Lebanon

From Halal Explorer

Zahle (Lebanon) banner.jpg

The Republic of Lebanon (Arabic: لبنان) is a country in the Middle East at the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Syria to the north and the east, and Palestine to the south.

Though its small size (about the size of Jamaica), Lebanon has many great destinations, with some the world's oldest cities, and venues hard to find in other parts of the Middle East, such as vineyards, late night restaurants, and ski resorts. Lebanese cuisine is among the most renowned Middle Eastern cuisines.

An Introduction to the regions of Lebanon

Lebanon can be divided into five regions:

  Beirut
Lebanon's capital.
  Bekaa
The area surrounding the city of Baalbek near Lebanon's eastern border (with Syria).
  Mount Lebanon
A heavily mountainous area including the cities of Byblos and Jounieh.
  North Lebanon
On Lebanon's northern coast; its largest city is Tripoli.
  South Lebanon
An area of Lebanon bordering Palestine and containing the cities of Tyre and Sidon.

Other Muslim Friendly Cities in Lebanon

Many cities in Lebanon have English names which are significantly different from their Arabic names; the Roman versions of the Arabic names are given in parentheses below.

  • Beirut - the capital and largest city
  • Baalbek - a Phoenician and Roman archaeological site
  • Byblos (Joubeil) - another city with plenty of remains, castles and museums
  • Jezzine - main summer resort and tourist destination of South Lebanon
  • Jounieh - known for its seaside resorts and late night restaurants
  • Sidon (Saida) - plenty of medieval remains
  • Tripoli (Trablus) - still unspoilt by mass-tourism
  • Tyre (Sour) - has a number of ancient sites, including its Roman Hippodrome which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Zahle - capital of Bekaa Valley

Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Lebanon

  • Jeita - Known for its Grotto
  • Kadisha Valley - You can visit the home of the (now deceased) Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran.
  • Deir el Qamar - Traditional village in Chouf neighborhood.

Lebanon Halal Explorer

What is the Geography of Lebanon

The country is marked by two mountain ridges that run parallel to the Mediterranean coastline. The Mount Lebanon ridge is close to the sea, and is cut across from north to south by transverse valleys and canyons. The landscape is mostly mountainous and sometimes very rugged, with steep cliffs and gradients. Streams are frequent and provide ample resources for cultivation and natural vegetation.

The Bekaa valley, with ample flatlands traversed by the Orontes (Nahr al-Aasi) and Litani rivers, runs between the two ridges.

History of Lebanon

Lebanon has a long and complex history since the Neolithic age. The most important Phoenicians cities (Byblos and Tyre among others) were founded here and have been thriving since then. The area was under the sphere of influence of Egyptian, Mesopotomian, and Persian ancient civilizations. Lebanon has a timeless legacy of Hellenistic and Roman monuments, including among others the temples of Baalbek and Tyre. After the Byzantine and Umayyad rule (which left behind the ruins of Anjar) and the area of today's Lebanon was conquered by the Crusaders and the Mamluks, with many significant monuments (fortresses and places of worship) scattered over the nation, and notably in Tripoli (Lebanon) | Tripoli.

Four centuries of Ottoman rule (1516–1918) with significant degrees of autonomous rule were ended with the creation of the French Mandate after World War I. Lebanon became independent in 1943.

Three decades of growth were crippled by a long civil war (1975–1990), which ended with a power-sharing agreement and a complicated process of reconciliation and reconstruction.

Political tensions and regional conflicts with Hezbollah (such as the July 2006 war and the ongoing civil war in Syria) have affected the nation, which remains nevertheless resilient.

The People of Lebanon

The people of Lebanon comprise a wide variety of ethnic groups and religions, with the majority split between Christian (Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Greek-Catholic Melkites, Armenians, Protestant, Syriac Christians) and Muslim (Shi'a, Sunni),Alawites, and Druzes. There is a large number (over 250,000) of Palestinian refugees in the nation, which fled their homeland in 1948. There is also a huge number of Syrian refugees and displaced persons due to the ongoing conflict in Syria.

The population increases in the Summer months (June to September), due to the large influx of returning members of the Lebanese diaspora and Lebanese citizens working abroad.

People are generally very easy-going and welcoming. Many people are multilingual and highly educated, particularly in Beirut and its suburban areas. Attitudes and behaviours tend to be more conservative in the Bekaa Valley and rural areas of the north and south.

How is the Climate in Lebanon

Sahel Al-koura

Lebanon has a temperate Mediterranean climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters.

Summer is usually the most popular time for people to visit, as there is virtually no rain between June and August, and the temperatures ranges between about 20-30°C (68-86°F). However and there can be occasional heatwaves with the temperature rising, and generally, it can be very, very humid along the coast line during the summer months. It is somewhat dryer and somewhat cooler in the mountains, and many Lebanese tend to visit and vacation in the mountains during the summer if they wish to escape the heat and humidity of the coastline.

Autumn and spring are also good times to visit, with a bit more rain, but without the tourist crowds attracted in summer, and also with considerable less humidity.

Snow falls for a large part of winter in the mountain regions that form a large portion of the nation, and there are numerous ski resorts. However and the coast is still relatively mild, with maximums rarely falling below 13°C (55°F), although it can fall much lower than that and has on many occasions.

Time zone

Lebanon is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and observes daylight saving from the end of March to the end of October.

Public Holidays in Lebanon

Lebanon has a number of Christian and Islamic holidays. Holidays that are observed by the Lebanese Government are indicated in bold letters.

  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Armenian Christmas (January 6)
  • St. Maroun's Day (February 9)
  • Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
  • Feast of the Annunciation (March 25)
  • Good Friday (Catholic) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
  • Easter Sunday (Catholic) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
  • Good Friday (Orthodox) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
  • Easter Sunday (Orthodox) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
  • Labor Day (May 1)
  • Liberation Day (May 25) (anniversary of the liberation of the South from Israeli settler occupation in 2000)
  • St. Elias' Day (July 20)
  • Assumption of Mary Day (August 15)
  • Ramadan (variable) (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
  • Eid al-Fitr (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
  • Eid al-Adha (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
  • Ashura (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
  • Independence Day (November 22)
  • Eid il-Burbara or Saint Barbara's Day (December 4)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)

Travel as a Muslim to Lebanon

Visas

Visitors of Türkiye get a free 3-month visa that can only be renewed before one month passes since their entry.

Visa and border stamps of Lebanon

Muslims visitors of Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Mauritania and the Comoros, Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote d'Ivoire get a free one-month tourist visa provided they have a two way traveling ticket, a hotel reservation/place of residence and USD2,000 (the cash conditions can be waved if you get the visa from the Lebanese embassy beforehand).

Muslims visitors of India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, Province of China, Thailand, and several other "labor exporting" countries not otherwise listed in this section cannot get a visa directly at the airport or at a Lebanese embassy. Instead, a visa needs to be arranged by a Lebanese sponsor in Lebanon through the General Security head office in Beirut. This is a convoluted process that can take months, so start early. Visas issued this way are valid for 1 month but can be extended until 3 months at General Security once in Lebanon.

Three-month visas are free for nationals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan. Other nationals can obtain a 15-day visa for LL25,000 (USD17), or a three-month visa for LBP50,000 (USD75). These visas are single-entry; nationals of many countries can also obtain multiple-entry visas (USD75 valid for six months). The 48 hour free of charge transit visas (valid for three calendar days) are still issued, but only if you enter by land and leave via the airport or vice-versa.

Visas can be obtained at Lebanese embassies and consulates in other countries, or upon arrival at Beirut airport and other points of entry for some nationalities.

A free one month valid visa, renewable till 3 months, is granted to the citizens of these countries who are coming for tourism: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados,Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, United Kingdom, USA, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Venezuela.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Lebanon

Southern suburbs from the airport (4694204707)

Beirut International Airport (BEY), is 5 km (3 mi) south of the downtown) - Middle East Airlines services daily to Abidjan, Abu Dhabi, [Accra]], Amman, Athens, Cairo, Cologne, Copenhagen, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul -Atatürk, Jeddah, Kano, Kuwait, Lagos, Larnaca, London -Heathrow, Milan -Malpensa, Nice, Paris -Charles de Gaulle, Riyadh and Rome -Fiumicino, Warsaw -Okęcie.

In addition the airport is served by foreign airlines Middle East (Arabic countries)

  1. Air Algérie (Algiers)
  2. Air Arabia (Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Alexandria -Borg Al Arab)
  3. EgyptAir (Cairo, Alexandria -El Nohza)
  4. Emirates Airline (Dubai)
  5. Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi)
  6. FlyDubai (Dubai)
  7. Gulf Air (Bahrain)
  8. Iran Air (Tehran -Imam Khomeini)
  9. Jazeera Airways (Dubai, Kuwait)
  10. Kuwait Airways (Kuwait)
  11. Oman Air (Dubai, Muscat)
  12. Qatar-Airways (Doha)
  13. RAK Airways (Ras Al Khaimah)
  14. Royal Air Maroc (Casablanca)
  15. Royal Jordanian (Amman)
  16. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Jeddah, Riyadh)
  17. Tunisair (Tunis)
  18. Yemenia (Amman, Sanaa)

Europe

  1. Aeroflot (Moscow -Sheremetyevo)
  2. airBaltic ([Riga])
  3. Air France (Paris -Charles de Gaulle, Marseille)
  4. Alitalia (Rome -Fiumicino)
  5. Belavia (Minsk)
  6. Bulgaria Air (Sofia)
  7. Cyprus Airways (Larnaca)
  8. Czech Airlines (Prague)
  9. Lufthansa (Frankfurt)
  10. Olympic Airlines (Athens)
  11. Pegasus Airlines (Istanbul -Sabiha Gökçen)
  12. Tarom (Bucharest -Otopeni)
  13. Turkish Airlines (Istanbul -Atatürk)
  14. UM Airlines (Kiev -Boryspil)
  15. Viking Airlines (Stockholm -Arlanda)

Asia

  1. Malaysia Airlines (Dubai, Kuala Lumpur)

Africa

  1. Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa)

For Flights from the United Kingdom try Turkish Airlines , Cyprus Airways or Czech Airlines . These three airlines are often cheaper even than MEA direct from Heathrow. Czech airlines are consistently the cheapest bet from Manchester.

Travel on a Bus in Lebanon

Buses leave Damascus every hour and typically cost 400 or 500 SYP. The trip is normally 4–5 hours, depending on traffic at the border crossing. When leaving Syria, you must pay an exit fee of 550 SYP and must acquire a Lebanese visa on the other side of the border (48 hrs Transit Visa is free, 15 day Transit Visa is LL25,000 (US$17), single-entry 30 day Tourist Visa is LL50,000 (US$34), payable in Lebanese pounds only. Money changers can exchange currency, typically with a $1 exchange fee).

Best way to travel in Lebanon by a Taxi

Travel by ship/cruise to Lebanon

Reaching Lebanon by ferry is quite a challenge and the only regular passenger ferry is a twice-weekly service from Tasucu, just outside Mersin, Türkiye to the northern city of Tripoli (Lebanon) | Tripoli by the Lebanese company MedStar. Apart from that single passenger ferry, only way of reaching Lebanon by sea is by cruise ship or - for the more adventurous traveller - freighter travel.

How to get around in Lebanon

Another rainy Beirut day

Lebanon is a small country and it is feasible to drive from north to south in under 3 hours. The main means of transport are service taxis, bus and car.

Best way to travel in Lebanon by a Taxi

The majority of travelers use service taxis to get from place to place. "Service" taxis often operate like buses on set routes between towns and cities, though they can be hired to visit other places with some negotiation. Depending on the type of vehicle, each taxi carries between 4 (inside metropolitan areas) to 6 (longer distances) passengers, who share the fare between them. The fare is LL2000 for short distances of a couple of kilometers/miles, and increases depending on both distance to be traveled, traffic on that specific road and of course, like everything in Lebanon, persuasion/negotiation skills. A private taxi ride, without having to share with other passengers is similar to a "service" taxi, in that the same pre-negotiation is required to determine the fare, and as a rule of thumb it costs a minimum of LL10,000. Never get in a taxi or "service" without agreeing on the fare first.

Taxis and service taxis are basically the same, and the mode of operation depends on the availability of passengers and their demands. The majority of service taxis in Lebanon are 1975 Mercedes cars that roam the streets searching for passengers using their car-horns. Newer vehicle models working as mainly "service" taxis are appearing on the Lebanese streets with nevertheless the same price tag as their elder sisters.

All types of public transportation vehicles in Lebanon (taxis, buses, mini-vans and even trucks) can be recognized by their red-colored licence plate.

Travel on a Bus in Lebanon

City link bus routes are available and affordable. Most buses for north Lebanon depart from the Charles Helou Station (east of downtown), while most buses to regions south or southeast of Beirut (including Damascus and Baalbek) depart from the Cola "Station" (which is really an intersection adjacent to the Cola bridge\overpass).

By Rail

There has been no passenger rail service in Lebanon since before the Civil War.

By car

Car rental is expensive in Lebanon compared to elsewhere in the region. Reasonable, if not exactly affordable rates can, however, be found with perseverance and negotiation and - once you have your rental - fuel is easy to get. Fuel is not cheap, with fuel prices being among the most affected by inflation.

Lebanon's roads are generally in quite poor condition and Lebanese drivers are not known for their caution. Exercise extreme caution when driving in Lebanon. Even in central Beirut, even in areas undamaged by the Israeli settler assault and there can be massive potholes on busy multi-lane roads.

Driving in Lebanon should be considered an extreme activity for Western drivers accustomed to safe driving. Street names are virtually non-existent. Mountain driving is particularly hazardous, often involving 1-car roads in 2-way streets. Traffic, especially in major cities like Beirut and Tripoli, and on the highway from Beirut to Kaslik, can be extremely crowded and time-consuming, turning a normally 20-minutes trip into over an hour during peak times.

Local Language in Lebanon

See also: Lebanese Arabic phrasebook

The official language of Lebanon is Standard Arabic and the native language Lebanese Arabic, which is similar to (but not indistinguishable from) the Arabic of Syria, Jordan and Palestine.

Almost all Lebanese speak Standard Arabic, while many people also speak French and/or English. While French is the first foreign language of most people, English is also widely spoken. Street and place signs are in both Arabic (first) and French (second), because of Lebanon's period as a French mandated territory after the First World War. Generally, signs and outdoors are written in at least two languages, Standard Arabic and French and/or English.

What to see in Lebanon

Tyre-109957

Lebanon is a country rich in natural scenery from beautiful beaches to mountains and valleys. Lebanese people take pride that Lebanon is one of the few countries that gives you the opportunity to go skiing in the morning and going to the beach in the afternoon (although it is imfeasible to actually do that because of traffic). This is only feasible for a few days in the year, usually in the few days when winter shifts to spring and/or summer shifts to autumn

Beirut Downtown Visitors from all around are astonished by the beautiful downtown. At Place de l'Etoile, tourists can enjoy a delightful meal or a cup of coffee at the outdoor cafes. In addition to those and the capital provides other restaurants and hangouts that people of all ages can enjoy. There are also many late night restaurants, cafes, and restaurants, catering to a diverse amount of styles and budgets.

Baalbeck Roman Temples in the city of Baalbeck are among the largest and most beautiful Roman ruins.

Al Bass Archaeological Site, Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest and best preserved Roman archeological sites in the world. The site is made up of a huge Necropolis, a massive monumental arch leading to a Roman Road, alongside which there is an excellent example of an acqueduct as well as the largest and best preserved Roman Hippodrome found to date.

Upper Jeita Grotto

Jeita Grotto is a compound of crystallized caves in Lebanon 20 km north of Beirut in the Valley of Nahr al-Kalb (Dog River). This grotto is made up of two limestone caves, upper galleries and a lower cave through which a 6230-m-long river runs. Geologically and the caves provide a tunnel or escape route for the underground river. In this cave and galleries and the action of water in the limestone has created cathedral-like vaults full of various sizes, colors and shapes of stalactites and stalagmites, majestic curtains and fantastic rock formations. The total length of the cave is more than 9000 m and there is one among the biggest stalactites in the world hanging 8.2 meters. The grotto accommodates a huge hall with a distance of 108 m from the ceiling till the water level.

Beiteddin One of the most authentic Arabic architectural jewels is the palace of Beiteddine. This historic monument comprises two large courtyards: the “midane”, a vast rectangular place for visitors, and a smaller one for the royal private apartments, with a magnificent fountain in its centre.

Qadisha Valley (Holy Valley) Located in north Lebanon and the “Holy Valley” spreads from Bcharreh to the coast. Classified under UNESCO's world legacy, it is full of countless caves, chapels, and monasteries.

Port de Byblos

Byblos also known in Arabic as "Jbeil", is an ancient Phoenician city that had been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its touristic attractions include a medieval castle and a Roman amphitheater, as well as many seaside cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood.

Anjar is a city in the Beqaa Valley with many local restaurants where you can enjoy the unique Lebanese cuisine. The city is home to the unique ruins of an 8th-century Umayyad city.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Lebanon

Hike

  • Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) - A more than 350-km national hiking trail extending from Al Qobaiyat in the north to Marjaayoun in the south. The Trail is not well marked and it is recommended that you get a guide because you will get lost. The guides can be expensive but it is worth talking them down on price. If you do decide to go alone and the nation side is populated and you are never very far from people. This is by far the best way to see wild Lebanon!

Halal Ski Holidays in Lebanon

Lebanon has six ski resorts with groomed slopes, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Beyond the ski-able domains await you kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails waiting to be explored; Lebanon has something for everyone. Each of the ski resorts has a different flavor.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Lebanon

Money Matters & ATM's in Lebanon

The Lebanese currency is the Lebanese pound, denoted by the symbol "ل.ل.‎, " or "LL" (ISO code: LBP). Its value is kept stable relative to the U.S. dollar, with a value of about LL1,500 to US$1.

Lebanese pounds and US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, and it is common to pay in dollars but receive change in pounds (in which case, make sure you don't get short-changed).

Bills used are LL1000, LL5000, LL10,000, LL20,000, LL50,000 and LL100,000. You may find two forms of LL1000 and they are both accepted.

Bills not used are LL1, LL5, LL10, LL25, LL50, LL100, LL250, LL500.

There are LL250 and LL500 coins. LL25, LL50 and LL100 coins are virtually never used.

Money transfer

You may transfer money from/to Lebanon through Western Union. For more information about locations offering Money transfers you may contact BOB Finance - Bank of Beirut Group on the number 1262 from inside Lebanon or +961-5-955262 from outside with 24/7 Client Service Support.

Halal Restaurants in Lebanon

See also: Middle Eastern cuisine

Lebanon fosters exquisite cuisine ranging from a mezza of Vegetarian dishes such as tabouleh, fattoush, and waraq ainab to delicious dips like hommos and moutabal.

Must haves include Lebanese barbeque such as shish tawouq (barbequed chicken) - usually consumed with garlic, lahm mashwiye (barbequed meat), and kafta (barbequed seasoned minced meat).

A full meal at a local restaurant can cost as little as LL22,500 depending on where you go, though more expensive options can also be found.

Lebanese "fast food" is also available as sandwiches offered in roadside shops, such as shawarma sandwiches (known in other countries as doner - or gyros in Greece). Shawarma is rolled in Lebanese thin bread. Various barbequed hala Meat sandwiches are also available, and even things such as lamb or Chicken spleen, brains, lamb bone marrow or lamb testicles can be served as sandwiches.

Breakfast usually consists of manaeesh which looks like a folded Pizzas, most common toppings being zaatar (a mixture of thyme, Olive oil, sesame seeds), jebneh (cheese), or minced hala Meat (this version is more properly referred to as lahm bi ajin).

Another traditional breakfast food is knefeh, a special kind of breaded Cheese that is served with a dense syrup in a sesame seed bread. It is also served as dessert.

Lebanon is also very famous for its Arabic sweets which can be found at leading restaurants. The city of Tripoli, however, is considered to be "the" city for Lebanese sweets, and is sometimes even referred to as the "Sweet Capital" of Lebanon.

International food chains are widely spread across the nation. Italian, French, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines, as well as cafe chains (such as Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.), Dunkin' Donuts, etc.), are particularly popular across the nation, with a higher concentration in Beirut and the urban sprawl north of the capital.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Lebanon

Lebanon - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Lebanon, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lebanon. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Lebanon and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Lebanon. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Lebanon. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLebanon: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Lebanon.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Lebanon: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Lebanon, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Lebanon.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Lebanon, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Lebanon, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Lebanon and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Lebanon, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Lebanon, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Lebanon without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lebanon is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Lebanon.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Lebanon is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Lebanon, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Lebanon Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Lebanon

eHalal Group Lebanon is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Lebanon. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Lebanon.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Lebanon ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Lebanon. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Lebanon, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Lebanon are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Lebanon

Lebanon is full of hotels, with a range in price and quality, from USD 17/night to many hundreds of dollars per day, and the quality ranges just as much. Many international chains, such as Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, and Crowne Plaza, can be found here, as well as local boutique and "mom-and-pop" style hotels, as well as low quality hotels.

The best way to save money if you are staying for a long visit is furnished apartments or all-suite hotels, as they come with cleaning and other services.

Study as a Muslim in Lebanon

A handful of private schools, such as the Lycée Français (several branches over the nation) and the Collège Protestant Français, Collège Saint Joseph Antoura,Lycée Abdel Kader, Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour and Collège Elysée among others follow the official French curriculum. The official French Baccalaureate exams can be taken in Lebanon.

Some schools (such as ACS) teach English as a first language and follow the English curriculum.

Beirut is also home to one of the most prestigious schools in the region and the International College (IC) which teaches both French and English as first languages among many others. Furthermore, IC offers a variety of baccalaureate programs such as the French, Lebanese, High School, and International Baccalaureate (IB).

The American University of Beirut - AUB is considered the best American university in the Middle East. The teaching language there is English. Other anglophone private universities are: Antonine University - UPA | Notre Dame University - NDU | Lebanese American University - LAU ...

Some private universities have French as the main teaching language. Université St.Joseph - USJ is one of these, it is an old and respected institution in Lebanon, and probably offers the best price/quality ratio among private universities in the nation. It is the private university which has enrolled most of the Lebanon students as well as foreign students from other countries in Middle East, Africa and Europe. Other francophone private universities are USEK and Balamand.

The Lebanese University is the state-owned/public university and is the largest learning institution in the nation. It offers virtually free tertiary education.

Telecommunications in Lebanon

MTC Touch Mobile phone operator offers a GSM card for US$15 including a $10 credit (the START plan). Internet access starts at $10 for up to 4000 MByte in a month. Alfa is another mobile phone operator which offers several prepaid plans ranging from $10 to $68. Like MTC Touch, internet access starts at $10 for a 500 MByte bundle per month.

Stay Safe

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The vast majority of Lebanese are friendly, and most Muslim visitors experience no problems. Nevertheless tensions with neighbors Palestine and Syria sometimes erupt (but are usually confined to South Lebanon).

Like in any country, it is preferable to be accompanied when visiting certain locations.

Useful phone numbers:

  • Police: 112 or 911 or 999 (it is common that if you call them for small-scale infractions e.g. pick-pocketing or sexual harassment they will not come).
  • Fire brigade: 175 (metropolitan Beirut only)
  • Civil defense: 125 (outside Beirut)
  • The Red Cross (Medic Response): 140
  • Information: 1515

Medical Issues in Lebanon

As a key destination for health tourism in the region, Lebanon has a professional and private healthcare system. Located mainly in Beirut, key hospitals include:

  • RHUH (Rafic Hariri University Hospital), Bir Hassan area: +961-1-830000.
  • Hotel Dieu de France, Ashrafieh area: +961-1-386791.
  • Rizik Hospital, Ashrafieh area: +961-1-200800.
  • Mont Liban Hospital, Hazmieh area: +961-1-955444.
  • Sacré Coeur Hospital, Hazmieh area: +961-1-451704.
  • Saint George Hospital, Ashrafieh area: +961-1-441000.
  • Tel Shiha - Zahle, Beqaa
  • Nini Hospital - Tripoli, North Lebanon: +961-6-431400.
  • Hopital Albert Haykel - Koura, North Lebanon: +961-6-411111.
  • Sahel Hospital -Airport Ave Area: +961-1-858333
  • Jabal Amel Hospital - Jal Al Baher Area, Tyre: +961-7-740343, 07-740198, 07-343852, 03-280580
  • Labib Medical Center - Abou Zahr Street, Sidon Area: +961-7-723444, 07-750715/6
  • Bahman Hospital - Beirut, Haret Hreik Area: +961-1-544000 or 961-3-544000

It is extremely important that you get travel insurance prior to your departure to Lebanon. Hospitals in the nation can be expensive and, with the lack of insurance, cash payments may be expected beforehand.

It's recommended to drink bottled water rather than tap water.

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