Hourie Headquarters

Founded by Abdul Rahman Hourie in 1966, Entreprises A.R. Hourie was among the first few contracting companies in Lebanon to execute high-level construction projects.

Born in the coastal Syrian town of Latakia and educated at Saint Joseph University’s School of Engineering (ESIB) in Beirut, Abdul Rahman Hourie was a major contractor in Syria, mayor of Latakia and Minister of Public Works. Following a military coup in 1963, he left Syria for Beirut where, three years later, he established Entreprises A.R. Hourie.

The year was 1966, in the middle of President Charles Helou’s mandate, which was characterized by prosperity and country-wide undertakings of major infrastructure projects. Entreprises A.R. Hourie made its mark with superior-quality construction, innovative techniques and its ability to get things done on time and on budget. The company was the first in Lebanon to introduce the diaphragm wall method in 1969 (for the Banque de Syrie et du Liban headquarters) and the reinforced soil method in 1985 (on the Kfarhim-Baakline-Wadi Zeini Road project).

During the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), work turned to a trickle but never stopped. Business was maintained as best as possible despite the on-going raging war.