What role did Solidere play in rebuilding the Beirut Central District?

Solidere, a joint-stock company established in 1994, played a central role in the post-civil war redevelopment of the Beirut Central District (BCD).1

Following the destruction of the old city during the 1975–1990 civil war, the area had become a belt of ruins occupied by squatters, which created significant friction between historical property rights and the displaced population. Solidere facilitated the clearing of this area through a combination of eminent domain and financial settlements.2

Under the company's oversight, the BCD was transformed into a hub for high-end real estate in the 21st century. While this effort successfully restored economic activity to the city center, the development relied heavily on wealthy foreign investment, making the district largely inaccessible to many local residents and sensitive to regional political and economic instability.12