Samar Matta Kanaan
Vice President
Born in Bhamdoun, Lebanon, and the only child of Albert and Claire, she spent most of her childhood in Abu Dhabi before moving to London where she completed her schooling and higher education. She holds a degree in Business Administration and Economics from Richmond, The American International University in London.
Her early two years work experience at the St James Court Hotel, part of Taj Group of Hotels, led her to follow her passion in the Hotel and Real Estate Business, more specifically. At the age of twenty-three, she joined the family business, established and managed by her father Albert Matta since 1968 in Abu Dhabi. After his passing in 2021, she became the CEO of Sahara Real Estate Management, continuing his legacy with dedication and vision.
Her love for children led her to establish and manage the Sahara Leisure Center, a space where children of all age groups could participate in a variety of cultural and physical activities. This enriching and rewarding chapter lasted seven years.
Married and proud mother of three, she was raised with the values of generosity and compassion by both her parents. Her passion for philanthropy became first evident through her active involvement in her children school Parents Association which she led for three years.
She was an Executive board member of the Lebanese Business Council in Abu Dhabi for 6 years since 2019.
Inspired by her late mother’s legacy, and strongly committed to Health and Education causes, she supports today a number of NGOs, of which mainly SESOBEL & Children Cancer Center in Lebanon (CCCL) as well as many University Alumnus Associations in Abu Dhabi.
