KUWAIT: Chief Executive Officer of Al-Hamra real estate firm Khaled Al-Othman said yesterday that the under construction Al-Hamra tower has touched 358 meters in height. Only 15 meters remain to be constructed for it to exceed the 372-meter tall Al-Tahrir tower.

Al-Othman stated in a press statement that the total height of the tower after its completion will be at 412 meters, pointing out that 54 meters remains to be built to complete this dizzying 77-storey building. He went on to say that the last stories of the building will be known for their distinctive design and unprecedented height as they will include a luxurious world-class restaurant that will occupying more than a storey.

He noted that the fa�ade's covering works will accelerate as the tower's exterior will be made of a glass layer that spreads on to its three main fronts. This is besides two kinds of natural rocks that complete the southern facade which overlooks Kuwait City.

Al-Othman went on to assert the finalization of most electro mechanic extensions and finishing touches to be placed on the tower. The operation of 22 of the total 41 elevators will serve the tower's occupants and visitors during the summer of 2010.

He added that designing the gardens surrounding the project has been completed and that area around the project will be cleaned and evacuated of all building materials in the second quarter of the next year to start plantation of a 600-meter area surrounding the project.

Al-Othman said that the three components of the project, namely the tower, the mall and parking building have been completed. Five bridges will be built soon to connect them in a way that facilitates free movement from the parking building to the tower or the mall. - Kuwaittimes