Beirut Hippodrome — Sept. 12-14, 2025
Beirut Hippodrome — Sept. 12-14, 2025
For the first time in its history, L’Orient‑Le Jour hosts its own festival. International affairs, politics, art, censorship, artificial intelligence… meet our exceptional guests - from former French President François Hollande to current Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam, activists, artists and researchers - to delve into the complexities of our world. Three days of discussions and celebrations open to all, featuring an exceptional concert by Ibrahim Maalouf and the Trumpets of Michel-Ange. Join “Un vent de liberté” on Sept. 12, 13 and 14 at the Beirut Hippodrome.
TicketsAddress by Nayla de Freige, CEO of L’Orient-Le Jour. In French, with simultaneous English translation available. Free entry.
Followed by a debate with our special guest, former French President François Hollande. Moderated by Anthony Samrani, co-editor-in-chief. In French, with simultaneous English translation available. Free admission, prior registration required.
Come enjoy the Hippodrome and explore all our activities: ‘L’Orient-Le Siècle’ exhibition featuring 100 years of front pages, dining and relaxation areas, children’s activities in partnership with Cirquenciel... Free entry.
A walk through Beirut retracing the footsteps of an iconic daily newspaper, with Caroline Hayek, senior reporter and winner of the 2021 Albert Londres Prize. Starting and ending points are at the Hippodrome. Duration: 1 hour. In French only. Prior online registration required. Open to subscribers only.
Roundtable discussion with Lina Abou Akleh (journalist and vice president of the Shireen Abu Akleh Foundation), Malek Khadraoui (founder and director of the online publication Inkyfada.com) and Wafa Moustafa (human rights activist and communications manager at The Syria Campaign). Moderated by Stéphanie Khouri, journalist. The event will be in English, with French translation available. Free admission
With Danielle Arbid (filmmaker), Rita Hayek (actress), and Hania Mroueh (director, Metropolis Cinema). Moderated by Maya Ghandour Hert, head of the culture desk. The talk will be in French, with simultaneous English translation available. Free admission.
Tickets on sale online and at Virgin Megastore. Doors open at 7.30 p.m.
A walk through Beirut retracing the footsteps of an iconic daily newspaper, with Caroline Hayek, senior reporter and winner of the 2021 Albert Londres Prize. Starting and ending at the Hippodrome. Duration: 1 hour. In French only. Prior online registration required. Open to subscribers only.
A debate competition between students, introduced by Lebanese comedian John Achkar. In partnership with USJ. Moderated by Nemtala Eddé, journalist. In French only. Free admission.
A conversation with world-renowned journalist Kim Ghattas, opinion writer for The Atlantic and The Financial Times, author of Black Wave. Moderated by Iva Kovic-Chahine, head of L’Orient Today. In English only. Free admission.
Roundtable with Fatima Abu Salem (professor at AUB and AI governance consultant), Kristen Davis (innovation expert) and Craig Forman (tech and media entrepreneur). Moderated by Ludovic Blecher, advisor and board member. The discussion will be in English, with French translation available. Free admission.
Departure from the Hippodrome at 6:45 p.m. for those registered to attend the discussion between the Lebanese Prime Minister and our editors-in-chief, Elie Fayad and Anthony Samrani, which will be held at the Grand Serail. In French. Registration is now closed.
This exceptional concert, held for the first time in Lebanon on the occasion of the L'Orient-Le Jour Festival, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at the Beirut Hippodrome at 8:30 p.m.
With the "Trumpets of Michelangelo" (TOMA), Ibrahim Maalouf unveils a manifesto, a project where musical audacity, transmission and innovation intersect.
"On a symbolic level, this album is a passing of the baton, between my generation and the next, a sort of celebration of the values of transmission between parents and their children, teachers and their students, etc.," said Maalouf, referring to TOMA. "And it is also a wonderful opportunity for me to realize my father's dream of sharing his quarter-tone trumpet with the whole world."
Don't miss this sensational moment that offers both the festive and the introspective for all audiences, from beginners to the biggest of music lovers.
Tickets are available at all Ticketing Box Office outlets and online.
Tickets
