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A Lebanese Blog

Tag: Lebanon

  • 80 Years of Middle East Airlines: Lebanon’s Cedar Still Soars

    Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), has officially turned 80 years old, and what a journey it’s been! Eight decades of highs and lows, turbulence and triumphs, all tied together by one constant: the unmistakable Lebanese spirit of perseverance.

    From its humble beginnings in 1945 to its transformation into a modern regional leader, MEA’s story mirrors Lebanon’s own, full of challenges, comebacks, and an unshakable pride that never stops flying.

    From Beirut’s Golden Age to Global Recognition

    MEA was founded in 1945 by Saeb Salam, with support from BOAC (what we know today as British Airways). With just a few aircraft, the airline began connecting Beirut to nearby capitals like Damascus, Cairo, and Nicosia, before quickly expanding to Europe and beyond.

    By the 1960s, MEA had become one of the Middle East’s most respected airlines. The company’s jets were sleek, the service was world-class, and Beirut’s airport buzzed with energy. MEA didn’t just connect cities, it connected cultures. Flying MEA was synonymous with elegance and Lebanese hospitality.

    But as we know, Lebanon’s golden age was soon interrupted.

    Surviving the Storm: MEA During the Civil War

    When the Lebanese Civil War erupted in 1975, MEA faced unimaginable challenges. Beirut Airport was hit repeatedly, aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and normal operations became impossible.

    Yet, MEA never disappeared. While many other airlines might have gone bankrupt or relocated for good, MEA adapted. The company set up makeshift offices, re-routed flights through foreign airports, and did whatever it took to keep Lebanon connected to the world, even if it was just a few destinations at a time.

    Through those 15 years of chaos, MEA became a symbol of national endurance. The airline didn’t just survive the war, it embodied Lebanon’s refusal to give up.

    Rebuilding the Dream: The Mohamad El-Hout Era

    When peace finally returned in the early 1990s, MEA was in rough shape, financially drained, overstaffed, and flying an aging fleet. The company was in desperate need of leadership and a clear vision. That’s when Mohamad El-Hout stepped in.

    Appointed as Chairman and Director General in 1998, El-Hout faced what seemed like an impossible task: rescuing a national airline at a time when the country itself was struggling to rebuild.

    What followed was nothing short of remarkable.

    El-Hout led a bold restructuring plan that focused on modernization, efficiency, and sustainability. Under his leadership:

    • MEA streamlined its operations, cutting unnecessary costs and optimizing staff while preserving jobs wherever possible.
    • The fleet was completely renewed, moving to a modern all-Airbus lineup, safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly.
    • Service quality was overhauled, returning MEA to its reputation for Lebanese hospitality and professionalism.
    • In 2012, MEA joined the SkyTeam Alliance, alongside airlines like Air France, KLM, and Delta, a milestone that reestablished Beirut as a respected international hub.
    • The company also invested in a state-of-the-art training center, new headquarters, and the elegant MEA Cedar Lounge at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, now considered one of the best in the region.

    Even as Lebanon entered one crisis after another, political instability, economic collapse, a pandemic, and even the Beirut Port explosion, El-Hout’s steady leadership kept MEA flying. While other national institutions struggled to survive, MEA managed to stay operational, profitable, and proudly Lebanese.

    The Cedar That Refuses to Fall

    MEA’s resilience isn’t just history, it’s still happening.

    During the 66 Days War in 2024, when tensions and airstrikes struck dangerously close to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, MEA once again proved its commitment to Lebanon. Despite damage in nearby areas and repeated security scares, the airline continued to operate, safely evacuating passengers and maintaining vital connections with the outside world.

    It was a powerful reminder that MEA isn’t just a business, it’s a lifeline. When others pause, the Cedar keeps flying.

    Eighty Years Later: The Pride of Lebanon

    Today, MEA operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the Middle East, serving destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Gulf. Its aircraft, with their blue-and-white livery and proud Cedar tree, remain an emotional sight for many Lebanese traveling abroad.

    Because for us, MEA isn’t just an airline. It’s home in the sky.

    Every takeoff carries stories of reunions, migrations, returns, and new beginnings. Every landing in Beirut feels like coming back to warmth, chaos, and heart.

    As MEA celebrates 80 years of flying, we’re reminded that no matter how many storms Lebanon faces, the Cedar still finds a way to rise above the clouds.

    So here’s to Middle East Airlines, and to the people behind it, especially Chairman Mohamad El-Hout, who turned resilience into strategy and crisis into progress.

    May the next 80 years be smoother, brighter, and as proudly Lebanese as ever.

  • Discover Lebanon: Top Hiking Trails to Explore

    Lebanon is packed with diverse and enchanting hiking routes that offer everything from spiritual valleys to serene forests and dramatic mountain summits. Here are some of our most beloved trails:

    1. Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT)

    • Overview: A 470 km long-distance trail stretching from Andaket in the north to Marjayoun in the south, cutting through 76+ towns and villages with varied terrain.
    • Experience: Hike in segments or tackle the entire route, staying in charming guesthouses along the way.
    • Highlights: Traverse through Qadisha Valley and Cedars of God; explore side trails like Baskinta Literary Trail, Bkassine Pine Forest, or the Valley of Hell for dramatic landscapes and cultural depth.

    2. Qadisha Valley (Kadisha Gorge)

    • Why Go: A UNESCO World Heritage gem filled with cliffside monasteries and lush scenery—one of Lebanon’s most spiritual and scenic hikes.
    • Insider Tip: Stay at Karaz or Beit Mirna guesthouses in Ehden for easy access and local hospitality.

    3. Cedars of God & Bcharre Forest

    • Significance: Walk among ancient cedar trees that are symbols of Lebanese heritage—some dating back millennia.
    • Bonus: Combine with a visit to the Khalil Gibran museum in Bcharre for a cultural twist.

    4. Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve

    • Scope: The largest natural reserve in Lebanon at 550 km², hosting cedar forests, 200 bird species, and rich biodiversity.
    • Why Hike: Trails of varying difficulty weave through serene cedar groves, panoramic viewpoints, and abundant flora and fauna.

    5. Tannourine Reserve & Baatara Gorge (Balou’ Balaa)

    • Tannourine: Dense cedar forest and dramatic terrain—perfect for nature lovers.
    • Baatara Gorge: A jaw-dropping waterfall plunging 255 m into a limestone sinkhole—best experienced in spring when meltwater peaks.

    6. Baskinta Literary Trail

    • Trail Profile: A 22–24 km themed route celebrating literary figures like Mikhail Naimy and Amin Maalouf—combined with beautiful views of Mount Sannine.
    • Why It Stands Out: Blends cultural immersion with scenic hiking and even offers snowshoeing in winter.

    7. Bkassine Pine Forest

    • Landscape: Among Lebanon’s largest pine forests—ideal for peaceful walks Amid Jezzine and Niha.
    • Amazing Views: The 22 km trail from Jezzine to Niha offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean and lush valleys.

    8. Hidden Gems & Nature Trails

    • Chouwen Trail to Blue Lagoon: In Jabal Moussa, a shaded moderate hike ending in a turquoise swimming spot.
    • Bentael Nature Reserve: Near Byblos, this reserve offers 18 well-marked trails through pine-oak woodlands—great for families.
    • Mseilha Walkway: A relaxed, scenic path near Batroun, with views of the historic Mseilha Fort—beginners friendly.
    • Kfour Springs Trail: In Keserwan, a 6 km easy hike through multi-tree forests with coastal vistas—ideal for a nature break close to Beirut.
    • Iron Oak Forest, Akkar: A golden-tinged forest trail through towering iron oaks—beautiful at sunset.
    • Ouyoun Orghosh & Sawfar: Perfect autumn hikes—filled with fall colors, springs, and cultural immersion.

  • Ziad Rahbani (1956–2025): Lebanon Bids Farewell to a Cultural Icon

    Lebanon woke up to heartbreaking news on July 26, 2025. Ziad Rahbani, one of the country’s most influential cultural figures, has passed away in Beirut at the age of 69. His departure leaves a void that will be deeply felt by generations who grew up listening to his music, quoting his plays, and admiring his courage to speak truth to power.

    The Genius Behind the Curtain

    Born in Antelias, Lebanon, in 1956, Ziad Rahbani was the son of two musical legends: Fairouz, the voice of Lebanon, and Assi Rahbani, one half of the Rahbani Brothers duo that shaped Arabic music throughout the 20th century. From the very beginning, Ziad was destined for artistic greatness — but he never relied solely on his family name. Instead, he carved out his own, often controversial, legacy as a composer, playwright, pianist, satirist, and social commentator.

    Most Notable Works

    Ziad’s musical and theatrical works blended jazz, classical Arabic, and Western influences, often laced with sharp political and social critique. Some of his most iconic plays include:

    • Sahriyyeh (1973) – his first play, written when he was only 17.
    • Bennesbeh La Bokra Chou? (1978) – a cult classic portraying post-civil war disillusionment.
    • Film Ameriki Tawil (1980) – a biting critique of Lebanese societal contradictions.
    • Shi Fashil (1983) – mixing humor and tragedy in a uniquely Ziad way.

    In music, his compositions for Fairouz stand among the most beloved in modern Arabic music, including:

    • El Bosta
    • Kifak Inta
    • Habaytak Ta Nseet El Noum

    Ziad’s jazz-infused solo works, such as “Bi Ma Enno” and “Abou Ali”, broke the mold of Arabic pop, challenging musical norms and thrilling fans across the Arab world.

    A Complicated Yet Tender Bond with Fairouz

    Despite political and personal differences that were sometimes played out in the public eye, Ziad always maintained a profound artistic connection with his mother, Fairouz. Their collaborations resulted in timeless songs that became part of Lebanon’s collective memory. For many, Ziad was not just Fairouz’s son, but the artist who redefined her musical style in the late 1970s and 1980s, giving her voice a new edge that resonated with younger generations.

    Personal Life & Politics

    Ziad was famously outspoken, politically aligned with leftist ideologies and fiercely critical of sectarianism, corruption, and the hypocrisy he saw in Lebanese society. He remained deeply connected to Beirut, often seen in Hamra cafés, scribbling notes or engaged in fiery discussions. His life was marked by moments of solitude, brilliance, and contradiction — traits that only deepened his mystique.

    Despite moments of withdrawal from public life, Ziad never stopped creating, never stopped thinking, and never stopped provoking. Whether through a sarcastic radio interview or a surprise appearance at a jazz concert, he always had something to say — and people always listened.

    Legacy That Lives On

    Ziad Rahbani was not just an artist. He was a mirror, held up to a society struggling to find its way. His work gave voice to the unheard, mocked the powerful, and offered comfort to the broken. In a country that has long wavered between chaos and resilience, Ziad was a constant — raw, real, and unapologetically Lebanese.

    As Lebanon mourns this giant of culture, we remember his words, his music, and the unforgettable laughter and tears he brought into our lives.

    Rest in peace, Ziad. Your voice will echo through the alleyways of Beirut for generations to come.

  • Lebanon’s Forgotten Train Stations – A Journey Through Time

    Lebanon’s historic railway network was once the artery of regional travel, connecting Beirut to Damascus, Haifa, Tripoli, Rayak, and beyond. Established under Ottoman rule in the late 19th century, it remained operational until the mid‑1970s, when the civil war and rising car ownership brought its decline.

    Beirut – Mar Mikhael Station

    • History & architecture: Opened in 1895, this French-designed station featured high ceilings, a mechanical clock, three platforms, repair facilities, and a rail yard. Services ceased in 1975/76.
    • Post-war revival:
      • In 2014, it was transformed into a popular outdoor bar and events venue. A rusting steam locomotive serves as a DJ booth, blending nostalgia with contemporary urban culture.
      • In 2023, UNESCO and Italy pledged €2 million for its restoration.

    Tripoli Station (El‑Mina)

    • Landmark origins: Built in 1911, this station linked Lebanon with Homs and served as the terminus for the Orient Express during the 1920s–40s.
    • Current state:
      • A war-scarred but hauntingly beautiful site, housing vintage German G7 and G8 locomotives (1895–1906), decaying platforms, and graffiti-adorned walls.
      • It briefly reopened in 2011 for public visits but remains largely neglected.

    Rayak Station – Bekaa Valley

    • The railway hub: Opened in 1895, Rayak was Lebanon’s largest station—featuring repair shops, workshops, a hotel, telecom offices, lounge areas, and even a post office and military center.
    • Decline & proposals:
      • During WWII, it served the French Air Force; during the Lebanese Civil War it was seized by Syrian forces, with some buildings used as detention centers.
      • A proposal in 2010 to convert it into a railway museum failed due to lack of political support.

    Other Stations Along the Coast & Mountains

    • Jamhour & Araya: Jamhour station now serves as a private home; Araya station is draped in greenery and occasionally used as a film location.
    • Aley & Sofar:
      • Aley’s station has been converted into an office for railway authorities.
      • Sofar station which is located near the Grand Sofar Hotel.
    • Bhamdoun Station:
      • Built in 1898, it was central to local development and tourism. It closed in 1983, and bullet-marked ruins remain beside a new highway.

    Suggested Itinerary for Railway Explorers

    1. Beirut Mar Mikhael – start with urban history, nightlife, and architecture.
    2. Drive out the Damascus Highway – passing through Jamhour, Araya, Sofar, Aley, and Bhamdoun for contrasting ruins and hidden stories.
    3. Rayak Station – finish in Bekaa, where the magnitude and tragic industrial heritage linger most visibly.
    4. Tripoli Station – if heading north from Beirut, explore El‑Mina’s overgrown platforms and Orient Express relics.

    Photos via SOBeirut and Moovtoo

  • MEA to Launch Lebanon’s First Low Cost Airline – Affordable Travel on the Horizon?

    Big news is on the horizon for Lebanon’s aviation scene! Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s national carrier, has announced its intention to launch a new low-cost airline, bringing hope for more affordable travel options to Europe and the region.

    A Fresh Option for Lebanese Travelers

    For years, Lebanese travelers have been calling for cheaper flight options, and now, MEA is responding. The airline plans to establish a fully-owned low-cost subsidiary, set to launch within the next two years with an initial fleet of four aircraft.

    Early destinations are expected to include European hubs like Germany and Denmark, as well as popular regional cities such as Egypt. This could make spontaneous weekend getaways, family visits, and budget-friendly trips much more accessible.

    A Brighter Future for Lebanon’s Travel Sector

    This move comes at a time of broader discussions about upgrading Lebanon’s aviation infrastructure. Plans are in place for a second terminal at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, though construction has not yet started. Additionally, there’s been increasing talk of reactivating Klayaat Airport (Rene Mouawad Airport) in the north, which could soon offer an alternative airport option for travelers.

    • A low-cost airline,
    • A second terminal in Beirut in the future,
    • And the possible reopening of Klayaat Airport
      This combination could be a game changer for Lebanon’s tourism and economy.

    Not only would these developments help cut down travel costs, but they could also encourage more tourists to visit, more expats to return more often, and more opportunities for regional travel.

    What to Expect

    While the details are still unfolding, travelers could benefit from:

    • Lower ticket prices to key destinations
    • More flight options beyond just Beirut
    • Improved travel infrastructure for smoother journeys
    • A positive boost for the tourism industry

    MEA is already forecasting strong growth in passenger numbers, and these developments could make Lebanon a regional travel hub once again.

    Between the upcoming low-cost airline, the planned second terminal, and Klayaat Airport potentially reopening, Lebanon’s skies are looking more open than ever. This is an opportunity to make travel affordable, promote tourism, and reconnect Lebanon with the world in a much easier way.

  • Coming Home: Top Things to Do in Lebanon This Summer for Returning Expats

    There’s nothing quite like the feeling of touching down at Beirut airport after months (or years) away. The chaos of baggage claim, the first whiff of sea air mixed with car exhaust, the heartfelt hugs waiting outside, it’s messy, it’s beautiful, and it’s home.

    For all the expats making their way back to Lebanon this summer to reconnect with family, we know the trip is about more than just good food and beach tans, it’s about memories, emotions, and refreshing that complicated but unbreakable bond with this little slice of the Mediterranean. Between visiting your teta, endless coffee rounds, and awkward political debates at family lunches, here are some ideas to make the most of your summer homecoming.

    1. A Beach Day That Actually Feels Like Vacation

    Lebanon’s coastline is packed with options, but this year, do yourself a favor and splurge on a full relaxing beach day. Skip the overcrowded “scene-y” places and opt for a day at Colonel Reef in Batroun or Nowhere Beach in Chekka. Good music, decent food, and an actual chance to unwind without feeling like you’re at a fashion show. Bonus points if you end it with a sunset drive along the coast.

    2. Revisit the Mountains – But With a Twist

    Yes, you’ve done the classic Faraya and Broumana circuit. This time, try Ehden’s Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve for a peaceful walk in cedar forests or hit the Darb El Mseilha trail for an easy scenic hike. Or just escape to Douma for its calm vibes, village life, and unbeatable saj breakfast. Trust us, your lungs will thank you.

    3. Old Beirut Never Gets Old

    Take a nostalgia-fueled stroll in Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael during daytime when it’s quieter, grab a man’oushe from Furn Beaino, sip a coffee at Sip or Urbanista, and walk all the way down to the Beirut Port memorial. It’s painful, yes, but grounding. Beirut’s heartbeat remains chaotic but alive, and sometimes we all need to walk through it to remember.

    4. Go Full Tourist at Least Once

    Even if you grew up here, be a tourist for a day. Spend it at Baalbek’s Roman ruins, wander the ancient souks of Byblos, or take a boat trip to Tyre’s Al Bass Archaeological Site followed by seafood by the shore. Lebanon’s beauty is loud and proud, let yourself be charmed all over again.

    5. Sunset Arak With Old Friends

    It’s not summer in Lebanon if you’re not clinking arak glasses as the sun sets. Beit el Qamar in Deir el Qamar, Tawlet Ammiq, or a simple rooftop in Achrafieh, anywhere works, as long as the company is good. Laugh, reminisce, gossip a little, and for a few hours, forget the distance you’ll go back to.

    Bonus Tip: Be Gentle With Yourself

    Summer in Lebanon comes with its share of overwhelming moments, crowded roads, power cuts, heated political talk. But it’s also full of soul-reviving sunsets, hugs that melt years away, and that special feeling of belonging. Take it slow. Soak it all in. Remember why no matter where we go, Lebanon always calls us back.

    Wishing all the returning expats a summer filled with warmth, laughter, and the unique chaos only Lebanon knows how to deliver.

    If you have your own summer rituals in Lebanon, tell us about them in the comments below, let’s make this a community guide!

    photo via beirut-today.com

  • Offre Joie Making Positive Impact During Corona Time

    Years of adversities in Lebanon have only taught us that our governments are never capable of providing help to the unfortunate people. They never have a nation-wide plan to rescue the needy families, some remote areas always end up being disregarded, and whenever they actually start taking action it always comes too late for the people. On the other hand, we are blessed to have a number of really good NGOs who consistently

    A very good example is the current crisis we are currently going through in Lebanon due to the bad economic situation and coronavirus pandemic. People are losing their purchasing power by the day for 6 months now, and the current government is still trying to figure out a way to provide help.

    Meanwhile, and in 3 week’s time, Offre Joie managed with their humble resources to reach 8,500 people by distributing hundreds of food boxes and hygiene items across multiple regions in the country.

    Yet, they of course can’t just keep going on their own and definitely need donations to fund their operations. So if you’re interested you can contribute by following any of the below two links or call +961 71 83 24 39.

  • The Only Video You Need To Watch To Understand The Current Crisis

    Back in July when the parliament was discussing the budget for the year 2019, not a lot of people probably focused much on the lawmakers’ speeches since most of them actually criticized it, but we were all amused by what MP Salim Saade had to say about falsifying our deficit in order to get the CEDRE funds “They [CEDRE donors] know that we are lying to them, and we know that they know that we are lying to them!”.

    However, his joke was in fact a very small part of a thorough explanation for everything that has led to the economic and financial crisis that we are currently going through. Back in July, that economist had a very clear idea of where Lebanon was heading to, while other MPs and ministers were either not listening or making sarcastic comments instead of asking him to elaborate his claims further, they literally seemed uncocerned and it clearly shows in the below video which I highly recommend you watch. It is 24 minutes long and will explain to your the real reasons for the current state we are in now.

    If you are interested in following similar experts who say things as they are about our situation, then I recommend you check Nassim Taleb and Dan Azzi on twitter. (The latter regularly publishes interesting articles in Annahar and Al-Akhbar newspapers)

  • Mobile Operators Now Obliged by Court Order to Price Their Services in Lebanese Lira

    Beirut’s Court of First Instance, headed by Judge Zulfa Al-Hassan, issued a temporary decision today obliging Alfa and Touch to issue their bills and price all their services (including recharge cards) for the next three months in Lebanese Lira according to the official dollar exchange rate.

    This should basically make subscribers’ lives easier until February 2020, and regulate the price of recharge cards since some dealers were overcharging people by selling the cards at higher exchange rates (1,600 and 1700 instead of 1500). It is a good step indeed, but the best solution in my opinion is to stop linking the prices to US dollars and simply setting the prices in Lebanese Lira to avoid all these conversion problems.

    You can check the decision details in the below scans.

  • Al Ahed FC Wins the AFC Cup For Lebanon!

    As we go through turbulent times in Lebanon, Al Ahed Football Club became the first Lebanese club to claim the AFC cup after winning 1-0 over DPR Korea’s 4.25 (April 25) club in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

    I personally didn’t watch the game and was following the updates online, but I found the highlights on the AFC website here. Al Ahed missed several chances before Issa Yakobo scored the winner in the 74th minute.

    The fact that Korea’s April 25 club is backed by the North Korean army while Al Ahed is linked to Hezbollah, of course made it interesting enough for some international websites/newspapers to be highlighted in their headlines like these two below.

    Original article here

    Original article here

    Anyway, congratulations to Lebanon, and here’s a video of the champions celebrating their win at the end of the game. To note that goalkeeper Mahdi Khalil was named the MVP of the tournament while the team also got the fair play award.