Rafiq Bahaa El Deen Al Hariri
- Born:
- November 1, 1944, Sidon, Lebanon
- Died:
- February 14, 2005, Beirut, Lebanon
- Nationality:
- Lebanese
- Profession(s):
- Businessman, Politician, Philanthropist
Early Life and Education
- Attended primary and secondary school in Sidon.
- Graduated with a degree in business administration from Beirut Arab University.
- In the mid-1960s, he moved to Saudi Arabia to work as a teacher before transitioning into construction.
Career and Major Achievements
- Founded Saudi Oger, a construction company that became one of the largest in the Middle East.
- Played a crucial role in the Taif Agreement, which helped end the Lebanese Civil War.
- Served as Prime Minister of Lebanon twice: 1992-1998 and 2000-2004.
- Spearheaded the reconstruction of Beirut after the Civil War, earning both praise and criticism.
- Invested heavily in education through the Hariri Foundation, providing scholarships for Lebanese students to study abroad.
- Advocated for economic liberalization and attracting foreign investment to Lebanon.
Notable Works
- Reconstruction of downtown Beirut following the Lebanese Civil War.
- Establishment of the Hariri Foundation, a significant educational philanthropy.
- Significant contributions to the development of Lebanon's infrastructure and economy.
Legacy and Impact
Rafiq Hariri's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is remembered as a key figure in Lebanon's post-war reconstruction and economic development. The assassination of Rafiq Hariri biography remains a pivotal event in Lebanese history, profoundly impacting the country's political landscape.