Draft:Nuhad Fuad Es-Said

Nuhad Es-Said (March 10, 1937 – October 26, 1982) was a Lebanese-Palestinian businessman, collector[4], and connoisseur of Islamic metalwork. Es-Said's passion for collecting extended beyond business, leading him to establish a renowned collection of Islamic metalwork, showcasing exquisite pieces from various historical periods and regions.

Contents


 * 1) Early life and education
 * 2) Career
 * 3) Personal life
 * 4) Bibliography
 * 5) References

Early Life and Education
Nuhad Es-Said was born on March 10, 1937, in Jaffa, Palestine, to parents of Palestinian and Lebanese descent. Following the outbreak of the 1948 Palestine war, the family relocated to Beirut, Lebanon. Es-Said attended primary school at Miss Amina's preparatory school and later graduated from Brummana High School in 1956. He pursued higher education at Cambridge University, graduating in 1959 with a BA degree in International Law and Business.

Career
In 1959, Es-Said joined Transmediterranean SAL, a company established by his father, Fuad Es-Said, and two associates in 1946. Specializing in sales and distribution of international brands, Es-Said played a key role in expanding the company into a Pan-Arab organization, operating across various countries such as the UAE, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.

Es-Said's interest in collecting diverse objects grew over time, ranging from lighters and cufflinks to cars and manuscripts. However, his primary passion became the collection of Islamic Metalwork, which he pursued with dedication. With the assistance of Islamic art dealer Oliver Hoare, Es-Said began building his collection, resulting in the formation of the Nuhad Es-Said Collection of Islamic metalwork. This collection, comprising inlaid bronzes and brasses from various historical periods and regions, features intricate designs adorned with gold, silver, and copper. Reflecting themes of superstition, religion, and politics, these objects serve as evidence of the societies they originated from.

Personal life
Es-Said and his family sought refuge in London, where their children pursued education in English boarding schools. However, Es-Said, along with Salma and their youngest child, Fouad, eventually returned to Beirut, refusing to abandon their homeland despite the turmoil.

It was during this period that Es-Said received the diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease at the age of 38. Despite knowing the gravity of his condition and its inevitable outcome, Es-Said was resolute in ensuring the future of his children and the continuity of his company. Consequently, he entrusted the responsibility to his wife, Salma, initiating her training in managing both the company and their family amidst the chaos of war-torn Beirut.

He died on October 26, 1982, at the age of 45. His wife took over the management of the company and the upbringing of the family.