The Four Seasons Hotel in Beirut is set for reconstruction and is expected to reopen its doors early next year, as announced by Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. This initiative is closely tied to the “new era” in Lebanon following the election of General Joseph Aoun as the country’s president.
In his statement, Prince Al-Waleed emphasized that the hotel “will be entirely reconstructed and refurbished,” with plans for it to welcome guests again in the first quarter of 2026. He also highlighted that the hotel will showcase a “new look” following the extensive renovations.
The Prince remarked that this announcement comes “on the occasion of a new era in Lebanon, and under the leadership of His Excellency President Joseph Aoun.” Aoun, who previously led the Lebanese armed forces, was elected president just last week, bringing an end to a more than two-year void in the presidency. On Monday, veteran diplomat and judge Nawaf Salam was nominated as the new prime minister.
فخامة الرئيس: Mr. President: 🇱🇧🤝🇸🇦#جوزيف_عون https://t.co/jBDOykxOjD
— الوليد بن طلال (@Alwaleed_Talal) January 14, 2025
Location and background of the Four Seasons Hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel is strategically positioned in downtown Beirut, close to the beachfront. Unfortunately, it sustained significant damage during the 2020 Beirut port explosion and has remained closed since that time. The hotel was developed by the Kingdom Holding Company, with Prince Al-Waleed serving as both chairman and the majority stakeholder.
Significance of the renovation
The renovation of the Four Seasons Hotel could signal the beginning of increased Saudi investment in Lebanon, especially in light of Aoun’s election. Saudi Arabia supported the general’s candidacy and even sent its envoy, Prince Yazid bin Farhan, to Beirut in advance of the parliamentary vote.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia reinstated its ambassador to Lebanon in 2022. In terms of trade, Lebanon exported a mere $368,000 to Saudi Arabia that year, while imports from Saudi Arabia reached $287 million, predominantly comprising refined petroleum, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity.
