Rafik Bahaa Hariri (also written Rafiq or Rafic) is a self-made billionaire and business tycoon, Prime Minister of Lebanon from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2000 until his resignation on 20 October 2004.

He headed five cabinets during his tenure. Hariri dominated the country's post-war political and business life and is widely credited with getting the country back on its feet after the devastating 15-year civil war.

Hariri was assassinated on 14 February 2005 when explosives equivalent to around 1000 kg of TNT were detonated as his motorcade drove past the St. George Hotel in the Lebanese capital. He is considered a legend because his assassination changed the course of Lebanon's history forever, from the Cedar Revolution in 2005 to the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon (April 27, 2005) and beyond.