emaar appoints sarhad haffar as general manager for syria
• Focus on the development of Eighth Gate project
Emaar Properties, the global property developer with a significant presence in 16 countries including Syria, has appointed Mr Sarhad Haffar, an architecture and design management expert, as General Manager of Emaar Syria S.A. Mr Haffar will identify new growth opportunities in the country and also focus on the development of Eighth Gate, Emaar’s pioneering master-planned neighbourhood in Damascus developed in partnership with IGO, an offshore investment and property development company.
“Syria is a key market in our international expansion drive and the US$500 million Eighth Gate highlights our commitment to the country by developing mixed-use projects that create job opportunities for the local population, strengthen ancillary industries and promote economic growth,” said Dr Nader Mohammed, Regional Managing Director, Emaar International. “Mr Haffar has extensive experience working in the US and UAE, and brings world-class project execution skills and design excellence to Emaar’s development plans in Syria.”
“With residential, commercial and retail components, including the largest retail mall in the Levant region, Eighth Gate will redefine Syria’s property sector through its pioneering approach to mixed-use property development,” said Mr Haffar. “A joint venture with IGO, the offshore investment and property development company, Eighth Gate also builds on the ancient architectural heritage of Damascus.”
Mr Haffar was previously Head of Design of Turner Construction International and worked on several prestigious projects in the UAE. He has served as Project Architect with renowned firms in the US.
Eighth Gate broke ground in June 2006 and is expected to be completed in six years. Divided into three zones - the Commercial Centre, Waterfront and Residential – Eighth Gate contains apartments as well as a classical style piazza, commercial tower, plaza and a retail mall inspired by the souks of Damascus.
