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Business Overview
The economy of the nation can be seen in two lights, a dynamic growth market and a one that is weighed down by a mammoth public debt. Recovering from a long period of war and destruction, the city today is spending more than it brings in while boasting no real industry and maintaining an increasing trade deficit. Still Lebanon is a financial center in the region with a strong private banking system open to foreign investment and large bank deposits with Beirut being its commercial mecca.

The capital is the leading banking center with some of the biggest banks in the region. With the brand new headquarters of banks such as Audi Bank and Lebanese Canadian Bank along with the continuing consolidation of commercial banking sector, Beirut has gained a confidence that was lost during the last few years.

The capital is also the convention and tradeshow paradise. While most of the major conventions are held in big hotels, the major corporate events and fairs take place in the major exhibition hall, Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure Center (BIEL). One of the most important venue of Lebanon, the center hosts some most renowned exhibitions like Beirut World Trade Fair, Horeca Lebanon and Project Lebanon.

Nevertheless, the overall economy is critical but stable though the prices for majority of population are still high and wages low. The prime money making industries of tourism, real estate and construction benefit the few rather than the many.

The tourism industry, seen by many as the primary solution to boost the economy, was hit hard by Hariri’s assassination. However, with the plethora of bars, restaurants, hotels, sun, sea and sand, Beirut is fast becoming one of the Middle East’s leading tourist centers. The numerous attractions together with city’s cool climate attract plentiful investment from global and particularly Gulf-based finance houses regaining Beirut’s role as the main hub of administrative, recreational and cultural activities.

Major Business Centers
The Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center (BIEL):
Opened in 2001, BIEL is the largest-of-its-kind complex in Lebanon. It’s a large multi-purpose facility situated in downtown Beirut hosting exhibitions, conferences, concerts, and private events.

The complex laps up to 15000m2 of column free interconnected space for exhibition that can be leased either individually or in combinations or as a whole. BIEL also features 1200m2 of underground multi-purpose conference hall space equipped with state-of-the-art audio, video & lighting support to host local & international conventions, summits, seminars, meetings, conferences and variety of other events.

Major Commercial Areas
Hamra:
Probably the busiest and main street in Beirut, Hamra is famous for its traffic, high street shops and takeaways.

It is a first rate commercial district of the city displaying the latest fads in fashion along with hosting a good number of hotels, furnished apartments & coffee shops that cater to visitors and students from close by American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University.

The area is in close proximity of the extremely fashionable neighbourhood of Verdun, which is often compared to the London’s Oxford Street. Verdun also is an upmarket region with all aspects of luxury readily accessible to the visitors.

Downtown Beirut:
Since the civil war reconstruction, the newly renovated downtown area is filled with top international fashion shops and vast array of cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs and pubs. Located at city center, this thriving and energetic area is also the central financial district of the city housing most of the major Lebanese and international banks. The downtown center now also plays a major role in attracting tourists who browse the retail outlets. With its almost antic and hauntingly beautiful setting, the area is perfect for a great stroll day and night.

The city center also houses the Parliament building as well as historic archaeological sights and the largest number of mosques and churches concentrated in a single area.