Who Is Rafic Hariri? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on November 1, 1944, Rafic Hariri was a Lebanese politician and businessman who served as the Prime Minister of Lebanon from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2000 until his assassination in 2005. Hariri played a significant role in rebuilding Lebanon after the civil war and was known for his efforts towards economic development and reconstruction. Although Hariri's life was tragically cut short, his influence remains noteworthy in Lebanese politics and beyond.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 1, 1944 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Birth Place | Sidon, Lebanon |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Lebanon |
| Date of death | 14 February, 2005 |
| Died Place | Beirut, Lebanon |
Popularity
Rafic Hariri's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements may not be publicly available, Rafic Hariri was known to have a commanding presence characterized by his dignified stature. Estimated height was around 6 feet (183 cm), and he maintained a healthy lifestyle throughout his life. His weight fluctuated as he engaged in various business activities and political engagements, reflecting the demands of his roles.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Rafic Hariri was married to Nazek Hariri, with whom he had three children: Ayman, Hind, and Saad Hariri, the latter of whom has also served as Prime Minister of Lebanon. Following his assassination, Nazek Hariri continued to support public and charitable initiatives. As of 2025, Hariri's legacy is carried on through his family, with Saad Hariri being the most prominent figure among them in the Lebanese political landscape.
Hariri married twice. He had six children. In 1965, he married an Iraqi woman, Nidal Bustani, who is the mother of his three sons; Bahaa (born 1967), who is a businessman, Saad (born 1970), who succeeded his father as leader of the future movement, and Houssam—who died in a traffic accident in the US in the late 1980s. They divorced.
He married his second spouse, Nazik Audi, in 1976 and she is the mother of three of Hariri's children: Ayman, Fahd and Hind.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2005, Rafic Hariri was estimated to have a net worth ranging from $2.5 billion to $3 billion, owing to his extensive investments in various sectors, including construction, telecommunications, and real estate. Although exact figures regarding his current net worth are challenging to ascertain as of 2025, the Hariri family's continued business ventures and political involvement suggest a lasting financial influence.
Having accumulated his wealth, Hariri started a number of philanthropic projects, including the building of educational facilities in Lebanon. His first initiative in Lebanon was the Islamic Association for Culture and Education, which he founded in 1979. The association was later renamed the Hariri Foundation.
Hariri became progressively more embroiled in politics. His appeals to the United Nations and services as an emissary to the Saudi Royal family won him international recognition on the political stage for his humanitarian efforts.
Career, Business and Investments
Rafic Hariri's career began in Saudi Arabia, where he made significant strides in the construction industry before returning to Lebanon during the reconstruction phase post-civil war. He founded Solidere, the company responsible for redeveloping Beirut’s city center. His business acumen extended into other sectors, including telecommunications and finance, making him one of the wealthiest people in the Middle East. His political career was marked by his commitment to reconstruction and economic reform, positioning him as a central figure in modern Lebanese history.
He had two siblings (brother Shafic and sister Bahia). He attended elementary and secondary school in Sidon, and graduated in business administration from Beirut Arab University.
Social Network
Hariri was known to have a broad social network that extended beyond Lebanon. He maintained relationships with key international leaders and business figures. In 2025, his family's social and business endeavors continue to resonate, as they engage with various philanthropic activities and seek to maintain their socio-political influence, especially through platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
Hariri headed five cabinets during his tenure. He was widely credited for his role in constructing the Taif Agreement that ended the 15-year Lebanese Civil War. He also played a huge role in reconstructing the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
He was the first post-civil war prime minister and the most influential and wealthiest Lebanese politician at the time. During Hariri's first term as prime minister, tensions between Israel and Lebanon increased, as a result of the Qana massacre.
In 2000, during his second premiership, his biggest achievement was the Israeli withdrawal from Southern Lebanon, ending an 18-year old occupation, while his government solidified relations with Ba'athist Syria.
Education
Rafic Hariri graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in Business Administration, laying the groundwork for his future business successes. His education was pivotal in shaping his entrepreneurial spirit and political ideology. Over the years, Hariri was recognized for his contributions to Lebanese society, education, and economic development.
On 22 June 2005, Beirut International Airport was renamed Rafic Hariri International Airport. Additionally, Beirut General University hospital was renamed Rafiq Hariri Hospital. Rafic Hariri was succeeded by his son Saad Hariri as leader of the Future Party.
Conclusion
Though Rafic Hariri's life was tragically cut short, his impact on Lebanon and the global community endures. From his business ventures and political engagements to his family legacy, Hariri remains a significant figure in the narrative of Lebanese history. As we reflect on his life in 2025, it is evident that his influence continues to play a role in the unfolding story of Lebanon.
