Bassam Freiha
Publisher. Philanthropist.
Welcome to official website of
Bassam Said Freiha
Bassam Freiha is the respected CEO of Dar Assayad, one of the largest publishing houses in the Arab region, Beirut-born Bassam Said Freiha is also renowned for being a passionate humanitarian.
Story
The Story of Bassam
Said Freiha
Bassam Said Freiha has dedicated his life to building bridges between countries, helping the less fortunate, and promoting art and culture.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, he studied at the University of Beirut before taking up the helm of Dar Assayad in 1961.
By embracing new technologies and techniques, he has continuously kept Dar Assayad at the forefront of journalistic excellence. Indeed, while Lebanon’s three decades of difficulties and civil unrest has caused many businesses and local publications to close, Bassam Said Freiha’s commitment to Dar Assayad has never wavered.
Dedicated to supporting Lebanon and strengthening its economy, he is a friend of leaders and presidents from across the globe. He continues to give generously to the people of Lebanon, and in 2024 he established his first art gallery – Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) – in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
About
Short Resume
Following in the footsteps of his father Said Freiha, the founder of Dar Assayad, Bassam Said Freiha was appointed Managing Director of the publishing house at the age of just 21.
With his elder brother Issam as Chairman, and his youngest sister Elham as Managing Director, Bassam Said Freiha helped take Dar Assayad to extraordinary levels of success. Today, the publishing house boasts offices in Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Damascus, Dubai, Kuwait and Riyadh, and service offices in London and Paris.
In 1978, the Lebanese president appointed him Special Envoy with cabinet status. He has since been recognized with numerous international awards, including accolades from as far as Morocco, Lebanon, Zaire, Jordan, Spain, Malta, Syria, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Italy, The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and France. Building on his passion for philanthropy, the driven professional and family man established the Said and Hassiba Freiha & Sons Foundation for Humanitarian Services in 1970. For the past 50 years, the organization has worked to provide healthcare and education for deprived children in Lebanon.
The Bassam Freiha Art Foundation
The Bassam Freiha Art Foundation stands as a pivotal institution within the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to showcasing a remarkable collection of Orientalist art. Established with the vision of making this significant collection accessible to the public, the foundation reflects Freiha’s deep commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and artistic appreciation. By providing a platform for both established and emerging artists, the foundation aims to cultivate a rich cultural environment that encourages exploration and engagement with the arts.
In addition to its focus on art exhibitions, the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation emphasizes educational initiatives designed to enrich the community’s understanding of art and culture. Through workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects, the foundation seeks to foster a greater appreciation for the diverse artistic expressions found within the region and beyond. By uplifting the local art scene and encouraging cross-cultural exchanges, the foundation hopes to contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi, ultimately inspiring a deeper connection between art and society.
Field of expertise
History
Back In Years
Bassam Said Freiha with the leader Abed El-Nasser on the day that the missiles Attaer and Al Quahir were launched. (Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt)
Said Freiha between his sons Issam and Bassam as they are interviewed by the Tele Liban television network. (Beirut, Lebanon)
Bassam Said Freiha with the former President of Egypt Anwar Assadat. (Cairo, Egypt)
Bassam Said Freiha in the residence of Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim of Antioch. (Paris, France)
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan driving his car with Bassam Said Freiha as his passenger. (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Bassam Said Freiha welcoming President Nelson Mandela in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Bassam Said Freiha shaking hands with former president of Egypt Husni Mubarak during an official visit to Egypt, and in the presence of the King of Bahrain. (Cairo, Egypt)
Bassam Said Freiha and Pope John Paul II. (Vatican, Rome)
Bassam Said Freiha being driven by Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, with the late Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nhayan by his side, and Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed, current president of the UAE, riding in the back seat. (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Bassam Said Freiha and Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan. (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Bassam Said Freiha and the late King Abdullah Bin Abed Al Aziz, former ruler of Saudi Arabia. (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
Bassam Said Freiha, Sheikh Mohamad Bin Rashed Al Maktoum and Emirates Ambassador to USA Yussef Outayba during the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. (Abu Dhabi,UAE)
Bassam Said Freiha attending the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with King of Spain Juan Carlos. (Abu Dhabi- UAE)
Bassam Said Freiha with Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed, Sheikh Mohamad Bin Rashed and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak during a hunting trip. (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Bassam Said Freiha with Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed during the UAE’s 40th National Day. (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Bassam Said Freiha with the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa Bin
Zayed Al Nahyan. (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Bassam Said Freiha with UAE President Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed and Saudi businessman Prince Waleed Bin Talal. (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
General-Director of UNESCO Irena Bokova honoring Said Freiha and Bassam Said Freiha on the Platinum Anniversary of Dar Assayad. (Paris, France)
Bassam Said Freiha with Sheikh Mohamad Bin Rashed and Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed. (Dubai, UAE)
Bassam Said Freiha and Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain during the Formula 1 race in Bahrain.
Bassam Said Freiha, Ambassador of the State of Belize for UNESCO attending the United Nations General Assembly in Paris. (New York,USA)
Bassam Said Freiha with Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum.
