Akram Ammar
Akram Ammar | |
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| Nationality | Lebanese |
| Citizenship | United Arab Emirates |
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| Website | saharacentre |
Akram Ammar is a Lebanese entrepreneur known for his role as managing director of Sahara City and its associated companies, including Sahara Centre, Sahara Healthcare City, and Al Nahda Real Estate.[1] He is also the CEO for Tunis Sports City and Hist in Morocco. He is recognized for his contributions to positioning the Sahara Centre as a prominent shopping destination in Dubai and Sharjah, offering a range of shopping outlets, dining options, entertainment, and wellness facilities.[2][3]
Early life and education
Ammar was born and raised in Lebanon. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and government studies from the Lebanese University, Beirut, in 1997. In 2009, he obtained an MBA from the American University of Sharjah.
Career
Ammar began his career in mall management and leasing at Abu Dhabi Mall in 1996. Before this, he was the founder and vice president of Leaders Group in Beirut, Lebanon.[4][5][6]
In February 2002, Ammar inaugurated the Sahara Center, a mall located on the Dubai-Sharjah highway.[7] Under Ammar's leadership, the Sahara Center has undergone significant expansions to meet the evolving needs of its clientele.[8] The mall undertook the eastern expansion project in 2013 and the western expansion in 2021, bringing the total number of stores to 545 and the total area to 275,000 square meters.[9]
Ammar has transformed Sahara Centre into one of the premier shopping destinations in Dubai and Sharjah, positioning it as the ideal one-stop destination for retail, leisure, dining, and wellness.[10][11] The Sahara Centre now offers a diverse retail mix, dining options, entertainment, and wellness facilities, including Adventureland theme park, Novo Cinemas, and Sahara Healthcare City.[12] Sahara Healthcare City is a premium health and wellness hub spanning five floors on the mall's top.[13] It has forged partnerships with renowned healthcare brands such as the Neuropedia Children's Neuroscience Center and FertiClinic Fertilization Center.[14]
Ammar is also the CEO and managing director of Al Nahda Real Estate & Development, contributing to the growth and development of the real estate sector in Dubai.[15]
Philanthropy
Ammar is committed to philanthropy, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.[16] Under his guidance, the Sahara Centre has fulfilled the wishes of special children from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services [SCHS], providing them with essential items such as mobile phones and bedroom furniture.[17][18]
References
- ↑ "Akram Ammar, The Managing Director and CEO of Sahara City, Discusses Pioneering Sustainable Urban…". Medium. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "Sahara Stays Dry: Akram Ammar's Management Masters the Flood". Medium. 19 April 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "Neuropedia Launches Sharjah Branch at Sahara Healthcare City | HCE". healthcareeverything.com. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "Sahara Centre records 50% rise in tourist traffic during 2023". www.gulftoday.ae. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "Sharjah's Sahara Centre eyes second-quarter launch for new retail section". gulfnews.com. 22 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "Sahara Centre Announces 'Plug Into The Future Like Never Before' Family Promotion". blog.dubaicityguide.com. 5 April 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ City, Sahara Healthcare. "Neuropedia progresses on its journey of excellence, inaugurates Sharjah branch at Sahara Healthcare City". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "Sharjah's Sahara Centre Eyes Second Quarter Launch for New Retail Section". issuu. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "UAE Today - Sahara Centre Launches Its New Identity - 'Like Never Before'". www.uaetoday.com. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "Sahara Centre announces 'Drive to the Future'". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "Indo-Asian News Service". ians.in. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "Sahara Centre expansion nears completion". MASTERMIND PR. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "Customers win big with Sahara Centre campaign". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ Centre, Sahara. "Tending to a growing need for specialized solutions FertiClinic Fertilization Centre inaugurates a new state-of-the-art facility in Sahara Healthcare City". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "Akram Ammar Reflects on the Evolving Role of a CEO in Today's Dynamic Business Landscape". Medium. 19 April 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ Davids, Gavin (22 April 2021). "Sahara Centre reveals details for new extension". Middle East Construction News. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "With 150 new stores, Sahara the largest in the Northern Emirates". www.sharjah24.ae. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ↑ "UAE Today - Sahara Centre Fulfils Wishes Of Special Kids At Sharjah City For Humanitarian Services". www.uaetoday.com. Retrieved 30 April 2024.