Al Habtoor Group to Exit Lebanon With Sale of All Assets

Dubai-based Al Habtoor Group approves the sale of all its Lebanese investments, including hotels, commercial and residential properties and land, following its decision to shut operations in the country in January 2026.

Dubai-based Al Habtoor Group announces plans to sell all its assets and investments in Lebanon, including hotels, commercial and residential properties, land holdings and other business interests. The decision follows the group's announcement in January 2026 that it would cease operations in the country, marking a complete withdrawal from the Lebanese market.

The group's Board of Directors approves the divestment following a review of its investment portfolio and long-term business priorities. The proposed sale will follow a structured commercial process, with each asset assessed individually and transactions pursued according to prevailing market conditions and valuations.

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The announcement marks the next phase of the group's withdrawal after more than two decades of investment in Lebanon. Al Habtoor Group establishes its presence in the country in the late 1990s, with its first hotel opening in 2001. Its investments span hospitality, real estate, leisure and other sectors, contributing to the country's tourism infrastructure and employment.

The group's hospitality portfolio in Beirut includes the Al Habtoor Grand Hotel and Metropolitan Palace Hotel, which form part of the Al Habtoor City Beirut complex. Its wider holdings also include commercial and residential properties, land and leisure-related assets.

In January 2026, the group announces the closure of its Lebanese operations, citing prolonged economic and political instability, institutional challenges and an ongoing dispute with the Lebanese government. The decision also includes the termination of employee contracts as the company seeks to prevent further financial losses.

The group has separately claimed losses exceeding $1.7 billion linked to restrictions on accessing and transferring funds deposited in Lebanese banks, alongside the broader deterioration in the country's investment environment. These figures represent the company's claims in its ongoing dispute.

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The latest divestment decision reflects Al Habtoor Group's intention to redirect capital towards markets offering greater long-term stability, investment certainty and sustainable growth opportunities. The company says the sale process will be conducted in an orderly manner, with further details to be announced as appropriate. It has not disclosed the expected completion timeline, potential buyers or individual valuations of its Lebanese assets.