SOAR - Abu Dhabi Chapter
Abu Dhabi joined the SOAR family in January 2016. Many Armenians originating from Lebanon, Syria and other Arab countries were drawn to UAE for the economic opportunities. The majority of Armenians in UAE are Orthodox Armenians belonging to the Armenian Apostolic Church and under the jurisdiction of the Holy See of Cilicia. The Catholicossate established the “Diocese of Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf Countries.” It is headquartered in Kuwait, but also serves the Armenians in UAE. The Armenian Catholicossate, with the support of the Sharjah Emirate, established St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Al Yarmook, Sharjah – the first Armenian church established in UAE. Approximately 3,000 Armenians live in UAE, primarily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Nairi Babayan
Co-President
Nairi Babayan was born and raised in Armenia, Yeghegnadzor. He received his education in Armenia: Yerevan State University of Economy, University of Foreign Relations and also completed various courses at the American University of Armenia. He has also received a musical education and plays the Armenian symbolic musical instrument, the Duduk. He is a progressive scholar in the field of business and constantly travels overseas to give sessions at multidisciplinary conferences: Paris: IJAS, England: University of London, Italy: American University of Roma, to name a few. Nairi currently resides and works in the United Arab Emirates and works closely with the Sultanate of Oman. He is a successful businessman and a well respected Armenian in this multicultural country.
Aznive Boghossian
Co-President
Aznive Boghossian was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management in Beirut city, and moved to Spain to pursue her Master’s degree in Innovation in Tourism and Marketing from Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia. Currently Aznive works in Abu Dhabi in Sales and Marketing division, she is part of Leadership Development Program by Marriott International. She is Fluent in Armenian, English and Arabic and has a working proficiency in Spanish.
Aznive believes in the beauty of diversity and that happiness is helping others to feel belonged, safe and most importantly loved.
Fiona Baker
Dr. Fiona S. Baker holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Exeter, UK with studies at George Washington University in Special Education and Higher Education Administration, also at doctoral level. She is currently Head of Division, Educational Psychology and Counselling, at ECAE, a dedicated teacher education college in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She has published in academic journals in the fields of TESOL, bilingualism, early childhood education and teacher development. She serves on the editorial board of Early Child Development and Care. She has written about adoption and is currently writing a book for practising teachers on the subject. Through both her personal and professional life she has established a close and loving relationship with Armenia and its people that spans more than a decade.
Annie Marajanian
Annie was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Marketing in Beirut and moved to the UAE in 2007 to immerge in the event industry.
With a Portfolio consisting of more than 50 of the largest projects in the country, she works in Senior Operations and mainly Accreditation.
One of the highlights of her career was heading the accreditation team for the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, the world’s largest humanitarian event for the community promoting inclusion for people of determination and a truly unforgettable experience.
Annie is fluent in Armenian, Arabic, English & French and is a mom of 3 loving kids.