Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met on Tuesday at the Grand Serail with ambassadors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to coordinate preparations for the anticipated return of Gulf nationals to Lebanon.
The meeting follows the United Arab Emirates’ recent decision to lift a long-standing travel ban on Lebanon, imposed during a previous diplomatic dispute with Beirut.
Ambassadors from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman, along with chargés d’affaires from the UAE and Kuwait, raised concerns primarily related to security.
“We listened to their concerns and assured them we are committed to addressing them,” Salam told reporters afterward, without disclosing the specific issues raised.
He said that the diplomats were briefed on enhanced security protocols, particularly around Beirut International Airport.
“After holding meetings with the heads of security agencies over the past two days, I personally ensured that all units tasked with protecting our Arab brothers this summer are fully prepared,” the prime minister stated.
The new security plan, he explained, includes both visible and discreet measures: increased patrols along the airport road, in downtown Beirut and in key tourist areas, as well as the discreet deployment of security forces and the reactivation of the tourist police.
Salam also announced the establishment of a dedicated tourism operations room and a direct hotline for Arab tourists to report issues and access assistance.
The meeting was attended by Defense Minister Michel Menassa, Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar, Tourism Minister Laura Lahoud and Public Works Minister Fayez Rasamny.
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