Zeina’s cultural achievements : From Nabu Museum and “kutub” Publishing House to “Information International

Prepared by the Media Office editorial team.

Since assuming the role of Minister of Defense in Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s cabinet in 2020 and securing the distinction of being the first Arab Lebanese woman to hold this position, Zeina Akar’s name continues to resonate within the corridors of Lebanese politics. Her noteworthy achievements, both on practical and political fronts, have kept her prominently in the spotlight. Her contributions to Lebanon’s economic sector are not be over looked. As the executive director of Information International, Zeina Akar has demonstrated a significant lead in Lebanon’s research and development, having spent more than twenty years as the executive (now former) director of Information International, which is co-owned by her husband, Jawad Adra. Information International’s efforts are well appreciated in Lebanon as well as the rest of the Middle East. In 2007, Akar began managing “Kutub”, a Lebanese publishing house which specializes in the publication of historical and cultural books as well as the trade of rare and precious books.

It is worth noting that Information International and kutub partnered to publish books on the Lebanese Parliamentary Elections of 2018 and 2022, where statistical information is made available to the public on all proceedings regarding these elections.

As the founder and program director of the non-governmental Social and Cultural Development Association, Akar continued her contribution to the fields of health, environment, education, heritage protection and community awareness.

From the Kutub and Information International, to Akar’s contributions via Nabu Museum, Zeina Akar continues to be a strong woman to be reconned with on the Lebanese and greater Arab scene.