Interview : Christelle Abou Jaoude, Beirut Digital District

creating a hub for the creative industries

What are the objectives of the Beirut Digital District?

Christelle Abou Jaoude - The Beirut digital district (BDD) aims to create a hub for the digital and creative industries by offering them an ideal environment and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Our aim is to prevent the Lebanese brain drain and retain highly qualified talent. This provides an ideal ecosystem for founders to connect, exchange ideas and learn from each other's successes and failures.

Is the Bachoura district, where the BDD is located, set to replace the city centre business district?

C. A. J. - Beirut Digital District brings together the digital creation sector and complements the city centre, which targets more established businesses. The Bachoura is strategically located close to the city centre, airport, port and universities. We want BDD to become a self-sufficient, innovative neighbourhood, bringing new blood to Bachoura and becoming the heart of a vibrant, forward-looking community. In short, a intelligent digital district.

What is Beirut's strength as a business destination?

C. A. J. - Lebanon offers one of the most liberal economic climates in the world Beirut also benefits from the fact that it is one of the most dynamic cities in the region, encouraging free competition, promoting the development of the private sector and attracting foreign investors. Beirut also benefits fromuniversities at the highest level. And the country's location, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, is particularly strategic.