Milestones

Achievements

From the day it all started, we’ve been a company dedicated to asking one question: “Why not?” Our work to anticipate and overcome every challenge has rooted our values and vaulted us to the top of our industry.
TO BE PROUD OF

Bassam Freiha took over in 1962 the running of DAR ASSAYAD from his father as President / Managing Director and embarked on a program of expansion and growth within the company.

In 2000 he became CEO of the corporation. Bassam Freiha is highly described as an innovative CEO, a good team man and absolutely dedicated to the international promotion of his native country, Lebanon and to DAR ASSAYAD. He takes the initiative to be in constant touch with his key staff, business associates and social acquaintances. The success of DAR ASSAYAD is fostered by continuous adaptation of modern technology in production and constant staff training programs internally and abroad.

Bassam Freiha is credited for being the forerunner in introducing at an early stage (mid seventies) the first specialized publications in the Middle East (Al Computer and Al Fares men’s monthly). His foresight was shaped by his ability to see the roots of the Emerging knowledge evasive societies as a result of IT and communications revolution.

During the civil war when many publishers were pulling out of Lebanon and many publications winding up, Bassam Freiha stood firm and continued to launch new, successful titles, ably supported by his Loyal team. In addition to his business activities, Bassam Freiha fulfils a diplomatic role and pursues his greatest ambition, which is to bring peace to Lebanon and to bring about a just and lasting solution to the Middle East crises. He has been a special envoy to all Lebanese presidents since 1978, with full Cabinet status. As such, he travels widel, meeting heads of states and political leaders throughout the world.

View more
Culture and Education

Global Contributions

In addition to leading Dar Assayad, Bassam Said Freiha has dedicated his life to promoting culture and education.   Bringing exceptional skills and knowledge, he has helped promote Lebanon abroad since 1978. He has travelled widely to meet with global Heads of State and political leaders, and he has established deep friendships with kings, presidents, rulers and top officials, both in the Arab world and further afield

In recognition of his selfless efforts in building bridges between countries and their mutual leaders, Bassam Said Freiha has been recognised with numerous honors, distinctions and awards from various global governments.

This includes:

  • Statement of Appreciation from United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi, 1991
  • The Culture Medal of the First Order of Tunisia – Paris, 1993
  • “Chave da Cidade de São Paulo” – The Key to the City of São Paulo – São Paulo, 1993
  • The Order of Distinction of Belize – Paris, 2000
  • The First Order of the Star of Jordan – Jordan, 2000
  • The Medal of Acropolis by UNESCO – Paris, 2001
  • The National Order of the Cedar of Lebanon, Officer Rank, by President Émile Lahoud – Beirut, 2004
  • Knight of the French Legion of Honor – Abu Dhabi, 2011
  • The Legion of Honor by Her Excellency Irina Bokova, UNESCO – Paris, 2014
  • Order of the Star of Italy – Abu Dhabi, 2017
In April 1991, Bassam Said Freiha was asked by the State of Belize to represent them at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris. His contributions to non-profit organisations and spreading cultural awareness spanned over the Chairmanship of five Directors-Generals, including Federico Mayor, Koïchiro Matsuura, Irina Bokova and Audrey Azoulay.
Bassam Said Freiha spent the later part of his career focusing on his true passion: philantropy. He founded The Said and Hassiba Freiha & Sons Foundation for Humanitarian Services in 1970, and to this day it continues to improve healthcare and education in Lebanon, and tackle poverty across the country.