BEIRUT (Enmaeya News) - December 10, 2025
Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam on Tuesday inaugurated the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri Public Garden Project at Beirut’s waterfront, in an event hosted by Solidere and attended by senior political, municipal, and social figures.
Among those present were Mrs. Bahia Hariri, a representative of Mrs. Nazik Hariri, and the director of her office, Mr. Ahmad Hijazi.
The ceremony was also attended by Council for Development and Reconstruction President Mohammed Qabbani, Beirut Municipal Council President Ibrahim Zeidan and council members, Solidere President Nasser Shamaa, and several Beirut dignitaries.
The project aims to establish a new public green space in the capital at a time when Beirut continues to face growing environmental and urban challenges, particularly a chronic shortage of accessible public parks.
In remarks delivered at the ceremony, PM Salam described the garden as both a tribute to the late prime minister and a step toward strengthening Beirut’s public realm. He said the initiative reflects an effort to address long-standing environmental and health concerns by increasing green areas within the city and improving residents’ access to shared public spaces.
The prime minister highlighted that the project’s master plan prioritizes compatibility with Lebanon’s climate and natural environment, emphasizing sustainability and long-term resilience in urban development.
PM Salam further underlined the importance of institutional coordination in delivering the project, noting the cooperation between the government, the Beirut Municipality, Solidere, and the Council for Development and Reconstruction.
He said this partnership forms part of a wider strategy to reorganize and rehabilitate public areas across the capital.
According to PM Salam, the public garden project is intended to serve as a model for future urban initiatives in Beirut.
Additional projects are expected to follow in other parts of the city, targeting squares, streets, and sidewalks as part of broader efforts to restore Beirut’s livability and reinforce its cultural and civic identity.
