Lebanese actress Nadine Njeim undergoes 6-hour surgery after Beirut explosion 

The actress lives close to the port area where the explosion happened. (Getty)
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Updated 06 August 2020
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Lebanese actress Nadine Njeim undergoes 6-hour surgery after Beirut explosion 

DUBAI: Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim revealed on Instagram that she underwent a six-hour surgery after a massive explosion ripped through Beirut on Tuesday, killing over 100 people and injuring thousands. 

“Half my face and my body were covered in blood,” said Njeim, who lives close to the port area where the explosion happened, captioning a video – shot by someone else – of her damaged apartment.

“I thank God first, who saved my life. The explosion was close, and the scenes you see do not do it justice. If you visit the house and see the blood everywhere, you would be surprised as to how we are still alive,” the star, who has two children, wrote captioning the clip that shows shattered glass, cracked walls and broken furniture strewn all over her living room.

According to her post, the star went down 22 floors, barefoot and covered in blood and sought help from a man who was in his car. 

“He dropped me to the nearest hospital, but they refused to admit me because they were packed with wounded people,” she said. “He dropped me to another hospital where they immediately took me in and I underwent a six-hour operation.” 

The 36-year-old actress said her children were not home and are “fine and safe.”

Multiple Lebanese celebrities have also taken to social media to share videos of their destroyed homes. 

Singer Haifa Wehbe shared, on her Instagram Stories, clips of the destruction that ravaged her home. “We are all okay thank God. My house is next to the explosion,” she wrote to her followers before asking them to keep her house helper, who got injured in her head and eyes, in their prayers.

Clips circulated on social media of Lebanese fashion designer Dalida Ayach, who is also the wife of singer Ramy Ayach, in the hospital being treated for her injuries. 

Singer Elissa, who recently released a new album, took to Twitter to share pictures of the aftermath of the explosion. “It affected the metals and the properties this time, but who will bring back the dead? Who will bring back Beirut?” the star wrote.

Singer Ragheb Alama’s house also got destroyed, but luckily, he and his family were on a trip outside the city.

The ateliers of renowned Lebanese designers have also been ruined, including Maison Rabih Kayrouz and Ralph Masri’s flagship stores.

Taking to his Stories, Kayrouz shared videos of the damage caused by the explosion to his atelier. “Our courageous team trying to save… what could be saved!” the designer captioned one clip of one of the atelier workers pulling out clothing from the debris.


Where We Are Going Today: Brown Branch Bakery and Cafe

Updated 13 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Brown Branch Bakery and Cafe

  • New cafe alert in Alkhobar’s Olaya

While leaving my friend a voice note as I exited a popular local cafe across the street, I stumbled upon the building that houses Brown Branch, a newly opened bakery and cafe, and decided to head over and check it out.

I was intrigued enough to step inside after spotting the window lush with fresh flowers.

The well-lit, well-decorated, aesthetically pleasing interior was fragrant and full of life.

Up the flight of stairs, there is ample seating both indoors and outdoors — for those who prefer fresh air or a view of the surroundings.

The cafe is so practical for work or study. Outlets are aplenty so you can charge your device while you recharge. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)

The cafe is so practical for work or study. Outlets are aplenty so you can charge your device while you recharge.

Having opened just this month, it only had a few customers during my visit, but I am sure the cafe will grow and blossom once more people discover it.

Two customers — who turned out to be nurses — were enthusiastically finishing their order, of which only crumbs remained. We had a pleasant chat and I asked what they had tried.

They had devoured the blueberry cheesecake, priced at SR29 ($7), and highly recommended it. The cheesecake is round and perfect for one or to share. I immediately placed that order.

Some of the offerings of Brown Branch Bakery and Cafe. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)

What made it fun was that the crust encased it, with fresh berries decorating part of the top. For me, the crust is always my favorite part, so having it be where my spoon dug into first was such a pleasant surprise. The creamy interior with some fruit tucked within was really good. I ate it all in one go.

They also raved about their cups of hot chocolate (SR15 each).

Since I was well caffeinated from the neighboring cafe, I opted for an iced hibiscus tea for SR17, which was very refreshing — though the size was small and finished quickly. Wish it was larger.

I also tried a slice of lemon cake for SR13 with icing on top. It was enjoyable but not memorable.

The owner is already established in the local cafe community. She opened the Meow Cafe at Amwaj Mall a few years ago and later expanded to Dammam.

Brown Branch's owner also owns Meow Cafe at Amwaj Mall, which had expanded to Dammam. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)

With this new venture, she is showcasing a fresh sensibility.

The name Brown Branch alludes to growth, picking fruit and relaxing together on a branch — a connection with nature that reflects the ambience and overall vibe.

There is a glass display filled with pastries — you would be spoiled for choice — and the drink menu is also extensive.

I am definitely coming back to try even more offerings.

Visit them on Instagram @brownbranch.sa.