His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has provided financial support for the rehabilitation of the historic Beirut Grand Theatre.

This initiative is part of the international campaign launched by UNESCO to restore the cultural landmark in the Lebanese capital.

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah has long been committed to launching cultural initiatives and fostering cooperation with countries and global organizations. The enduring partnership between Sharjah and UNESCO, marked by numerous awards and cultural projects, as part of the UAE’s broader vision to enrich the global cultural scene.

Originally designed by Youssef Aftimos and built by Jacques Tabet in the 1920s, the Beirut Grand Theater officially opened in 1929. The venue hosted major international theatrical and operatic performances until the mid-1970s.

The 630-seat theater includes an orchestra, two balconies, a stage equipped with specialized mechanisms, a small steel dome that moves on rails, and a decorative stained-glass ceiling in the lobby. Though abandoned for decades, it remains one of Beirut’s most iconic cultural landmarks.