Achieving together with Love
In a world often marked by division and individualism, the power of collective action remains an indomitable force for positive change. By harnessing our shared strengths and aspirations, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges and create a future that is brighter for all. Doctor Michel Daher, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, embodies this philosophy through his groundbreaking work in the realms of cultural celebration and humanitarian aid.
I am Michel Daher, a Lebanese national born and raised in Beirut. After completing my schooling in Lebanon, I pursued my dream of becoming a dentist by studying the craft in Russia and Ukraine. Upon returning to my homeland, I embarked on my dental career in earnest, eventually opening my own clinic and later expanding to establish a polyclinic housing eleven medical specialists. It was a proud achievement, the realisation of a long-held ambition.
But alongside my dental practice, I nurtured another passion — a desire to create something that would bring joy and celebration to people's lives. This took the form of organising charity festivals, an endeavour I undertook simply for the love of it. Little did I know that this modest side project would blossom into my life's defining work.
The turning point came with the Beirut International Award Festival (BIAF), which I launched with the goal of honouring outstanding achievers in Lebanon and beyond. From the outset, the festival enjoyed the patronage of the President of Lebanon, with each edition's honourees being welcomed at the presidential palace. It was a heady experience, watching my brainchild gain the support of the highest office in the land.
BIAF went from strength to strength, reaching its zenith under the patronage of Prime Minister Saad Hariri from the fourth edition onwards. I vividly remember the occasion when Mr. Hariri took the stage to present an award to his aunt, Bahia Hariri, then the Minister of Culture. He spoke affectionately of their shared history, of how she had been a guiding force in his youth and had pushed him to excel academically. It was a touching display of family bonds and personal growth, the kind of moment that imbues these grand ceremonies with genuine emotion.
The success of BIAF caught the attention of the authorities in Dubai, particularly the Atlantis hotel, who approached us to bring the event to the UAE. Thus was born the Dubai International Arab Festival Awards (DIAFA), which recently completed its eighth edition. Along the way, we also had the privilege of organising the Emi Gala fashion awards in collaboration with the Dubai Design District.
Of course, the path has not always been smooth. The challenges facing Lebanon in recent years necessitated a three-year hiatus for BIAF. But we returned triumphantly for the eleventh edition just last month, hosting the ceremony in the poignant setting of the Roman ruins in downtown Beirut. Held under the theme "I am Lebanese," it was a defiant celebration of our culture and identity in the face of adversity.
While the glitz and glamour of these events are undeniably alluring, my true pride lies in the charitable work we have done through our CSR initiative, “Together for a Better Tomorrow”. Using the festivals as a platform, we have made a tangible difference in people's lives — providing scholarships for Lebanese students, delivering bionic limbs to those maimed in conflict, and raising funds for the children of Gaza. These are the achievements that fill my heart with joy.
None of this would be possible without the incredible team that works tirelessly behind the scenes. Putting together a DIAFA or BIAF ceremony is a colossal undertaking, involving 65 dedicated individuals working in unison. Everything you see on stage, from the sets to the lighting to the musical performances, is a product of their skill and devotion. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, enshrined in our motto, "together we achieve a goal."
This spirit of cooperation has also allowed us to amplify our message far beyond the confines of the event hall. Today, DIAFA is broadcast live across 12 television channels, taking our celebration of Arab excellence to viewers across the region. It is a privilege to have this platform, and a responsibility we do not take lightly.
When asked about my inspiration, I often say that it comes from the great and the small, from triumphs and challenges alike. I am motivated by the promise of future achievements, by the knowledge that there is always more to strive for. In a world where imitation is rife, I believe in the power of originality, of setting your own course rather than following in the footsteps of others.
Some of the most gratifying moments in my journey have been the quietest ones — the nod of approval from the President, the launch of a new charitable initiative, the whispered words of thanks from someone whose life we have touched. But there have also been instances of pure, unbridled joy, like the time we welcomed Dareen Barbar and Arz Zahreddine, two incredible para-athletes, to the DIAFA stage. The sight of them striding down the catwalk, prosthetic limbs gleaming under the spotlights, brought the audience to its feet in a spontaneous standing ovation.
While every DIAFA is unique, they are all united by a common thread — the desire to celebrate those who have left an indelible mark on Arab society and culture. Each edition is dedicated to an iconic figure from our region, from the beloved Lebanese singer Wadih El Safi to the groundbreaking Egyptian actress Faten Hamama or from the romantic Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani to the luminous Egyptian singer Dalida. By honouring the memory of these trailblazers, we keep their legacy alive and inspire a new generation to follow in their footsteps. DIAFA and BIAF have hosted a constellation of stars over the years, but what ties the festivals together is the desire to exalt those who have made an impact, whether in the arts, business, science or philanthropy.
For me, respect is the cornerstone of everything I do — respect for family, which is the bedrock of our society, and respect for individuals, regardless of their station in life. I make a point of soliciting feedback and ideas from everyone on my team, from the most junior assistant to the most seasoned professional. Creativity knows no hierarchy, and some of our most inspired concepts have come from the most unexpected quarters.
To those considering making a new start in Dubai, I say this: you are embarking on an adventure in one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities on Earth. The UAE is a nation that embraces diversity in all its forms, welcoming people from over 200 countries, each with their own unique heritage and way of life. It is a place where the future is being written in real-time, where visionaries from every field come to make their mark. If you have a dream and the determination to pursue it, there is no better place to be.
I experienced the generosity of the Emirati spirit firsthand in the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion in 2020. With Lebanon reeling from the disaster, the UAE offered to host a spectacular fountain show at the Palm Jumeirah in solidarity with the Lebanese people. It was a poignant reminder that in times of crisis, our shared humanity transcends all borders and divisions.
Throughout my journey, I have been guided by two unwavering principles. The first is the law of karma — the belief that the good you put into the world will find its way back to you in one form or another. The second is the importance of integrity, of doing what is right even when it is difficult. I have seen the truth of these maxims borne out time and again, from the miraculous appearance of a sponsor when all seemed lost, to the quiet satisfaction of knowing that we have made a positive difference in someone's life.
But if I had to distil my philosophy into a single phrase, it would be the one that has become the unofficial mantra of DIAFA and BIAF: "Together we achieve a goal." It is a recognition that no one gets to the top alone, that every success is built on a foundation of collaboration and mutual support. It is a call to action, urging us to pool our talents and resources in service of something greater than ourselves. And it is a reminder that when we work in harmony, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
So let us go forward in that spirit — as partners, as friends, as fellow dreamers united in our determination to make the world a little bit brighter. Let us celebrate the best in ourselves and in each other, and never lose sight of the power we possess when we stand together. For it is only by lifting each other up that we can reach the pinnacle of what is possible.
That is the message I hope to convey through DIAFA, BIAF, and every endeavour I undertake. It is the core of who I am and what I believe. And it is my deepest wish for each and every person in the world — that they find their own path to fulfilment, guided by the light of their passions and sustained by the love and support of those around them. Together, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
