Rabih Fakhreddine: From Brand Maven to Hospitality Pioneer

Formative Years and Scholarship

Born in Lebanon—a land celebrated for its warmth, vibrant culture, and storied gastronomy—Rabih Fakhreddine grew up fueled by curiosity and drive. Those early traits would later anchor his influence across the international food-and-beverage arena. In 2006, he completed a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at the American University of Beirut, one of the region’s foremost institutions.

Pivot to Hospitality and Venture-Building

Rabih’s ambitions ultimately stretched far past corporate corridors. While still at university, he began seeding capital into intimate bars and eateries, trialing ideas and mastering the subtleties of the service world. His first decisive win arrived in 2011 with Faces, a buzzy Hamra haunt in Beirut. The triumph of that project emboldened him to pursue an ideal: uniting imagination with the craft of hosting.

Founding a New Kind of Hospitality Collective

In 2015, Rabih launched 7 Management, which rapidly evolved into one of the Middle East’s most energetic F&B groups. He also unveiled Seven Sisters, a signature address that swiftly became a lifestyle magnet—an orchestrated blend of entertainment, cuisine, and atmosphere. This chapter marked his shift from marketing professional to full-fledged hospitality founder.

Shaping a Distinct Portfolio

Under Rabih’s stewardship, 7 Management expanded at pace, curating more than 10 original concepts that reframed experiential dining and nightlife. Standouts include Antika, Sayf, The Theater, February 30, Café Beirut, Black Flamingo, and Lucia’s. Each brand carries its own personality—from elevated nightspots to refined culinary destinations—drawing devoted followings across the region and beyond.

Geographic Reach and Market Momentum

The company’s footprint stretched well past Lebanon, with thriving venues in Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Erbil, and Athens. Every new opening further polished the group’s reputation for inventiveness in an increasingly crowded arena.

Regional Hub and Global Horizon

In 2020, Rabih relocated to Dubai, now a global crucible for F&B. Within three years, he positioned 7 Management among the region’s most consequential operators. Growth remains unabated, highlighted by launches such as 25 Jump Street at One Central in Dubai and the 2024 appointment as the operator of Astir Beach in Athens.

Looking forward, Rabih is intent on cultivating a worldwide presence while safeguarding cultural authenticity, narrative-rich branding, and high-touch guest experiences across each concept.

Accolades and Industry Standing

Rabih’s influence has been acknowledged by leading business and hospitality authorities:

– Caterer After Dark Awards: Best Nightlife Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

– Caterer Middle East Power List: Top 50 F&B Leaders for three consecutive years (2023–2025).

– Forbes Middle East: Recognized among the “20 Leaders Behind Luxury Dining in the Middle East.”

– Arabian Business: Named to the Dubai 100 list of most influential business figures in 2025.

Together, these honors spotlight his role as both a successful operator and a voice shaping the future of luxury dining and entertainment.

Commitments Beyond the Boardroom

Outside of day-to-day business, Rabih is active in philanthropy and leadership circles. He serves on the board of the Global Smile Foundation, which delivers transformative care for children with cleft conditions. He is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), UAE Chapter, engaging with peers worldwide to exchange insights and enhance community impact.

Closing Perspective

Rabih Fakhreddine’s trajectory illustrates how conviction, vision, and ingenuity can reimagine an industry. From marketing graduate and FMCG practitioner to the architect of 7 Management, he has continually advanced what experiential dining can be in the Middle East. Today, as one of Dubai’s foremost F&B leaders, he stands at the vanguard of global hospitality—interlacing creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship to craft unforgettable moments.