News report by Fawaz Al-Otaibi BEIRUT, July 28 (KUNA) -- Beirut downtown that had been had been battered by a series of catastrophes and violence is gradually recovering as a destination for diverse economic and tourist and cultural activities.
The region is largely considered the heart of the capital with diverse commercial, tourist, cultural facilities, stores and institutions. It hosts Al-Najma public plaza, the location of the parliament building, the martyrs square and the shopping districts.
The efforts to breathe life into the region have been masterminded by Beirut Governorate in coordination with various public and private institutions, following difficult recent times namely the crippling coronavirus period and the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
Sadly, Beirut downtown had reputedly bore scars of crises, namely the 1975-1990 civil war during which warring militias blasted and scorched the buildings turning the area, a section of the once called "green line," into a battleground and a scary place of lawlessness for years. During these dreadful times, it became a notorious hub for gangs, drug dealers and ferocious stray dogs.
This situation had persisted until the former prime minister and developer Rafic Al-Hariri embarked on the gigantic task of rebuilding it.
The commercial region, after reconstruction, had seen vitality until Al-Hariri's assassination in the year 2005. But recent events namely the port explosion and recurring bloody conflicts with the Israeli occupation, as well as the economic crisis that wasted savings of many Lebanese left their toll on the district, sensed with shutdown of businesses and shopping stores.
Currently, the Lebanese officials say that the efforts to bring normal life to the region again is pivotal for restoring confidence in the Lebanese economy, and luring Arab and foreign entrepreneurs, particularly after the election of a new president and government that pledged to move forward for peace and stability for the crises-bruised nation.
Beirut Governor Judge Marwan Abboud said in an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the series of crises since 2019, namely the epidemic crisis, the financial meltdown, recurring public protests, the 2020 port explosion and Israeli occupation offensives had prompted the business, tourist and cultural institutions to evacuate Downtown Beirut.
In the face of the challenges, the Governorate has granted incentives to investors and shop owners, lowering taxes and facilitating permits to launch businesses, Abboud told KUNA.
He lauded the visit by President Joseph Aoun, last month, to the Martyrs' Square where he laid the corner stone for repairing the site, a symbol of the people who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country since the Ottoman rule.
Investors have actually started to return to Downtown Beirut and several business stores belonging to locals and foreigners have reopened, he said, also noting that the district has also witnessed cultural and artistic shows and activities luring thousands of people.
Abboud confirmed that the downtown witnessed arrival of citizens from the GCC countries, hoping for further manifestations of normalcy after finishing repairs of the buildings and facilities that had been damaged or demolished in the fiery port explosion.
Meanwhile, Ziad Abu Jamra, Director General of Solidere Company also affirmed that life is returning to the region, citing increasing demand for renting stores and spaces for businesses. He put leasing proportion at 95 percent for residential units, 95 percent for business stores and 85 percent for realty plots adjacent to the beachfront.
Solidere, officially the Lebanese Company for the Development and Reconstruction of the Beirut Central District, is a joint-stock company established in 1994 to revitalize the region after the civil war. The late Al-Hariri was the architect of launching the company.
At present, there are 26 restaurants including 18 ones with international labels, Abu Jamra added in the interview with KUNA, affirming that security and stability are quite necessary for encouraging entrepreneurs to return. (end) fz.rk