The business career of Hussein al-Oweini spanned decades and multiple national borders, beginning with his role as an agent for the House of Saud. Born in Beirut in 1900, he navigated the intersections of commerce, diplomacy, and governance, eventually holding the highest executive office in the Lebanese government while maintaining significant private industrial and financial interests.
Early Career and Commercial Foundation
From 1923 until 1947, al-Oweini functioned as a business agent for the House of Saud. During this period, he established a company named Ne'ma Te'ma in Riyadh. His entrepreneurial reach extended to his home country, where he acquired business investments in Beirut. He served as a shareholder in Air Liban through the Busson Group, collaborating with partners Antoine Sahnawi, Michel Khattar, and Georges Karam. Additionally, he maintained ownership in a local insurance firm that acted as a representative for the French enterprise Union Nationale.
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Al-Oweini served as minister of finance from July 1948 until June 1951. He attained the position of interim prime minister on 14 February 1951, appointed by President Bechara El Khoury to replace Riad Al Solh. He held this office until 7 April 1951, at which point Abdullah Yafi succeeded him. Later, under President Charles Helou, he served his second term as prime minister from 20 February 1964 to 25 July 1965, succeeding and being succeeded by Rashid Karami. Beyond these roles, he headed the National Front and held the position of minister of foreign affairs and emigrants for three distinct periods: 1958 to 1960, 1965, and 1968 to 1969. During his final stint as foreign minister, he concurrently acted as minister of national defense.
Financial and Legal Developments
In 1951, al-Oweini participated in the founding of BLOM Bank. His influence extended through his family, as his daughter, Nada Oweini, eventually became a shareholder in the same institution. His career faced public scrutiny in 1957 when authorities arrested him alongside Saeb Salam and Abdallah El-Yafi. The government charged the three former prime ministers with orchestrating an armed coup and fomenting riots during the parliamentary elections of May 1957.
Legacy and Final Years
Al-Oweini passed away in Beirut on 11 January 1971. He was 70 years old at the time of his death. Throughout his life, his contributions were recognized with the Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Following his passing, the Hussein Al Oweini Award was established in his memory to honor his influence in public life.
Fast facts
- Born: 1900, Beirut
- Died: 11 January 1971, Beirut
- Citizenship: Lebanon
- Religion: Islam
- Positions held: Prime Minister of Lebanon
- Awards: Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Questions readers ask
What major financial institution did Hussein al-Oweini help establish?
He was a cofounder of BLOM Bank in 1951.
What were the circumstances of his 1957 arrest?
He was accused, alongside Saeb Salam and Abdallah El-Yafi, of planning an armed coup and riots during the May elections.
Achievements
- Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
