Sideline discussions at the Lebanese-Emirati economic forum between Lebanese Economy Minister Amer Bisat and his Emirati counterpart Thani bin Ahmad al-Zeyoudi, in Beirut on Aug. 26, 2026. (Credit: Alexander Haddad/L'Orient-Le Jour)
“Today, I propose that we begin to explore a specific economic partnership framework between Lebanon and the Emirates,” Economy Minister Amer Bisat announced at the opening of the Lebanese-Emirati Economic Forum on Wednesday, March 26. “Lebanon has fallen far behind in this area,” he conceded, addressing the more than 70 business leaders and Emirati officials gathered for a two-day visit to Beirut.
Led by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed al-Zeyoudi, this is the largest Emirati delegation to visit Lebanon in several years, following a long cooling period in bilateral relations.
Organized with the Economic Organizations, chaired by former minister Mohammad Choucair, the visit began Wednesday, Aug. 26, with a forum at the Arena Seaside Pavilion featuring agreement signings, the first meeting of the Joint Business Council and roundtables on infrastructure, reconstruction and investment.
Thursday’s schedule includes meetings with Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, and bilateral working sessions.
Five memorandums of understanding
Five memorandums of understanding were signed Wednesday. The first concerns the creation of the Lebanese-Emirati Joint Business Council. Two others were concluded between the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon and its counterparts in Abu Dhabi and Ras al-Khaimah. Elite Agro Holding also signed two agreements: one with the American University of Beirut (AUB) on food security and agriculture in arid areas, and the other with Jarjoura Dakkache & Sons on greenhouse crops. Infrastructure and digitization, which were discussed during the talks, have not yet led to agreements.
“Through 38 agreements, the Emirates say they reach more than 3.5 billion consumers worldwide and invite the Lebanese business community to take advantage of this integrated network,” Thani bin Ahmed al-Zeyoudi said, while Hamad Buamim, the Emirati co-chair of the Business Council, stressed the need for tangible partnerships to emerge.
Bisat, for his part, cited reforms and the exclusivity of arms in the hands of the state — an assertion met with applause from the room — and noted that major investment opportunities could arise before economic recovery is complete. “Lebanese industrialists ... don’t just need support: They are an opportunity that deserves investment,” said his colleague at the Industry Ministry, Joe Issa-el-Khoury.
The visit comes after several years of strained relations between Beirut and several Gulf countries. The Emirates banned their citizens from traveling to Lebanon in August 2023. Rapprochement accelerated after Joseph Aoun’s election as president in January 2025. During his visit to the Emirates in April and May of the sa« » year, Abu« »habi announced t« » lifting of the« tr »vel ban imposed on its citizens.