UAE Embassy in Beirut reopens after 2021 closure

The UAE Embassy in Lebanon's capital has resumed diplomatic activities after over three years, as tensions between the countries eased, the Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced on Friday. 

"The reopening of the embassy represents an important step in advancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, demonstrating the UAE's commitment to supporting the stability and development of Lebanon," the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Omar Obaid Al Shamsi said.

The move came after new president Joseph Aoun was elected this month. The position had been vacant for two years, as deeply divided factions could not agree on a candidate who would win enough votes in the 128-seat parliament.

In October 2021, then-Lebanese Minister of Information, George Kardahi, accused the UAE and Saudi Arabia of being the aggressors in the Yemen war, leading to diplomatic tensions and the subsequent closure of the Emirati embassy. 

A high-level Emirati delegation arrived in Beirut earlier this month to undertake the necessary measures to reopen the mission.

Emirates announced on Friday that flights between the UAE and Beiut would resume in February. 

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated President Aoun on his election and expressed his hope to "work together for the mutual benefit and prosperity of both nations and their people. "