Sharjah: Faizal E. Kottikollon, Founder and Chairman of KEF Holdings, has been appointed to the prestigious board of directors at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). This appointment represents a significant milestone for KEF Holdings, with Faizal Kottikollon bringing his expertise and entrepreneurial vision to contribute to the development of SRTIP under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.

SRTIP is poised to become a leading hub for cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and innovation in the region. The inclusion of Faizal Kottikollon on the board of directors reinforces KEF Holdings' commitment to innovation and sustainable impact in the fields of offsite construction, healthcare, education, and clinical wellness.

The esteemed board of directors comprises distinguished individuals such as His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Sheikh Dr. Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed bin Butti Al Muhairi, Dr. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, Dr. Susan Mumm, Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Khaled Issa Al Huraimel, Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Adel Abdullah Ali, Samer Salim Al Sayegh, Abdulaziz Basem Al Loughani, Mudassir Sheikha, and Alisha Moopen. Together, they will shape the strategic direction of SRTIP.

Faizal Kottikollon expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with SoiLAB, a venture within SRTIP, which aims to cultivate an environment conducive to creativity, technological advancement, and lasting impact on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological progress not only in Sharjah but also beyond.

Faizal is the son of renowned Malayali entrepreneur and philanthropist PK Ahammed, Chairman of Peekay Group of Companies. He is married to Shabana Faizal, daughter of Late B Ahmed Haji Mohiudeen, Founder of B A Group, Thumbay, and a prominent business and community leader.

About KEF Group

KEF Holdings invest in businesses that are innovative, sustainable, cost-effective, and deliver positive disruptive solutions across core business sectors encompassing infrastructure, healthcare, and technology, to benefit society and build a better tomorrow.

It has a 20-year legacy of building successful businesses. It began its journey in 1995 with the opening of Al Ahamadi General Trading in Ajman, following this it launched a world-class Foundry, and a valve trading company JC Middle East. It then created Emirates Techno Casting, an integrated facility incorporating cutting-edge engineering and design lab, the world’s largest automatic molding line, steel refining furnace, machine shop, and research and development lab, rated among the top 3 technologically advanced foundries in the world.

In 2012 Tyco International, bought the business for USD 400 million, becoming the impetus for the launch of KEF Holdings'​ two new verticals KEF Investments and KEF Infra. KEF Investments, have built a global investment portfolio by capitalizing on low-risk, high-income opportunities in growing markets.

In the year 2018, KEF Infra announced a strategic merger with Katerra, the Menlo Park US-based technology company, revolutionizing the design and construction industries.

Staying true to its belief of being a social enterprise the company, in close collaboration with stakeholders in the public and private sectors, actively drives, funds, and supports high-impact social activities undertaken by the  Faizal & Shabana Foundation

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Rajnandgaon (PTI): A 14-year-old girl allegedly hacked her elder brother to death with an axe after he scolded her for talking to boys on mobile phone in Chhattisgarh's Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district, police said.

The teenager has been detained for the offence that took place at Amlidihkala village under Chhuikhadan police station limits on Friday, the police said in a statement on Saturday.

The girl told the police that she and her brother (18) were at home at the time of the incident while the other family members had gone out for work.

Her brother reprimanded her claiming she talked to boys on mobile phone, and asked her not to use the phone anymore.

Angry over the rebuke, the girl allegedly hit her brother on his throat with an axe when he had fallen asleep. Her brother died on the spot, police said.

The girl then had a bath and cleaned the blood stains on her clothes before telling neighbours that her brother had been murdered.

After being alerted by villagers, a police team reached the spot and launched an investigation into the incident.

During questioning by police, the girl admitted to have killed him, the statement said.

A case was registered and further investigation was underway.