On the occasion of the centenary of Mansour Al Rahbani’s birth (1925–2009), the American University of Beirut (AUB) hosted a special musical and cultural panel celebrating the life and legacy of one of the Arab world’s most influential poets, playwrights, and composers. Mansour Al Rahbani was a visionary Lebanese composer, poet, and playwright. Alongside his brother Assi and legendary singer Fairuz, he revolutionized Arab musical theatre and left an indelible mark on the region’s cultural heritage. The centennial event was organized in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Chair for Arabic and Islamic Studies at AUB, and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Lebanon.

The panel brought together leading cultural figures to reflect on Al Rahbani’s enduring influence. Participants included Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre; Oussama Al Rahbani, composer and son of Mansour Al Rahbani; Hiba Tawaji, Lebanese singer; and Majed Bou Hadir, media personality and moderator. A distinguished audience of diplomats, ambassadors, cultural leaders, and representatives of regional and international cultural institutions attended the event, underscoring the broad significance of Al Rahbani’s legacy.