UAE and Lebanon Spark New Era of Economic Ties Following High-Level Beirut Forum

The UAE has pledged its backing for Lebanon's economic development on the final day of a business forum, sparking renewed hopes for Emirati investment in the country. Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during the event in Beirut to discuss tangible commercial opportunities, according to state news agency Wam. The forum successfully generated a new wave of private-sector partnerships.

An 80-member UAE delegation travelled to Lebanon for the forum, marking a significant improvement in relations after years of tension caused by the influence of Iran and Hezbollah on Lebanese politics. During his meeting with Mr Aoun, Dr Al Zeyoudi reiterated the UAE’s dedication to supporting Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and economic recovery. Dr Al Zeyoudi emphasized that the discussions demonstrated deep commercial interest and a readiness to transition from dialogue to actionable partnerships, adding that both nations are committed to sustaining this momentum.

Four agreements were officially signed during the two-day event. These included the creation of a UAE-Lebanon Business Council and an agreement linking the chambers of commerce in Abu Dhabi and Beirut. Additionally, UAE-based Elite Agro Holding signed two agreements to collaborate on agricultural research with the American University of Beirut and greenhouse design with the Georges Daccache & Sons company. Representatives from the UAE health, energy, aviation, tourism, and AI sectors were also in attendance.

Relations have steadily warmed, highlighted by the UAE lifting its travel ban on Emiratis visiting Lebanon in June. Non-oil trade reached $4.2 billion last year, marking an increase of more than a third compared to 2024. Business leaders speaking at the forum expressed a desire to secure a first-mover advantage across key Lebanese sectors including logistics, agriculture, energy, aviation, and tourism.

Lebanon faces massive economic requirements following years of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which compounded a severe financial crisis and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Although the US recently brokered a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon aimed at replacing the Israeli military presence with Lebanese state authority, Israeli attacks have persisted despite the fragile ceasefire.