Resume
Personal life
Born in Lebanon on November 26, 1939, Bassam Said Freiha is the son of Said Freiha, the prominent pioneer journalist and founder of Dar Assayad, and Hassiba Freiha. He is the proud father of three children: Hassiba, Issam and Elissa Bassima, as well as three grandchildren Atlas, Apollo and XXX. More details about the professional and personal life of Bassam Said Freiha can be found on the homepage.
Education
In 1960, Bassam Said Freiha graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon.
Career
Since 1961, Bassam Said Freiha has been the President and Managing Director of Dar Assayad SAL, one of the world’s biggest Pan-Arab publishing companies.
Appointments
In 1978, Bassam Said Freiha was appointed Special Envoy with cabinet status by the Lebanese president.
Awards & Honours
Bassam Said Freiha is the recipient of numerous international awards, including recognitions from the governments of Morocco, Lebanon, Zaire, Jordan, Spain, Malta, Syria, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and France.
Main achievement
Growing Dar Assayad SAL into one of the most successful publishing houses in Lebanon and the Middle East.
Other achievements
- Establishing the Said and Hassiba Freiha & Sons Foundation for Humanitarian Services. Started by Bassam Said Freiha in 1970 in honour of his parents, it continues to provide healthcare and education for deprived children in Lebanon.
- Founding private art foundation the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in March 2024.
- Promoting Lebanon abroad and building bridges between countries and their leaders.
Biography
The NBC Naaman Biographical Centre selected Bassam Said Freiha’s biography as its ‘Biography of the Year’ in its renowned list of ‘2,000 Prominent Arabs of the 20th Century’. His outstanding contributions to the publishing industry, most notably for establishing the oldest, largest and most successful publishing house in Lebanon and the Middle East, earnt him this esteemed recognition.
Overarching ambition
To bring peace to Lebanon and achieve just peace for the Middle East.
Biography
The NBC Naaman Biographical Centre selected Bassam Said Freiha’s biography as its ‘Biography of the Year’ in its renowned list of ‘2,000 Prominent Arabs of the 20th Century’. His outstanding contributions to the publishing industry, most notably for establishing the oldest, largest and most successful publishing house in Lebanon and the Middle East, earnt him this esteemed recognition.
