinguish itself among its Kuwait-based competitors. First, a long history in Kuwait has provided a strong base for SSH to flourish and grow and has played a major role in building its networks and enabling it to understand the local market. Second, SSH is a multidisciplinary company able to provide cohesive and comprehensive services beyond master planning, such as architecture, interior design, engineering, infrastructure, and construction supervision. In addition, SSH regularly and actively renews and rejuvenates its approach by valuing teamwork, upholding integrity with its clients, and keeping up with market evolution. What renders SSH as a competitive and ideal partner for master planning complex and challenging projects is its longevity within the country, its close work and collaboration with the Kuwaiti Municipality, and its established relationship with the public sector. We have many offices across the GCC and wider MENA region, where we can call on our extensive master planning expertise. We plan to continue our long journey of success for the year ahead through improving the quality of revenue, continuing our steady growth, and widening our client base regionally through establishing a strong presence in Saudi Arabia and continuing to achieve our clients' objectives.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Adel Abdul Wahab Al-Majed , Chairman, Kuwait Banking Association (KBA)
Through a broad array of information, specialized committees, staff expertise, and other resources, KBA supports Kuwait's banks as they perform their critical role in energizing the economy and helping communities thrive.
read articleInterview
Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Director General, Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA)
KDIPA adopts a proactive approach to attract value-added direct investments supported by an integrated promotional strategy serving Kuwait's developmental goals in line with its National Vision 2035.
read articleCommuniqué
Legal Reform and Infrastructure Projects Spell Opportunity for Foreign Investors
Along with the introduction and modernization of new laws and regulations, the vision of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to transform Kuwait into an international center for commerce and industry by 2035 is already being implemented through Kuwait's National Development Plan. Coupled with the promulgation of progressive FDI regulations, these new opportunities spell positive news for foreign companies looking to conduct business in Kuwait.
read articleFocus: Developing connectivity
Connecting the Dots
Today, connectivity is hardly indispensible for individuals and the companies where they work. Kuwait's smart cities, considered elsewhere in the book, will thrive on it, and meanwhile the nation continues to register notable business deals from the informatics sector.
read articleInterview
Khalid Abbas , Country Manager-Kuwait, Unilever
Contributing to the improved health and wellbeing of communities and reducing environmental footprint are key priorities for Unilever, which is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of up to 1 billion people globally by 2020.
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Mohammed Yousif Soud Al-Sabah , Board Chairman & Director, Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR)
PAAAFR has adapted a package of policies to face challenges inherent to deserts, hot climate, and water scarcity, bringing Kuwait closer to achieving national food security, one step at a time.
read articleInterview
Yang Chunsen, Vice President/ Chief Representative, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East (CSCME) Kuwait
CSCME is a technology-driven company that leverages its R&D and long-standing partnership with the government to increase its participation in the future development of Kuwait.
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