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The Emirates wants to help Lebanon become a sustainable winner

Utilities focuses on three factors which together tell the story of Beirut’s decline. The first is the huge increase in use of solar panels to supplement the city’s scarce power supply; the second is the rooftop water tanks, which are topped up by private companies when mainline provisions are down; and the third is the metal structures which now encase ATMs and protect the facades of high-street banks. The liquidity crisis and devaluation of the Lebanese lira have led to state restrictions on bank opening hours and cash withdrawals; the result is an increase in armed robberies and hostage situations carried out not just by organised criminals, but by ordinary people needing to access their money.

There is no regular power in Lebanon. People have turned to solar power out of necessity, not vision.

The United Arab Emirates is leading the Arab world by all measures of sustainability in terms of at least concept, if not practice. But their tolerance and ability to learn and pivot is the making of a great nation. Hoping to help Lebanon out of the rubble of a terrorist group takeover by the Hezbollah, the UAE says it’s reaffirming its longstanding commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development, so it sent members from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) on a high-level visit to Lebanon, aimed at strengthening economic ties and advancing strategic partnerships.

The UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with President Joseph Aoun in a working visit to the UAE in May, the two leaders discussed ways to expand cooperation in economic, investment, and government sectors.

As part of this effort, the ADFD was tasked to send a delegation to Lebanon to assess potential joint projects, while the UAE’s Knowledge Exchange Office was tasked with visiting Beirut to share best practices on government performance and institutional excellence. Beirut can once again rise up and become the pearl of the Middle East if it lets go of terror and hate.

The Safadi Foundation in Tripoli, a structure that develops sustainable projects in Lebanon.

The Safadi Foundation in Tripoli, a structure that develops sustainable projects in Lebanon.

The three-day visit brought together senior UAE officials and Lebanese leadership to explore collaborative solutions that support Lebanon’s economic recovery and future growth. The delegation met with Aou where discussions centered around enhancing bilateral cooperation and supporting Lebanon’s economic development efforts. 

ADFD also visited the Banque de l’Habitat (Housing Bank) in Beirut to explore cooperation on offering concessional loans to support housing solutions and enable citizens to access affordable housing. Both parties agreed to continue coordination, including upcoming meetings in Abu Dhabi to discuss project implementation and follow-up on proposed initiatives.

“The Fund’s participation underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting friendly nations, continuing its leading role in fostering international cooperation. ADFD’s partnership with Lebanon spans over five decades, during which we have helped implement strategic development projects across vital sectors such as infrastructure, education, energy, and healthcare, saud H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD. 

Poor Lebanese are fishing illegally, using dynamite

Fish from this Tripole market stall were analyzed to determine the ammonium content inside them in a Green Prophet investigation. The results revealed a very high concentration of ammonium. That means they were fished with dynamite, an ecologically destructive practice.

He added: “Our presence in Lebanon today reaffirms our deep commitment to supporting its government in tackling economic challenges and enhancing the quality of life for the Lebanese people. We aim to leverage our expertise and partnerships to help develop sustainable solutions that align with the country’s aspirations for recovery and reconstruction.”

During the Knowledge Exchange Forum, Lebanese Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam praised ADFD’s instrumental role in supporting Lebanon’s development journey since the 1970s, describing the Fund as a trusted partner throughout various stages of national progress and an enabler of tangible improvements across key sectors.

Youth from 100 countries wrap up Climate Justice Camp, Demand Justice ahead of COP28 The recent Climate Justice Camp concluded, uniting 450 young leaders 450 young leaders from across the Global South. Joining us from the world’s most climate-impacted regions, participants shared their perspectives and realities, exchanged knowledge, and developed demands during more than 100 varied workshops.

COP29 in Lebanon

Site visits to the Port of Beirut, Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, Beirut Governmental Hospital, and various public service institutions further underscored the delegation’s focus on identifying immediate priorities and potential areas of collaboration. Can Lebanon eradicate the Muslim Brotherhood and the Hezbollah ideology? Lebanon was founded as a Christian country, while Syria was intended for Islam. The future of the Middle East is at stake. Faith leaders from the Christian faith should be rising up to help the most important focal point for Middle East reform: Lebanon. 

Julie Steinbeck
Author: Julie Steinbeck

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