Model father Hadid feels good vibes in Beirut

BEIRUT: The geographical proximity between Beirut and Nazareth gives Mohammad Hadid, the billionaire of Palestinian origins, great joy, which makes his eyes glow when speaking of the beauty and charm of this land.

Annahar had the opportunity to meet Hadid - who chose to spend the holidays in Lebanon - to talk about his roots, success story and, of course, his two daughters, Gigi and Bella, who have reached international fandom in fashion and humanitarian work.

Hadid, a refugee from Nazareth, left Beirut to the U.S when he was 14.

His challenging childhood did not prevent him from achieving his dream of becoming a prominent businessman in the world of real estate.

His parents, especially his father, played a major role in his success. “My father was educated, and showed me the importance of education," he said; an advice Hadid is keen on giving to his five children.

The Palestinian businessman speaks with great passion about his visit to Beirut, a trip that was not on his books due to feelings of anxiousness and insecurity during his childhood.

“When I arrived, I was surprised to see how wonderful it felt. The moment I got out of the plane, I felt the city’s energy and beauty, and that Beirut is the center of the world and the jewel of the Arab world and the Middle East,” he told Annahar.

He saw a country full of energy and good vibes that keep up with the fashion trends.

The negative light that has been cast on Lebanon in the past made people wary of visiting the country, “and this is a mistake,” Hadid said, adding that “Beirut is one of the most beautiful and friendly places. When you walk on the streets, you feel that people are kind and nice, that’s why I was very happy to come here.”

Hadid even contacted his children to elaborate on his first experience in Beirut, urging them to visit Lebanon, a country filled with attractions, from food to culture.

Hadid said he encourages his children to always go back to their roots and heritage. “They should see this place and experience our past and cultural heritage,” he said.

During his brief visit, Hadid met with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, whom he described as a warm and elegant person, good interlocutor, and intelligent leader.

Hadid, who shared with Hariri how he felt towards Lebanon and the region, said he hopes to change negative stereotypes about Lebanon abroad, and show it is a secure country worth visiting. 

“When I arrived here, I did not know much about the country. And I was glad to see the progress. I think that in the coming years, the Lebanese capital will grow to become a hub of the Arab world and a safe economic powerhouse,” he said when asked about his intention to invest or implement projects in Lebanon.

The businessman also highlighted the key role that stability plays in helping Lebanon attract investments from neighboring countries.

After mentoring his daughters for years, Hadid said he now learns from Gigi and Bella, who run their own businesses and humanitarian associations.

“I learned many things from the work and efforts Bella invests in many communities wherever there are hunger and disadvantaged people in the world,” he told Annahar, adding that she built three schools last year, and will be building three other schools this year in Africa and Southeast Asia.

“She is guided by the nature of human beings to distinguish right from wrong,” he said.

Hadid taught his five children to chart their own course in life, highlighting that they should “not follow my footsteps. I might not be around tomorrow." 

“This is how our parents raised us, they gave us two strong wings and solid feet, but they set us free,” he said, stressing that he doesn’t judge his kids based on their actions because “I believe that if I give them the opportunity and the ability to live their life, they will behave responsibly and be up to it.”

The article was adapted into English by Nisrine Nader.