Qatar announces a $430 million aid package for Lebanon, focusing on its failing electricity grid and supporting the return of Syrian refugees.
BEIRUT: Qatar has announced a major aid package for Lebanon valued at approximately $430 million.
The support, announced by Qatari State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammed al-Khulaifi in Beirut, focuses on development and humanitarian projects.
A significant portion, up to $400 million, is allocated to support Lebanon’s crumbling energy sector, with 10% provided as a grant.
Khulaifi separately confirmed a direct $40 million grant for the electricity sector.
The Qatar Development Fund stated the overall package would benefit around 1.5 million people.
Lebanon’s electricity sector has accumulated losses exceeding $40 billion since the end of the civil war in 1990.
The nation signed a $250 million deal with the World Bank last year to modernise the sector.
Khulaifi also launched a project supporting the voluntary return of Syrians from Lebanon to Syria.
The $20 million first phase, in cooperation with the UN migration agency, targets approximately 100,000 people.
Assistance will include securing housing in Syria and providing three months of food and medicine after arrival.
The UN refugee agency reports over 500,000 Syrians returned home from Lebanon last year.
However, about 115,000 more have fled to Lebanon since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in December 2024.
Around one million Syrian refugees remain in Lebanon according to UNHCR figures.
Lebanon has urged international help for refugee returns amid its severe economic crisis.
Qatar has been a long-term supporter of Lebanon, notably assisting its army with salaries.
Doha is also a key backer of Syria’s new authorities, with Qatari firms securing major contracts there.
