URC Inspires Kuwait University’s Architectural Students

Jan 23 , 2023

Kuwait City by URC | Press Release

United Real Estate Company (URC), a leading real estate developer in Kuwait and the MENA region, organized a study tour for the third year Kuwait University architecture students to Kuwait’s first-ever comprehensive mixed-use property, Hessah District.

The Eighteen students who visited the district began their tour with an insightful presentation by Eng. Mohamed El Ashkar, Development Department Design Manager at URC. The presentation was held at the Hessah District Sales Pavilion and covered an array of topics including Hessah District project development concept; site considerations and impact on construction; masterplan; components; building materials, finishes and how they were selected; and sustainability.

During the site visit, the students also had the opportunity to view the project models, to see the material selections, and to tour the site via a golf cart. This was a new experience for the students to learn about the first ever project in Kuwait to implement a new, integrated, and a sustainable lifestyle in Kuwait.

The tour was held in partnership with Dr. Faridah AlRashaid and Arch. Noor Abdal as part of URC’s corporate social responsibility program. The aim was to promote the exchange of knowledge and pave the way for the next generation of efficient and socially responsible architects.

The students who belong to the “Studio Interior Architecture 3” class developed their concepts off the award-winning Hessah District. Of particular interest to Dr. AlRashaid was the H-Suites serviced apartments, which served as the inspiration for the students’ term project on boutique hotels.

As a logical conclusion to this activity, the students developed their term project around a boutique hospitality concept, and URC’s Communications Manager, Mr. Salem Al Khulaqi attended the final presentations of third year Kuwait University architecture students and participated in the final judging for grading.

Sharing his opinion on the presentations, El Ashkar said, “I always find it refreshing to see new ideas and concepts in architecture, and the students did not disappoint. I found their concepts very elevated and commend them and their instructors.”

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Nasser Al Qallaf, Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications at URC, said: “As a Kuwait-based real estate developer, we have a vested interest in building the capabilities of Kuwait’s next generation of architects. We are looking forward to more such partnerships with educational institutions in the future.”

Furthermore, he stated, “The students have a lot to benefit from these arrangements as they will be able to learn key lessons on design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability.”


About URC

United Real Estate Company. K.S.C.P (URC) is one of the leading real estate developers in Kuwait and the MENA region, with consolidated assets of Approx. KD 610 million (US$ 1.96 Billion) as of 30 September 2022. Headquartered in Kuwait, URC was founded in 1973 and was listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange in 1984.

URC primarily operates through a number of operating subsidiaries and investment arms across the MENA region. URC's core business is real estate development and operations and enjoys a diversified portfolio of assets that include retail complexes, hotels, residential properties, and high-rise office buildings.

URC’s operations extend to construction and contracting services, facility management, and project management through its several subsidiaries. URC's portfolio of assets is geographically spread throughout the MENA region and includes Marina World, Marina Hotel, and KIPCO Tower in Kuwait, Salalah Gardens Mall & Residences in Oman, Abdali Mall in Jordan, Raouche View 1090 in Lebanon, Hilton Cairo Heliopolis & Waldorf Astoria Hotels, and Aswar Residences in Egypt, and Assoufid development including a golf resort, five-star hotel, and premium residences in Morocco.

URC is the real estate arm of its majority shareholder, Kuwait Projects Company – Holding (KIPCO Group), a holding company that focuses on investments in the Middle East and North Africa. It’s strategy of acquiring, building, scaling and selling companies in the MENA region has worked successfully for over 30 years. KIPCO’s main business sectors are financial services, media, real estate, and industry. KIPCO’s financial service interests include holdings in commercial banks, insurance companies, asset management, and investment banking.

Contact Info

Salem Al Khulaqi

Communications Manager – Sales & Marketing
United Real Estate Company

T (+965) 2295 3671

F (+965) 2244 1003

s.alkhulaqi@urc.com.kw