Watch: The First Container Ships Out of Beirut Bound for Saudi Arabia
6/20/2026 11:38:11 AM
The first container set sail from the Port of Beirut bound for Saudi Arabia following the lifting of the ban on Lebanese exports to the Kingdom, in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Fahd Al-Dosari.
On this occasion, Salam delivered the following speech: “Allow me first to welcome His Excellency Brother Fahd Al-Dosari, the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to his second home, Lebanon, and to wish him every success in his duties throughout my country. Welcome, Your Excellency. The doors of Lebanon and its ports, and above all, the hearts of all its people, are open to you.
Distinguished guests, we stand today at the Port of Beirut to witness a moment Lebanon has long awaited: the departure of the first containers bound for the Port of Jeddah, following the lifting of the ban on Lebanese exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
I recall standing in this very spot on November 25 of last year. On that day, I said frankly that Lebanon had been used as a conduit for exporting contraband to a number of Arab countries, with the Kingdom, unfortunately, at the forefront. I also said that our ability to control our exports was a prerequisite for lifting the ban, and that the installation of scanning equipment meant that the lifting of the ban on Lebanese exports was now imminent.”
Salam said: “Before the embargo, Saudi Arabia was our largest export market ever. Today, with the departure of this container, we are returning to those markets, and I am hopeful that we will not only regain the export volume we had before the embargo, but exceed it. Our return to the Saudi Arabian markets means a return of hope for thousands of farmers in the Bekaa, the South, and the North; for the factories that persevered under the most difficult circumstances; and for all the exporters who have waited a long time for this day. This decision not only revives a single sector but also drives an entire economic chain. It also contributes to job creation and ensures a flow of hard currency. This decision comes at a time when Lebanon needs everything that can help jump-start its economy and strengthen the capabilities of its productive sectors. We look forward to this step being followed by others that will enhance cooperation and facilitate travel between our two countries.”
He continued: “From this platform, on behalf of the Lebanese State and on my own behalf, I renew my deepest thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his generous decision to lift the ban on exports from Lebanon. Lebanon takes great pride in its deep historical ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and highly values the role its leadership has played over decades in supporting Lebanon, its stability, and its institutions. Long live Lebanon, and long live Lebanese-Saudi brotherhood.”
For his part, Saudi Ambassador Fahd Al-Dosari emphasized “the historic relations between the Kingdom and Lebanon,” noting that “the Kingdom’s decision to resume Lebanese exports reaffirms its support for Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and the well-being of its people, and its commitment to ensuring Lebanon is not used as a platform to harm its neighbors.”
Watch the attached video showing the sounding of ship’s horns at the Port of Byros to mark the departure of the container.
On this occasion, Salam delivered the following speech: “Allow me first to welcome His Excellency Brother Fahd Al-Dosari, the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to his second home, Lebanon, and to wish him every success in his duties throughout my country. Welcome, Your Excellency. The doors of Lebanon and its ports, and above all, the hearts of all its people, are open to you.
Distinguished guests, we stand today at the Port of Beirut to witness a moment Lebanon has long awaited: the departure of the first containers bound for the Port of Jeddah, following the lifting of the ban on Lebanese exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
I recall standing in this very spot on November 25 of last year. On that day, I said frankly that Lebanon had been used as a conduit for exporting contraband to a number of Arab countries, with the Kingdom, unfortunately, at the forefront. I also said that our ability to control our exports was a prerequisite for lifting the ban, and that the installation of scanning equipment meant that the lifting of the ban on Lebanese exports was now imminent.”
Salam said: “Before the embargo, Saudi Arabia was our largest export market ever. Today, with the departure of this container, we are returning to those markets, and I am hopeful that we will not only regain the export volume we had before the embargo, but exceed it. Our return to the Saudi Arabian markets means a return of hope for thousands of farmers in the Bekaa, the South, and the North; for the factories that persevered under the most difficult circumstances; and for all the exporters who have waited a long time for this day. This decision not only revives a single sector but also drives an entire economic chain. It also contributes to job creation and ensures a flow of hard currency. This decision comes at a time when Lebanon needs everything that can help jump-start its economy and strengthen the capabilities of its productive sectors. We look forward to this step being followed by others that will enhance cooperation and facilitate travel between our two countries.”
He continued: “From this platform, on behalf of the Lebanese State and on my own behalf, I renew my deepest thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his generous decision to lift the ban on exports from Lebanon. Lebanon takes great pride in its deep historical ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and highly values the role its leadership has played over decades in supporting Lebanon, its stability, and its institutions. Long live Lebanon, and long live Lebanese-Saudi brotherhood.”
For his part, Saudi Ambassador Fahd Al-Dosari emphasized “the historic relations between the Kingdom and Lebanon,” noting that “the Kingdom’s decision to resume Lebanese exports reaffirms its support for Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and the well-being of its people, and its commitment to ensuring Lebanon is not used as a platform to harm its neighbors.”
Watch the attached video showing the sounding of ship’s horns at the Port of Byros to mark the departure of the container.