Sharjah Ruler H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Supports Beirut Grand Theatre Rehabilitation Efforts

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has extended financial assistance for the restoration of Beirut Grand Theatre. This effort is part of UNESCO's global campaign to rejuvenate this cultural icon in Lebanon's capital. Representing him, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, attended the announcement event in Beirut.

The ceremony was graced by Lebanese Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, and Beirut's Mayor Ibrahim Zeidan. Numerous officials, intellectuals, and engineers were also present. Al Owais highlighted the importance of international collaboration in preserving culture. He stated: "We are pleased to participate in this occasion, which affirms the joint efforts to preserve Arab and global cultural heritage and support cultural progress for all societies."

Al Owais emphasised that the Ruler of Sharjah has consistently promoted cultural initiatives and partnerships with countries and international organisations. He mentioned the longstanding collaboration between Sharjah and UNESCO, which includes numerous awards and projects aimed at enhancing global culture as part of the UAE’s vision.

Audrey Azoulay praised H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for his generous support and belief in culture's role in connecting people. She described this initiative as a crucial part of UNESCO’s mission globally. Azoulay noted that restoring the Beirut Grand Theatre will help it regain its status as a regional hub for artistic exchange.

Lebanese Minister Ghassan Salameh expressed gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah for being the main donor for the theatre's rehabilitation. He acknowledged H.H.'s continuous backing of Arab cultural projects, noting that this gesture signifies a deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting Arab art.

Salameh stressed that reviving the theatre will boost regional cultural dialogue and restore its historic role as a centre for creativity. After the ceremony, Al Owais and others toured the theatre to assess its current state. Engineers detailed structural challenges and restoration plans.

A Historical Venue

The Beirut Grand Theatre was originally designed by Youssef Aftimos and constructed by Jacques Tabet in the 1920s, officially opening in 1929. It hosted major international theatrical and operatic performances until the mid-1970s. The 630-seat venue features an orchestra pit, two balconies, a stage with specialised mechanisms, a movable steel dome on rails, and a stained-glass ceiling in its lobby.

Despite being abandoned for decades, it remains one of Beirut’s most iconic cultural sites. Ghassan Salameh explained its historical significance and reviewed past events held there during its peak years, highlighting its value as an emblem of Arab cultural heritage.

This initiative underscores Sharjah's influential role in both Arab and international cultural spheres while reinforcing ties between nations through shared heritage preservation efforts.

With inputs from WAM