It is certain that our country, Lebanon, is a meeting point of civilizations and cultures, positioned between the mountains and the sea, giving it an irresistible charm from its bustling capital, Beirut, to the towering Cedars mountains.

Moreover, Lebanon is not only a homeland of stunning landscapes and enchanting nature but also a home to a nightlife brimming with joy, hope, and optimism. Its streets at night are a haven for night owls and music lovers, with nightlife continuing until dawn. Cafes and restaurants are crowded with visitors enjoying the festive and joyous atmosphere. Music plays, and lights twinkle, making it a captivating destination that combines authenticity and modernity in an unparalleled artistic tableau.

As evidence of this, famous content creator Harry Jaggard recently described Lebanon as a "great country for nightlife," surpassing Las Vegas and Spain. The YouTuber's video swept through social media. But why is Lebanon different from other countries?

In this context, Vice President of the Syndicate of Restaurant, Cafe, Nightclub, and Pastry Owners, Khaled Nazha, told "Al-Diyar" that in 2016, Beirut was chosen as the best destination for nightlife, food, and drink, outperforming three international cities including Spain and France, affirming that this progress is not new to us.

He revealed that a remarkable phenomenon this year is the opening of dozens of establishments, so much so that Lebanon is now exporting brands to the world, including in the nightlife sector.

Nazha added, "We monitor this field in Dubai, the northern coast of Egypt, and many other countries. Besides restaurants, nightclubs, and patisseries (Arabic and foreign), we export many brands to Europe, America, Canada, and Australia."

"Thus, nightlife in Lebanon is a distinctive feature, even at the forefront of this field, which is no longer limited to Beirut but is spread across all cities, coasts, and mountains. Therefore, Lebanon exports various and diverse brands, including Lebanese, Italian, and French," he said.

Nazha stated, "2023 was better, and if there hadn't been Israeli escalation and war in the southern regions, we would have achieved incredible numbers this year. Despite fears of expanding clashes and therefore closing the airport, the numbers of arrivals to Lebanon from abroad are large."

"The number of Lebanese visitors has reached about 70%, coming from Arab countries and Africa. While 25% of the arrivals are from Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan, and 5% from Europe and some Latin American countries," he noted.

"In 2023, 300 restaurants were opened, while the number of new dining establishments this year is about 80 and may reach 100 by the end of 2024. As a restaurant syndicate, we have accompanied this sector since the beginning of the crisis that struck the sector and played a significant role in rebuilding from scratch, with all our contributions (in popular terms) from 'live meat,' especially since some streets and tourist areas were completely destroyed in Mar Mikhael, Gemmayzeh, and the waterfront," he went on to say.

On the other hand, despite this dose of hope, President of the Union of Tourism Syndicates and President of the Hotel Owners Syndicate, Pierre Al-Ashkar,  expected the operational rate to decline in the coming days, linking this to the security situation in the southern border areas.

He told "Al-Diyar," "We are living in a state of war in the full sense of the word, along with daily discouraging news. We have one airport, and if it closes, there is no way to get out or enter, especially for foreign visitors. Additionally, we don't know if the war will extend amidst the fall of dozens of dead and the destruction of homes. Therefore, the numbers show that the income of dining establishments decreased by 40% compared to last year, while hotel income recorded a drop of up to 60%."

From his side, Charbel, a nightclub owner in the Gemmayzeh area, told "Al-Diyar," "The significant musical openness in Lebanon has made the Lebanese capital a center for cultural and artistic exchange in the region, including the establishment of many luxurious nightclubs that offer diverse and attractive artistic shows."

"These places have become world-renowned and attract tourists from everywhere. Additionally, there is a spread of restaurants and cafes that provide a unique experience, combining delicious food with a comfortable atmosphere and live music. Besides, many cultural, artistic, and sports festivals are organized, enhancing Lebanon's appeal as a tourist destination," he added.

Al-Ashkar pointed out, "Lebanon is distinguished by its cultural and religious diversity, reflecting in the multiplicity of places and activities that can be enjoyed at night. Its location on the Mediterranean Sea and moderate climate make it an ideal destination for tourism and nightlife."

"Despite political and economic crises, Lebanon remains known for its hospitality and warm welcome to visitors, making it a beloved country for tourists. Additionally, there is continuous investment in developing the tourism sector, nightclubs, and restaurants, offering new and innovative experiences that attract guests," he pointed out.

He added, "Lebanon has a unique charm that makes it desirable to all who visit, and several factors contribute to this addiction, as Lebanon is characterized by its wonderful natural diversity; from the enchanting beaches on the Mediterranean Sea to the high snow-covered mountains. This formation allows guests to enjoy diverse activities, from swimming and surfing in the summer to skiing in the winter."

Al-Ashkar noted that "The Lebanese capital, Beirut, is known for its bustling and diverse nightlife, with luxurious restaurants, trendy cafes, nightclubs, bars, and these atmospheres make visitors feel vibrant and happy. Most of these places have started focusing on entertainment, featuring mixed performances by artists, dance shows, fireworks, and others."

President of the Union of Tourism Syndicates and President of the Hotel Owners Syndicate concluded, "The Lebanese are known for their generosity and hospitality, and when visiting Lebanon, tourists always feel welcome as if they are at home. This sense of belonging makes many return again. Besides, the Lebanese cuisine is one of the most famous in the world, known for its delicious dishes like tabbouleh, fattoush, hummus, and grills. The dining experience in Lebanon is considered an integral part of the trip, making visitors eager to return for more."

In response to a question about the nightlife atmosphere currently witnessed in Lebanon, Al-Ashkar briefly answered, "We created this positive atmosphere, and the customers are Lebanese who practice domestic tourism."

This article was originally published in Arabic in "Al-Diyar" newspaper, translated by Christina Rai.