Leading Lebanese businessman and entrepreneur Hikmat Abou Zeid has established a career in both strategic investment and corporate leadership. Abou Zeid has managed his family office portfolio by pursuing a strategy of diversification across various industries, such as waste management, banking, real estate, automotive, and mobile advertising. His approach to investing places a strong emphasis on social impact, innovation, and sustainable growth, showing how private capital can be extremely helpful in bolstering Lebanon’s economic development and resilience.
Building a Diversified Portfolio:
Abou Zeid has been in charge of the Abou Zeid family office since 2015. This office is responsible for managing a diverse investment portfolio both domestically and abroad. He reduces risk and seizes chances for long-term growth by distributing investments across several industries and geographies. This strategy demonstrates a deep comprehension of global trends, Lebanese economic conditions, and market dynamics.
Important industries in Abou Zeid’s portfolio serve as examples of how to strike a balance between societal benefit and profitability. In the financial industry, he has helped OMT SAL, in which the family owns a 50% share, grow by modernizing the business and extending its financial and digital services. Serving on the board of AstroBank in Cyprus gave him the opportunity to contribute to one of the nation’s fastest-growing banks while gaining insight into banking innovations and practices. AstroBank was acquired by Alfa Bank a prominent Greek Bank in Nov. 2025.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Strategic Growth:
Businesses with significant growth potential and strategic value are frequently the focus of Abou Zeid’s investments. In 2009, he established Ahli Investment Group (AIG), a premier brokerage financial institution catering to Arab and local customers, in collaboration with Ahli International Bank. He proved his ability to spot market gaps and establish organizations that improve Lebanon’s financial infrastructure through AIG.
Abou Zeid has also acquired experience in the private equity market, including Maddict, a startup focused on mobile advertising locally and regionally.
In order to tap into the GCC’s premium mobile advertising market and foster the development of local digital entrepreneurship, Maddict expanded to the United Arab Emirates during his chairmanship from 2012 to 2018.
His ability to enhance operational effectiveness, expand market share, and ultimately negotiate the successful acquisition of OPEL Lebanon by the Abou Khater Group in 2018 was also demonstrated during his tenure as Chairman of Opel Lebanon (2013–2018).
