Beirut, May 2025 — In a continued show of regional leadership and commitment to international cooperation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken significant steps to bolster Lebanon’s path toward economic recovery and sustainable development. A high-level delegation from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) recently visited Beirut, aiming to deepen economic ties and identify collaborative initiatives to support the country’s reconstruction and institutional growth.
The mission follows a recent meeting in Abu Dhabi between UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The two leaders engaged in discussions focused on expanding cooperation in investment, governance, and development sectors.
As part of the follow-up to that meeting, the ADFD delegation’s three-day visit to Lebanon brought together senior officials and Lebanese counterparts to evaluate opportunities for joint projects. The UAE’s Knowledge Exchange Office also participated, holding forums and workshops to share best practices in government performance and institutional excellence.
“Lebanon can return to its former status as the ‘Pearl of the Middle East’ through stability, partnership, and reform,” said H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD. “Our continued presence and engagement reflect the UAE’s steadfast commitment to supporting friendly nations in their efforts to overcome challenges and build a better future.”
In Beirut, the ADFD team visited the Banque de l’Habitat (Housing Bank) to explore the provision of concessional loans aimed at improving access to affordable housing. Both sides agreed to continue discussions in Abu Dhabi, where implementation strategies for these initiatives will be further developed.
Lebanese Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam expressed gratitude for the UAE’s enduring support, noting the vital role the ADFD has played in Lebanon’s development since the 1970s. “The Fund has been a consistent partner, enabling tangible progress across critical sectors such as infrastructure, energy, healthcare, and education,” he said during a Knowledge Exchange Forum hosted in Beirut.
Site visits by the UAE delegation to key infrastructure points—including the Port of Beirut, Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, and various hospitals and public service institutions—highlighted the urgency of targeted development efforts.
While political tensions and ideological divisions remain a challenge to Lebanon’s progress, the UAE’s outreach emphasizes a forward-looking strategy rooted in cooperation, capacity-building, and shared prosperity. The delegation’s visit marks another chapter in a decades-long partnership—and a hopeful sign for Lebanon’s road to renewal.
