Christiane Tager, 22/07 23:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
hotels tourism expatriates economy
At first glance, everything points to a booming summer season: the diaspora is back in large numbers, the airport is stretched to its limits with nearly 100 flights a day, and the highways resemble a Lebanese remake of the Paris ring road. But behind the scenes, the tourism picture tells a different story. Hotels are struggling, occupancy rates ...
Liliane Mokbel, 19/07 18:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Turkey United Arab Emirates United States economy trade industry exports
According to data from the Higher Council of Customs, Lebanese exports rose by 21% between January and May 2025, reaching 1.5 billion dollars compared to 1.2 billion a year earlier. This increase reflects renewed competitiveness for “Made in Lebanon” products, which are seen as better suited to local purchasing power and more reliable in ...
This is Beirut, 18/07 12:00 - Reading : less than a minute
Lebanon Fuel Prices Tax Economy motorists
Fuel prices in Lebanon dropped significantly on Friday following the removal of a previously imposed tax. The measure, recently announced by the authorities, comes amid a challenging economic climate marked by persistent currency fluctuations and mounting pressure on consumers’ purchasing power. The decision had an immediate effect, causing a ...
Bassam Abou Zeid, 18/07 09:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Cyprus Lebanon Syria Oil economy exploration gas maritime borders
Lebanon’s push to revive oil and gas exploration in its Exclusive Economic Zone remains stuck in limbo. Political gridlock and regional volatility have stalled progress, and even French energy giant TotalEnergies – holder of the license for Block 9 – has yet to take any operational steps or issue public statements. The only current movement ...
Liliane Mokbel, 17/07 14:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Lebanon Economy Entrepreneurs Exports New brands Franchise
Faced with soaring import costs and an ongoing multifaceted crisis, Lebanese entrepreneurs have shown remarkable ingenuity. Paradoxically, the country’s challenges have acted as a catalyst, pushing many in the private sector to create their own commercial brands. In a local market hungry for revitalization, particularly following the gradual ...
Maurice Matta, 11/07 19:45 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
Lebanon Banks Banque du Liban Economy
At midnight between Monday and Tuesday, June 9, the terms of the four vice governors of the Central Bank of Lebanon (BDL) expired: Wassim Mansouri, Bachir Yaqzan, Salim Chahine, and Alexander Mouradian, along with the mandate of the president and members of the Banking Control Commission and three members appointed as experts to the Capital ...
This is Beirut, 11/07 19:05 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
Yassine Jaber Lebanon Economy Iraq
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber revealed important details on Friday regarding the planned Lebanese ministerial visit to Baghdad. During a meeting with Iraq’s Chargé d’Affaires Mohammad Reda al-Husseini, Jaber revealed that the visit, originally scheduled for last month, had been postponed. The visit will address sensitive bilateral issues, ...
This is Beirut, 11/07 15:05 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
European Union USA Economy Tariff Trade
The EU said Friday it was ready to strike a deal with Washington to avoid swingeing tariffs, after US President Donald Trump sowed doubt over reaching an accord. "We remain on our side fully locked and loaded to conclude an agreement with the US," EU trade spokesman Olof Gill told reporters. "Let's see what happens when our friends in Washington ...
Christiane Tager, 10/07 18:55 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Middle East MEA Lebanon economy low-cost Beirut airport airline
Facing soaring fares and near-monopoly on direct routes, Lebanon’s national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) is preparing to shake up the market. Led by Chairman Mohamad El Hout, MEA plans to launch a low-cost subsidiary in March 2027, according to insiders. The new airline will start with 4 aircraft and offer tickets up to 30% cheaper than ...
Christiane Tager, 07/07 17:25 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
International Monetary Fund Israel Iran economy
The war may be over in Iran, the missiles silenced — but another battle rages on: the economy. After decades under crippling sanctions, battered by soaring inflation and a plunging currency, Tehran is still holding on. But for how long? While the military front has quieted, the economic one remains on high alert. For years, the Islamic Republic ...
This is Beirut, 02/07 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Music Economy Tourism Britain Culture
Music tourism contributed a record £10 billion ($13.8 billion) to the UK economy last year as fans flocked to live shows by Taylor Swift and other big acts, industry data from UK Music revealed Tuesday. "Charli XCX, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender and Dua Lipa helped lure a record 23.5 million music tourists to concerts and festivals," UK Music ...
Liliane Mokbel, 28/06 14:00 - Reading : less than a minute
agriculture lebanon economy food
As Lebanon endures a prolonged economic crisis, one figure remains widely overlooked: the country’s agriculture sector generates over $4 billion annually when including the entire value chain: transport, packaging, and agro-food processing. On its own, raw agricultural production is valued at $2.2 billion per year. Strengthening agriculture and ...