Definition
Bahia Hariri is a Lebanese businesswoman and politician who has served as a Member of Parliament and holds leadership positions within the Future Movement party.
Overview
Born on 23 August 1962 in Beirut, Lebanon, Bahia Hariri is a member of the prominent Hariri family, which has played a significant role in Lebanese politics and economics. She is the sister of the late former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and the aunt of Saad Hariri, also a former Prime Minister.
Bahia Hariri entered politics in the early 2000s, aligning with the Future Movement, a political party founded by her brother Rafik Hariri. She was first elected to the Lebanese Parliament in the 2005 legislative elections, representing the Beirut constituency. She was re‑elected in subsequent elections, serving multiple terms and participating in parliamentary committees on finance, social affairs, and development.
In addition to her political career, Hariri is active in business and civil society. She has chaired and held board positions in several Lebanese companies, particularly in the construction and real‑estate sectors, and has been involved in philanthropic initiatives through the Rafik Hariri Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and community development.
Etymology/Origin
The given name Bahia (بَهِيَّة) is of Arabic origin, meaning “beautiful” or “splendid.” The surname Hariri (الحريري) derives from the Arabic word ḥarīr (حرير), meaning “silk,” historically indicating a family involvement in the silk trade. The Hariri family rose to prominence in Lebanon through commerce, construction, and later, politics.
Characteristics
- Political affiliation: Future Movement (Tayyar Al-Mustaqbal)
- Parliamentary service: Member of the Lebanese Parliament for the Beirut district, with terms beginning in 2005 and continuing through subsequent election cycles.
- Committee involvement: Finance and Budget Committee; Social Affairs Committee; Development and Reconstruction Committee.
- Business roles: Executive positions in construction and real‑estate enterprises; involvement in family‑owned conglomerates.
- Philanthropy: Leadership in the Rafik Hariri Foundation; advocacy for education and health programs.
Related Topics
- Hariri family
- Rafik Hariri
- Saad Hariri
- Future Movement (Lebanon)
- Lebanese Parliament
- Rafik Hariri Foundation
- Politics of Lebanon
All information presented reflects verified public records and reputable biographical sources.