Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Tajikistan to open Dushanbe Serena

Dushanbe, 30 October 2011 — Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Tajikistan today for the inauguration of the Dushanbe Serena Hotel. Prince Rahim and Prince Amyn had arrived earlier, and will also participate in the opening ceremony.

At the airport, His Excellency Hamrokhon Zarifi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received Mawlana Hazar Imam on behalf of the Government of Tajikistan. Aga Khan Development Network Resident Representative Munir Merali and leaders of the Jamat also welcomed Hazar Imam to the country.
Mawlana Hazar Imam is welcomed to Tajikistan by LIF Member Dr Sharofat Mamadambarova and ITREC Chairman Dr Mamadsho Ilolov, as AKDN Resident Representative Munir Merali looks on. Photo: Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam is welcomed to Tajikistan by LIF Member Dr Sharofat Mamadambarova and ITREC Chairman Dr Mamadsho Ilolov, as AKDN Resident Representative Munir Merali looks on. Photo: Gary Otte

Mawlana Hazar Imam has described the new five-star Serena Hotel as part of “a long-term commitment to a process of tourism development that can have deep and lasting benefits for Central Asia.” In addition to setting quality benchmarks, generating urban renewal and contributing to Tajikistan’s economic development, the Dushanbe hotel has already made important strides in human resource development through its comprehensive employee training programme.

While in Tajikistan, Mawlana Hazar Imam is also expected to review the progress of other AKDN projects in the region.
Prince Amyn and Prince Rahim are greeted by staff at the Dushanbe Serena Hotel. They are accompanied by Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels (South and Central Asia) and Hotel General Manager David Scully. Photo: Michail Romanyuk
Prince Amyn and Prince Rahim are greeted by staff at the Dushanbe Serena Hotel. They are accompanied by Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels (South and Central Asia) and Hotel General Manager David Scully. Photo: Michail Romanyuk