In keeping with its annual tradition, the Student Life Department at Beirut Arab University celebrated the start of the new academic year with its signature "Homecoming" event at the Debbieh campus. The vibrant, art-filled celebration brought together thousands of students, faculty members, and administrative staff from all university campuses across Beirut, Debbieh, Tripoli, and Bekaa. The event was attended by BAU President Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, Secretary-General Dr. Omar Houri, along with university deans and directors. Guest star Melhem Zein headlined the celebration, delivering a memorable performance with a selection of his hit songs, including "Gheibi Ya Chams Gheibi," "Dalli Dhaki," "Enti Mechiti," "Baddi Bek," and Julia Boutros’s classic "W Ghabet Chams El Hak."

This event underscored the university administration's ongoing commitment to fostering institutional pride, supporting student talent, encouraging extracurricular involvement, and creating an interactive environment that blends entertainment with learning to build a well-rounded campus experience. The day opened with an exhibition hosted by the Student Life Department clubs, where various student organizations showcased their activities and goals to help incoming students integrate into university life, alongside a vibrant food court that enriched the social atmosphere.

The musical portion of the program commenced with addresses from the University President and the Director of Student Life, both emphasizing the vital role of active campus participation. A unique singing competition followed, pairing ten current students with ten alumni and former Music Club members in duet performances. The performances were evaluated by a panel of experts comprising voice coach and music professor Tony El Bayeh, actor and singer Saad Hamdan, journalist and art critic Joseph Tawk, and composer-arranger Ossama El Khatib. The competition concluded in a tie for first place between Celine Fakhreddine (Faculty of Architecture – Design and Built Environment) paired with alumna Joanna Abou Daher, and Tamara Charafeddine (Faculty of Health Sciences) paired with alumnus Rabih Salameh. As a award, alumnus Rabih Salameh will present an original song to each of the two winners.

Melhem Zein concluded the evening with a grand finale, engaging the audience with his popular repertoire in an extraordinary atmosphere shared by a massive crowd of over 6,500 attendees, making this year’s Homecoming an unforgettable milestone in BAU's history. Reaffirming BAU’s core mission of empowering youth potential and bridging education, art, and recreation, Director of Student Life Ms. Nadine Abla presented honorary university shields to Melhem Zein and members of the judging panel as a gesture of appreciation and gratitude.