Bassam Said Freiha

Beirut-born philanthropist and businessman, Bassam Said Freiha, is the son of Said Freiha, a prominent Lebanese journalist who founded Dar Assayad, one of the region's largest publishing houses and supported journalistic talent through grants and training as well as providing financial assistance for medical and welfare needs of people working in the publishing sector. In 1991, the family established the Freiha Welfare Association to provide medical care to low-income children in Beirut. In 2024, the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF), a nonprofit institute, was opened in Abu Dhabi. This new centre will showcase the family's art collection and hosts events to promote art and cultural education.

Related sustainable development goals

  • No Poverty
  • Good Health and Well-Being
  • Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Reduced Inequalities

Focus areas

Focus sectors

  • Arts
    • Museums
      • Art museums
    • Visual arts
      • Architecture
    • Arts & Culture
  • Communications
    • Journalism
  • Development
    • Economic development
      • Community improvement
  • Health
    • Healthcare access
    • Health care quality
    • Out-patient care
  • Humanitarian

Focus populations

  • Academics
  • Artists and performers
  • At-risk youth
  • Children
  • Infants and toddlers
  • Low-income people
  • Students
  • Working poor

Focus geographies

  • Middle East
    • Lebanon
    • United Arab Emirates

Programmes

  • Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF)

    The first private art foundation in Abu Dhabi, Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) is a nonprofit institution that was established by philanthropist and art collector Bassam Freiha in early 2024. The foundation's building and museum, which are free to enter and open to the public, are located in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District and host Freiha's private art collection. 

  • Freiha's Welfare Foundation

    Established in 1991, the Said and Hasiba Freiha and Sons Foundation for Humanitarian Services built a paediatric clinic that provides free treatment, vaccinations, and medication to children from underprivileged families in Beirut. 

  • Said and Hassiba Freiha & Sons Foundation for Humanitarian Services

    Established by Bassam Said Freiha in 1970, the charity provides financial support the Children's Clinic near the headquarters of Dar Assayad, the company his father established in the early 1940s. The clinic provides free treatment and healthcare to thousands of children from underprivileged families every year.

Financials

Funding model

  • Programme related investment

Primary funders

  • Bassam Said Freiha
  • Investcorp

Funding source

  • Private

More

Resources

In early 2024, the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) was established in the Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Cultural District. It hosts Freiha's private art collection. Read more