Latest news with #GhidaFayad
LBCI
18-07-2025
- Business
- LBCI
From cargo to connectivity: Tripoli Port poised for regional role with strategic development projects
Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Tripoli Port, Lebanon's second-largest commercial port after Beirut, receives around 900 ships annually carrying a wide range of cargo, including timber, iron, grains, oils, and passengers. Yet its actual value lies beyond volume; it is its geographic proximity to the Syrian border crossings that makes it a critical strategic asset. Now, Lebanon's Public Works and Transport Ministry sees a rare opportunity: positioning Tripoli Port as a vital transit hub between East and West, on par with major regional ports. To achieve that, the ministry is advancing four major development projects currently underway at the port. First is the construction of grain silos, a move that would transform Tripoli into a key hub for grain imports and generate additional revenue. Second, a new floating dock for ship repairs is being built to establish Tripoli as a regional center for maritime maintenance. Third, the expansion of container storage yards is underway, which will boost storage capacity and, in turn, increase port revenues. Lastly, customs inspection areas and three warehouses for diverse container cargo are being prepared to enhance security, curb smuggling, and modernize cargo services. However, the government's ambitions do not end at the port gates. The vision includes connecting Tripoli Port with the nearby Qlayaat Airport project and improving road infrastructure that links both facilities to Lebanon's northern border with Syria. Two key bridges—Aarida and Aabboudiye—were damaged by Israeli strikes during the last war and are now being considered for rehabilitation. A strategic location, ongoing projects, and a broader regional outlook could make Tripoli Port a pivotal player in Lebanon's recovery. Will the government seize this opportunity?
LBCI
28-05-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Support on the table, but Lebanon's indecision alarms UAE
Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian A high-level Emirati delegation visited Lebanon recently, aiming to support development efforts and help the country recover—drawing on the UAE's experience. The visit signaled a renewed offer of cooperation, but the next move now lies with the Lebanese government. Despite a flurry of meetings, plans, and referrals, much of the process remains bogged down in delays and indecision. Sources confirmed to LBCI that the Emirati delegation reported a troubling impression to Abu Dhabi: no shift in mindset, little progress on basic steps, and a glaring disregard for the urgency of time. The required reforms are not insurmountable. But every delay brings real costs. The UAE has reached out. The question now is whether Lebanon will finally respond—or miss yet another opportunity.
LBCI
01-05-2025
- Business
- LBCI
A new era in UAE-Lebanon relations: Diplomatic reset and economic cooperation ahead
Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar A notable shift has occurred in the trajectory of bilateral relations between Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates, marked by the first official visit of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Abu Dhabi. During the visit, President Aoun held a summit with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The talks were described as "extremely positive" and focused on enhancing cooperation across various sectors. One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the UAE's announcement that it would lift the travel ban on its citizens visiting Lebanon—a restriction that had been in place for several years. The ban is expected to be officially lifted in the coming days, following the completion of logistical and technical measures to implement the political decision. Observers see this move as a signal of confidence in the beginning of a new phase of political and security stability in Lebanon, reinforced by Beirut's commitment to implementing measures that ensure the safety of both visitors and residents. According to information obtained by LBCI, the UAE will soon appoint an ambassador to Lebanon. A joint statement issued after the talks confirmed that the UAE would share its successful experiences in improving government performance and institutional excellence. A joint Emirati-Lebanese Business Council will also be established. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development will also send a delegation to Lebanon to explore and assess opportunities for joint development projects. President Aoun's visit to the UAE is seen as the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations and may signal the start of Lebanon's re-engagement with the Arab world—particularly the Gulf—and its efforts to restore regional and international confidence.
LBCI
25-04-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Beirut municipal election saga: Sectarian tensions flare in Lebanon's parliament ahead of vote
Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian As Lebanon's municipal elections draw closer, debates in parliament have become increasingly sectarian, particularly regarding the Beirut municipal elections. A sense of chaos has engulfed the chamber, which has also resonated within political circles recently. This prompted Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to propose the formation of a committee led by Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab to find a consensual solution. The committee would present legal proposals or formulas to be referred to the general assembly for approval in a session that Berri could schedule before the Beirut elections. Several changes have occurred in recent hours, particularly as political forces involved in the Beirut municipal elections have intensified their meetings and communications. According to information available to LBCI, no committee will be formed, as Bou Saab informed Speaker Berri, deeming it unnecessary. As a result, it appears that consensus has become the only realistic option, with political forces taking action and the situation beginning to take shape. Amending the law now seems nearly impossible, with consensus focusing on achieving a balanced representation through the formation of a coalition list that includes most of the city's political factions.
LBCI
20-04-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Easter Sunday turns violent: A bloody day in South Lebanon as Israel steps up strikes
Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Three Lebanese soldiers were killed and four others wounded on Sunday after an explosion involving ammunition they were transporting in a military vehicle on the public road between Qsaybeh and Braikeh in the Nabatieh district. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. The Lebanese Army identified the fallen as Lieutenant Mahmoud Ahmad Zeitoun from Akkar, First Sergeant Ali Ibrahim Ahmad from Hazerta in Zahleh, and First Sergeant Jawdat Salim Noura from Blat in Marjayoun. The deadly incident coincided with a sharp escalation in Israeli airstrikes across South Lebanon, marking one of the most intense days of violence since the ongoing hostilities began, despite the existing ceasefire agreement. Israeli warplanes carried out multiple raids targeting villages both north and south of the Litani River, including Arnoun, Jabal el Rafiaa, and the strategic hill of Mleeta in the Iqlim al-Tuffah region. The strikes reportedly involved bunker-buster missiles. In a separate attack on the eastern outskirts of Kaouthariyet El Saiyad, an Israeli drone strike hit a civilian vehicle, killing two people and wounding two others. Another Israeli strike in the town of Houla targeted a home, killing one person. Later in the day, the Israeli military announced the assassination of Hussein Ali Nasr, described as the deputy commander of Hezbollah's Unit 4400, in the Kaouthariyet El Saiyad strike. According to Israeli claims, Nasr played a central role in smuggling weapons and funds into Lebanon to bolster Hezbollah's military capabilities, including through Beirut's international airport in coordination with Iranian contacts. An Israeli security official described the day's operations as "highly significant" in terms of strikes inside Lebanon, as Israeli breaches and attacks have continued despite the declared ceasefire deal.
