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
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.
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.