Exclusive to “Kayan 24”
History is often occupied with recording the biographies of those who left bright marks upon it. If every exceptional event has a history that is written, there are those who do not care about the event at the moment of its existence, rising above the announcement of its occurrence, so that others may occupy history with stories of success, achieved after diligence, hard work, and dedication to writing golden letters that serve as life lessons for generations that need someone to guide them.
Najeeb Salha, a son of the town of Ras el-Metn, was one of the political, economic, and expatriate figures who preoccupied himself with his successes in Lebanon and abroad, working for the advancement of his homeland, his community, and his region. He was convinced that history is not a product of the current moment, nor is it the result of a passing coincidence; rather, history is an accumulated glory and influential work, achievements that only gain a more magnificent presence through absence. He was present in many national and social fields; he loved Lebanon, occupied himself with its affairs, and worked for its progress and elevation. This is what led Najeeb Salha to be a politician of a different caliber in the practice of parliamentary and ministerial work, as his concerns were national, social, and humanitarian. As for his vision, it took another path, where tourism investment was an opportunity to contribute to moving the economic wheel, attracting tourists, providing job opportunities for the youth generation, and imparting an aesthetic and civilized dimension to Lebanon. Thus, the Phoenicia Hotel became a destination for tourists from the Gulf, the diaspora, and abroad, and a haven for Lebanese people, both residents and expatriates.
The Lebanese Najeeb Ibrahim Salha was born in Ras el-Metn in 1908. He began his academic career at the Friends School in Ras el-Metn, then immigrated to Sudan, where he held various government positions, before settling in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he was appointed Deputy Minister of Public Works and Finance. He married Mrs. Badia Al-Yafi, and they had three children: Mazen, Marwan, and Ulfat.
Najeeb Salha was able to organize many oil agreements between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and oil companies, and these agreements boosted a part of the Saudi economy.
Parliament and Ministry
Najeeb Salha returned to his homeland, Lebanon, and was elected as a deputy for the Metn in 1946. He was also elected as a member of the Finance and Budget, Public Works, and Foreign Affairs and Information committees.
In November 1946, he was appointed Minister of Planning in the government of Prime Minister Hussein Al-Oweini.
Economic Footprints
Najeeb Salha left successful economic marks in Lebanon, especially in the capital, Beirut, where he managed several important industrial, commercial, and tourism projects in Lebanon, including the Grand Hotels Company “Phoenicia and Vendome,” the Lebanese Company for Industry and Commerce “Leco,” and the Orient Media Company SAL. In addition, he contributed to the revival movement of several banking projects and development and equipment projects. Among his contributions to serving the people of his region are the Mansourieh-Ras el-Metn road, which he built at his own expense, the Hasbaya-Mtan bridge, and several secondary roads.
Najeeb Salha was famous for many charitable works, as his benevolence touched many charitable, humanitarian, educational, social, and health projects.
He passed away on February 21, 1980, in Beirut, and was buried in an official and grand funeral in his hometown of Metn.
On June 5, 2017, the Municipality of Ras el-Metn named the Najeeb Bek Salha Official Secondary School after him in his honor.
