Skybar The Last Dance. (Credit: Joao Sousa)
The news spread like wildfire on social media over the past three weeks.
Skybar, the iconic nightclub that was once the busiest in the city and a landmark of Beirut’s summer nights since 2003, reopened its doors from Thursday to Sunday, after a three-year hiatus.
The reopening, which took place June 28, 2023, was marked by a fireworks show that lit up theBeirut sky.
Reminiscent of another era, but eerily familiar, the queues at the entrance to the rooftop club returned, as was the vital armory of valet parking managers in charge of hundreds of luxury cars.
The party atmosphere started late, as is customary. The impressive rooftop can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Lulled by a light summer breeze, party-goers enjoyed a futuristic atmosphere with illuminated screens and an unobstructed view of Beirut, accented with signature cocktails, low-cut dresses, lively music and the famous “It's Show Time.” All of that, of course, ended up on Instagram.
Skybar, which was once named Best Bar in the World, is now managed by the Addmind Group, whose portfolio includes Iris, White, Bar du Port, and Management as Claude Saba, chief operating manager and managing partner at Addmind Group, told L’Orient-Le Jour. The decision to reopen was above all an act of faith, he said.
“The last night at Skybar was in October 2019. We decided to reopen this summer because both the management of Sky Management and Addmind Hospitality have faith in Lebanon and its people. We actually see the potential for a high-end nightclub offering music in an open format, especially as Skybar has established itself as an iconic club in the country, known for its popularity and the large crowds it attracts. Over the years, the club has become an iconic venue, mainly due to the fact that it has been running for almost two decades and its reputation has made it one of the best clubs in Lebanon,” he said.
The club was renamed Skybar, The Last Dance. Saba explained that the new slogan aims “to capture the essence of nostalgia around the venue, to rekindle old memories and celebrate Skybar’s long history.”
“What’s more, this revival coincides with the 20th anniversary of the nightclub, adding a certain symbolism to the occasion,” he added.
Major renovations
Skybar has recently undergone major refurbishment, restoring its ambience and improving its facilities in terms of sound, light and hospitality, and ensuring a high-quality show.
“The aim of the program is to provide the authentic Skybar experience and rekindle precious memories after this hiatus,” said Saba, aware of the stiff competition within Beirut’s nightlife scene. “The club stands out with its unique proposition and distinctive atmosphere. The nightclub and entertainment sector in Beirut is highly competitive, with diverse experiences and audiences. Standing out and maintaining a loyal customer base requires continuous innovation, exceptional service and a compelling program,” he added.
In terms of clientele, Saba said it is not just targeting expatriates and tourists, but locals as well. “We want to create an inclusive environment that attracts a diverse audience,” he said. “In designing the menu and pricing, we have taken into account the preferences of our target customers with prices that are affordable to them.”
While the clientele that can afford this type of evening has always been relatively limited, the deterioration in purchasing power means that many of these venues are inaccessible to most Lebanese. Despite this, Saba insisted that “the party business remains important in Lebanon. Beirut has always been famous for its lively nightlife and thriving party scene. Although it may not have reached the same levels and figures as in 2019, demand for social and entertainment events remains high. Certainly, the sector faces a multitude of challenges, but Beirut is a city that never sleeps and is constantly rejuvenating itself. Like it, the industry must remain dynamic and navigate change to flourish.”
As Skybar prepares for a second weekend of fireworks, many teams are working long days on the roof of the O1NE building and under the blazing sun, to get everything ready for the faithful regulars and newcomers alike.
“I loved my two consecutive nights at the Skybar and they were the highlight of my stay in Beirut,” said Caroline, a Brazilian tourist.
“I’m going back this weekend,” said Marc, who already knows where he plans to celebrate his birthday this summer. “It’s the Lebanon we love, as we know it!”
“We still have high hopes for the Lebanese nightlife business,” said Saba. “We believe in the strength and spirit of the Lebanese people, their love of social life and their zest for life. By offering exceptional experiences, listening to customers and adapting to changing circumstances, we hope to contribute, like so many others, to the revitalization and growth of this sector in Lebanon.”
This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour. Translation by Joelle El Khoury.