Kolaghassi appointed "Real Estate Industry Champion"

The Young Arab Leaders is an independent pan-Arab network of distinguished different sector leaders comprising business personalities and leaders from several sectors. The organization will be holding its inaugural Young Arab Leaders Forum in Dubai, UAE on 2-4 December 2005 under the theme 'Future Leaders'. The Industry Champions of the different sectors will be expected to set new strategies and a comprehensive action plan to be implemented across the Arab world in the coming year.

Based on his achievements and his proven track record in developing the sector, Mr. Kolaghassi brings to this role as Industry Champion a special acuity at business creation and development that has been honed by his extensive experience as head of a number of major real estate development and construction companies.

Mr. Kolaghassi currently acts as Senior Advisor to Sheikh Saad Hariri, the Chairman and President of the major global construction company Saudi Oger. He is also the Vice Chairman and CEO of Saraya Holdings, a regional real estate development holding company that works to enhance unique previously undiscovered locations into world class destinations. The company is currently developing projects in Aqaba, Jordan and Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE and is initiating another project in Jordan at the exquisite Dead Sea locale.

Mr. Kolaghassi is also a board member of Abdali Investment & Development, the first public-private partnership in Jordan for the comprehensive development of a central district of Amman, the Managing Director of Omnia Holdings, as well as a chairman and board member of several other companies, giving him the rich background necessary to spearhead the region's real estate sector and act as its spokesperson in the region.

"The Young Arab Leaders network aims to have an active role in achieving progress in Arab countries over the coming years. I am deeply honored to be appointed as real estate champion and look forward to representing the real estate sector in the region,"

said Mr. Kolaghassi.

"I am also very proud of being part of this prominent Forum which represents the largest assemblage of its kind for the young leaders of our region. I hope we will be able to achieve the goals we set as YAL for the development of the Arab region in general, and to lead the real estate sector towards excellence."

Mr. Kolaghassi also praised the role of the YAL organization in supporting the youth across the Arab world by enabling them to play a significant role in making their future a success story, and building strong business sectors. He also commended YAL's active role in motivating young business leaders, and providing a platform for open debates.

The YAL Organization's network attracts distinguished leaders from a number of sectors; including Public Sector, Media, Energy, Manufacturing, and Information and communication Technologies. These Arab leaders have reached high levels of success through their proactive initiatives and clear vision for the future of the Arab World.