H.H. The Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait (image right, center) and Dr. Adnan Shihab-Eldin, Director General KFAS (image left: image right, left side)
Dear participants,
For more than 40 years, KFAS has played a catalytic role in advancing and promoting science, technology and innovation (STI) throughout Kuwait, as part of its efforts to drive the establishment of a knowledge-based economy and long-term sustainability. Through its initiatives and programs, along with its strategic national and international partnerships, the Foundation has continued to foster excellence by enhancing the STI competencies and capabilities of the country and its population.
The present KFAS Headquarters (HQ) is in the heart of Kuwait City’s business and financial district, where the building has served as an iconic landmark on Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Street, surrounded by governmental and private sector entities. The location, in the center of the machinery driving the country’s socio-economic development, is a symbol, for the country and its people, on the crucial role for STI in national development, and a reminder that knowledge would provide the platform for the sustainability of Kuwait’s population long-term.
However, due to the expansion of the Foundation’s programs and initiatives, and the subsequent increase for the increase instaff, as well as the growth in real estate projects in the surrounding areas, the Foundation has long outgrown the maximum capacity of its current headquarters. Hence, for its long-term expansion, and to address its master program of growth and development, KFAS has been allocated two new sites from the Kuwait Municipality, to house a new Headquarters and Convention Center. These newly developed buildings shall reflect and portray KFAS’s role as the leader in the advancement of STI within Kuwait’s society and embody the characteristics of invention, creation and knowledge.
The Foundation has commissioned [phase eins]., an architectural firm based in Germany to manage the international design competition for the construction of these two buildings and the area as a whole. The firm will utilize their expertise in urban planning and architecture to ensure that innovation and creativity will play a vital role in the designs submitted for the buildings and surrounding area, embodying the characteristics of the Foundation’s mission and vision, along with showcasing a highly attractive and efficient work environment. Furthermore, the master plan is that the area will become a central and inspirational zone for STI in Kuwait, not only because of the two new KFAS buildings, but because of the presence of the Scientific Center of Kuwait, a KFAS Center, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, the Environment Public Authority: Marine Life, and the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs. The vision of the entire area will also integrate the characteristics of STI, with beautifully crafted walkways, along with ample open space, abundant greenery, and access to views of the Gulf.
We look forward to working with [phase eins]. to ensuring the successful completion of this project and a new home for KFAS to continue its leading role in catalyzing the advancement of Kuwait through STI.
Dr. Adnan A. Shihab-Eldin
Director General