[citation needed][2] Ziad graduated from College des Freres Maristes and went on to major in Business Administration at (USEK) the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.

In 2013, Ziad Hawat was awarded the “Golden Medal of Merit” from the United Nations World Tourism Organization for outstanding achievements, with a certificate of distinction for Byblos as Best Arab Tourist City for the year 2013.

In March 2013, Hawat joined forces with local and international collaborators and implemented a waste sorting scheme to preserve the city’s environment and safeguard it from pollution.

Taking it a step further, In March 2014, Hawat launched a €40 million project, partially financed by the republic of Italy, and aims at establishing a sewage system that covers the cities of Byblos, Amsheet, Blat, Edde, Kfarmashoun, Jeddayel and Hosryael.

During his presidency, Ziad launched and oversaw projects, such as: the new municipality building, reconstruction of the old souk facades, Public Park with a surface area of 12,000 m2 which was awarded the biggest park award in Lebanon, Sports City, Best Touristic City of 2016, Christmas trees (2013 – 2016) which got worldwide recognition[citation needed] In 2016, Ziad Hawat was reelected as President of the Municipality of Byblos for his 2nd term with no opponent to beat.