Dubai/Amman, November 11 2008:- Saraya Sochi Board of Directors appointed Mr. Samih Barbir, as General Manager of Saraya Sochi Russia. Joining Saraya team, Mr. Barbir brings with him a multi-national operational experience in culturally diverse environments.
Mr. Barbir's experience ranges from building high performing executive teams, to leading entities with sophisticated products and services. Talented with a strong ability to translate conceptual models into specific growth strategies, Mr. Barbirs background includes managing joint ventures and strategic business partnerships to successful levels.
Mr. Ali Kolaghassi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Saraya Holdings, commented: As we are expanding into different regions, we seek to hire the best in their fields of expertise, aiming for qualified individuals with diversified backgrounds.
Mr. Barbir graduated in Business Administration with double majors in finance and marketing. The last tenure of Mr. Barbir in Vocalpad International Beirut, Lebanon, saw him in charge of business development and enhancing relations with governmental agencies, investors suppliers and banks, both in Romania and Canada.
Earlier in his career path, Mr. Barbir acted as Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL), the government agency in charge of attracting local and foreign investments to Lebanon as well as promoting exports.
Announced in early 2008, Saraya Sochi is a mixed-use destination on the shores of the Black Sea in Russia, consisting of a five star hotel and residential units as well as entertainment and retail facilities. The development is envisaged to stretch over an area of 63,000 sqm located uniquely in the central part of Sochi.
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About Saraya
Saraya, founded in 2005, is a real estate development and asset management company that invests in the travel and tourism industry. Saraya differentiates itself by creating a unique synergy between the real estate, and the travel and tourism industries; offering customers a fully integrated Saraya experience. Sarayas aim is to become a global leader in luxury travel, tourism, and lifestyle.
Saraya focuses on developing luxurious mixed-use tourist destinations, currently stretching from the Red Sea to the Black sea. Complementing these destinations are the Saraya services that are tailored for the customers various travel and tourism needs.
Saraya generally partners with the private and public sector in order to contribute to the local community in which it invests as well as delivering value for all stakeholders. Additionally, Sarayas destinations are planned in an environmentally sensitive manner safeguarding the beauty of the selected locations.
Saraya Destinations
Today, Saraya is developing five mixed-use destinations in various countries. Saraya Aqaba, on the Red Sea in Jordan, Saraya Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, Saraya Bandar Jissah near Muscat in Oman, Saraya Sochi on the Black Sea in Russia and Saraya Dead Sea in Jordan.
Sarayas destinations include high-end residential units, premium hotels, retail outlets and entertainment and business facilities. Partnering with world-class operators in order to deliver a luxurious experience, Saraya is committed to providing destinations with the highest international standards. Partners to date include Starwood, Jumeirah, Banyan Tree, Taj Exotica, and Nikki Beach.
Saraya Services
Complementing the destinations, Saraya will provide services ranging from private jet charter services, limousine services, luxury yacht travel, personalized concierge services, a travel agency, and world-class entertainment. Saraya Services has launched two prestigious services, Saraya Skies and Saraya Realty as a step towards delivering an integrated Saraya experience.
Saraya Skies is the private aviation operator that will render its services to business and leisure travelers around the world and to all Saraya destinations. Saraya Skies fleet comprises of the P180 Avanti II planes and the G450 Gulfstream. The P180 is internationally acclaimed by Michael Schumacher as the Ferrari of the Sky. The G450 is the ultimate choice for travelers as it offers the most comfortable and comprehensively equipped cabin in its class.
Saraya Realty provides sale, and re-sale services to all Sarayas destinations. Through offering a variety of product packages, Saraya Realty ensures to meet customers needs and expectations.
For further information on Saraya Sochi, please contact:
Lana Balkar
PR officer
Saraya Tel: +962 6 5505444
Fax: +962 6 5561738
E-mail: lbalkar@sarayaholdings.com
Press Release 2008
