Abdul Ghani Mroueh

Early Years · Jbaa

Born in Jbaa to Sheikh Ali Mroue, Mayor of Jbaa, and raised in a home of generosity and intellectual openness. Educated at the Lycée co-educational Greek Orthodox school in Batrakieh, where he learned French and was exposed to diverse cultures and faiths — a foundation for his lifelong liberalism. Later studied at the prestigious boarding school Dar Mashmousheh.

Age 13 — The Print Shop

His father's 13th birthday gift: a navy blue smock and an apprenticeship as a press room cleaner in the family print shop. Supervised by "Ustaz Abed" — who would later reveal himself to be his father's cousin — he earned crayons and began his education in the life of ink and paper.

Age 15 — Al Hayat Newsroom

A Parker ballpoint pen for his 15th birthday — and a place as morning-shift gofer at Al Hayat, the great pan-Arab daily founded by Kamel Mroueh. He fetched proofs, ran photos, carried articles. His mentor was the same Ustaz Abed — who turned out to be his father's cousin, and who became his guide, his guardian, and his friend for life.

Age 18 — Deputy Managing Editor

Rose to Deputy Managing Editor and General Manager of the Al Hayat newsroom — one of the most influential pan-Arab newspapers of its era. Covered cultural events and festivals across Lebanon, conducted major political interviews, and mastered the teleprinter, photography, and editorial production. His talent and dedication were undeniable.

1966 — After the Assassination

When Kamel Mroueh was assassinated in his office on 16 May 1966, it was Abdul Ghani who carried his fatally wounded chief to the ambulance. He continued at Al Hayat under the family, shepherding the newspaper through the grief of its founder's loss.

Thomson Foundation Fellowship · Cardiff

Chosen for an international journalism training programme run by the Thomson Foundation — which owned many of Britain's major newspapers — he travelled to Cardiff, Wales, living in a hostel with journalists from across the developing world. Characteristically, he refused to stay cooped up: he convinced his hosts to let him live with a Welsh family in Pentre, immersing himself in the culture. He reported on the rise of Welsh nationalism, and his career took him as far as France and Singapore.

1971 — An-Nahar Press Services

Joined An-Nahar Press Services, the sister company of Lebanon's most respected newspaper, as Executive Editor — where he met his lifelong colleague and business partner Walid El Hage.

1975–76 — Leaving Lebanon

As Lebanon's civil war closed Al Hayat's doors and shattered the Beirut press scene, Abdul Ghani made the decision to emigrate to London. He took with him his experience, his contacts, his convictions — and his unshakeable belief in the Arab press.

London · Fetter Lane to Knightsbridge

With Walid El Hage, established a publishing venture at Fetter Lane in the heart of Fleet Street. Published the weekly tabloid newspaper Al Manar, the English-language weekly Arabia and the Gulf, and the monthly Arabic cultural magazine Al Naqid (The Critic). Published over 700 books in Arabic on politics, culture, history, and the Arab world. Expanded to Sloane Street and Knightsbridge.

Al Kashkoul Bookshop · Knightsbridge

Co-founded Al Kashkoul — the largest Arab bookshop in Europe — in Knightsbridge, offering rare manuscripts, old Quranic texts, and limited editions in both Arabic and English. The bookshop hosted signings by Nizar Kabbani, Souad Sabah, Ounsi Hage, Belind Al Haydari, Ahmad Matar, and many others. Organised the London Arab Cultural Week in 1987 and 1988. The shop became a cultural hub for the Arab diaspora.

With His Brother Nabil · Dar Alintishar

Worked alongside his brother Nabil Mroueh to establish Dar Al Nasher publishing house (supporting Riad Al Rayyes Books), co-created Al-Shater Hassan children's magazine, served as Managing Editor of Al Naqid, co-founded Al Hayat el Sahhiyah (Healthy Living magazine), and launched Majalet Al Kashkoul — a monthly independent magazine that ran for 243 editions over 15 years. Co-founded Dar Alintishar (Arab Diffusion Company), which was named the best Arab publishing house in 2022.

Return to Beirut

Eventually returned to Beirut with his wife Ferial Maktabi, continuing his work in publishing and remaining a beloved figure in the Arab cultural world. The road to Jbaa always filled him with joy. His heart, his children recalled, was always in the south.

8 February 2024

Passed away in London, one week before his 82nd birthday. Accompanied on his final journey by his daughter Salma, he was returned to Jbaa — to the village he loved, and to the land where he grew up and discovered the world. His memorial was held at the Petersham Hotel, Richmond, on 7 April 2024.