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Gulizar Jonian |
Armenian ladies have always been active within their community ever since members of the community lived and worked in Abu Dhabi well over 40 years ago. A new ladies committee is formed every 2-4 years (under the auspices of the Council of the Armenian Community) to give a chance for all Armenian women living in Abu Dhabi to contribute to the community.
The current team of the Abu Dhabi Armenian Ladies Committee has been in place since June 2011 and is comprised of Gulizar Jonian (Chairwoman), Maral Balabanian (Secretary), Taline Ohanian (Treasurer), Arosiag Ohanessian, Maral Markosian, Maral Patanian, Sevan Atanosian, Antoinette Yeretsian are advisors. Each of the ladies bring to the table their own special talents and experience, thereby making our team a very diverse and yet, comprehensive one.
Living in the UAE offers the best opportunities to get to know, understand and learn about other cultures, a chance that we should all embrace to enrich our lives. Our first event of the season was a highly successful and sold out afternoon high tea event, which took place at Sevilo's Italian Restaurant in the Millennium Hotel. Women and children of all ages, from a range of communities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, were invited to join, as well as ladies from the UAE Diplomatic Wives Association. The program included cultural and recreational elements, such as violin playing and solo singing by community members.
Abu Dhabi magazine did a 3 page coverage with many pictures. The Armenian Community Christmas Bazaar, in November was our second event of the season. We featured over 50 exhibitors, all talented national and international artists.
There are no “subscription” or “membership” fees. All are welcome to our events, and we try to reach as many individuals as possible, depending on the size and type of event.
The essence of our events is to promote a sense of inclusion amongst all communities in the UAE.
We are still in the process of cooking up some new and interesting events. We are trying to think outside of the box and wish to promote events that we feel we would enjoy organizing. Pouring our heart and souls into our work shall translate into more successful events for all attendees to enjoy.
We create a Facebook account for each event separately.
Photos:
1) Armenian ladies in UAE.
2) Gulizar Jonian, Chairwoman of the Armenian Ladies' Association in Abu Dhabi.
Source: Expat Woman website, December 2011
http://www.expatwoman.com/abudhabi/monthly_abudhabi_guide_Armenian_Ladies_Association_7757.aspx
