Al-Qard al-Hassan: The Bank that Dodges Bombs but Not Audits

This is Beirut 27/05 21:40 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Banks Hassan Nasrallah Central Bank of Lebanon Hezbollah Israel

Al-Qard al-Hassan, a financial institution linked to Hezbollah and operating through 34 branches in areas controlled by the militia, has recently drawn attention for its role in the group’s financial operations. The Israeli think tank Alma Research and Education Center, which focuses on security issues in northern Israel, has provided ...

‘Tripoli, Yes We Can:’ How Diaspora and Reform Fuel Economic Revival

Mario Chartouni 27/05 20:25 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Europe Gulf

Under the patronage of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the third edition of the “Tripoli, Yes We Can” conference took place at the Beirut Arab University Tripoli campus on Monday. Bringing together political decision-makers and Lebanese diaspora representatives, the event aimed to map out a bold vision for national economic recovery – extending ...

When Lebanon’s Apple Loses Its Crunch

Christiane Tager 27/05 19:45 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

In Lebanon, the apple is a cornerstone of both culture and agriculture. It fills market stalls, embodies the freshness of the mountain regions, and represents a significant share of local farming. But beneath its smooth skin, a quiet crisis is unfolding: apple scab. “Or more precisely, Venturia inaequalis – a fungus with little that’s ...

Jaber: $150 Million Loan to Modernize Lebanon’s Administration

This is Beirut 27/05 19:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanon WorldBank Finance Modernization Yassine Jaber Reform

Finance Minister Yassine Jaber announced on Tuesday that Lebanon is in advanced talks with the World Bank for a $150 million loan aimed at modernizing the country’s public administration. The loan would fund a comprehensive digital transformation across ministries and state institutions, improving service delivery, increasing transparency and ...

HighlightEDL: At the Heart of Lebanon’s Energy Crisis

Liliane Mokbel 27/05 12:45 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Banks Beirut International Airport EDL Energy

Electricity rationing is the rule, contrary to all logic in a nation-state framework. A quarter of a century after the end of the Civil War, the Lebanese remain dependent on alternative means of energy supply – mostly at the mercy of the neighborhood private generator supplier. Électricité du Liban (EDL) will long remain in Lebanon’s history ...

ABL Calls for a 'New Phase' Based on Shared Responsibility

This is Beirut 26/05 12:40 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

ABL Banks Banque du Liban Fadi Khalaf

In the editorial of its monthly report titled “A New Phase on the Horizon,” the Secretary-General of the Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL), Fadi Khalaf, emphasized that no economic recovery plan can succeed without serious cooperation among all stakeholders. He stressed that this partnership must ensure the protection of depositors' rights ...

Lebanon Secures Spot Among Arab Billion-Dollar Companies

This is Beirut 26/05 11:50 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Banks Gulf Kuwait Middle East Saudi Arabia Lebanon

The Arab world’s economy is undergoing a rapid transformation, fueled by the rise of financial markets and robust growth in the technology, energy and finance sectors. According to data compiled by Forbes Middle East, more than 280 companies across the region now boast a market valuation exceeding $1 billion. At the forefront of this ...

Touch Signs Roaming Deal with Zain Omantel

This is Beirut 26/05 11:35 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Bahrain Europe Gulf Kuwait Middle East Touch

Mobile operator Touch announced on Monday a new regional partnership through the signing of a roaming agreement with Zain Omantel International (ZOI), a major telecommunications alliance in the Middle East. According to a company press release, the agreement will allow Zain and Omantel subscribers from eight countries – Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, ...

Figure of the weekLebanon’s Exports Surge 30% in Q1 2025

Liliane Mokbel 24/05 15:00 - Reading : less than a minute

United States Lebanon exports swiss

Lebanon’s exports surged by 30% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching $957 million, up from $735 million during the same period in 2024. This marks a significant improvement for a country with a chronically negative trade balance. Jewelry, Lebanon’s top export category (43% of total exports), played a major role in this increase, with ...

A Power Revolution with No Current

Ryan Chaba 24/05 10:30 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Banks Europe Cars Lebanon

It’s a quietly growing trend. Since Lebanon’s 2021 fuel crisis, the electric vehicle market has been steadily gaining ground. Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), in particular, are spearheading the shift. Their futuristic designs are increasingly becoming common sights on Lebanon’s roads. The numbers are still small but rising. In the absence ...

Lebanon’s $4.5 Billion Price Tag: The Hidden Cost of the Syrian War

Christiane Tager 23/05 23:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Banks Syrian refugees Lebanon

Since 2011, hosting Syrian refugees has posed a severe economic challenge for Lebanon. According to the latest World Bank report, the direct annual cost of accommodating these refugees is estimated at around $4.5 billion. However, this figure only accounts for direct expenses. When indirect costs are included, the total cost rises to roughly ...

$257.8 Million for Water!

This is Beirut 23/05 19:25 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Banks

Minister of Finance Yassine Jaber, in the presence of Minister of Energy and Water Joe Saddi, signed a $257.8 million loan agreement with World Bank Regional Director Jean-Christophe Carret for the Greater Beirut Water Supply Project. The financing is aimed at improving water coverage for 1.8 million people, reducing dependence on costly private ...