THE BREAKDOWN Hayat Nazer — ‘Lady Liberty of Lebanon’
The Lebanese artist and activist discusses her new sculpture near Port of Beirut, constructed using debris from the August 4 explosion there
Updated 05 November 2020
Arab News
DUBAI: On the day of the explosion, I was on my way to Beirut. I was shocked and in denial. I couldn’t believe what happened. I called for volunteers through my social media, providing them with brooms to go to people’s homes and help them clean up.
We went to their homes to remove the broken glass, adjust their furniture and fix damaged doors. We didn’t know where to put the pieces of glass, so I took them home, which is also my atelier.
Before the explosion, I had begun this sculpture, which was about a woman as a vase. I heard the song “Lady of the World, O Beirut,” which was moving and made me think that Beirut is a woman, for many reasons.
I saw the destruction and broken glass all around me and started putting them in this sculpture, which I remade. I included a red blanket of mine — its red color symbolizes blood and those who died.
I wanted to include a clock and, by coincidence, I found a broken one on the ground — stopped at 6:08 — and placed it in the sculpture. I also went into people’s homes in the Karantina, Gemmayze, and Mar Mikhael areas, asking them to give me broken things that they didn’t need anymore.
I would tell them that I wanted to collaborate with them. In my work, I always loved the idea of collaboration — hand in hand, just like how we have to build this country together.
I wanted to create a memorial, so they gave me their most valuable objects that brought tears to my eyes. A man gave me a toy he used to play with when he was young, a woman gave me a shell that she kept from the days of the civil war, and another woman gave me a lighter that she saved and polished. It belonged to her husband, who was killed in the war.
I would like to take these people’s memories and make a bigger memorial — a replica of this statue — because this explosion was enormous, affecting Lebanon and all of us.
Mini op-ed: Coffee, fasting and finding your rhythm this Ramadan
Updated 17 February 2026
Kim Thompson
DUBAI: Ramadan is a month of reflection, balance and listening more closely to our bodies. It is also a time when everyday rituals, including coffee, naturally shift. Rather than giving it up completely, many people simply change how, when and what they drink. And that is where a little understanding can go a long way.
There is no single “right” way to enjoy coffee during Ramadan. Taste preferences, caffeine sensitivity, work schedules and sleep patterns are deeply personal. The key is finding what supports you during the fast.
Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins, is often where people think carefully about caffeine. Some find a small coffee helps them feel alert through the morning. Others prefer to avoid it so they can return to sleep more easily after the meal. How you metabolize caffeine plays a big role here, some people feel energized for hours, while others crash quickly or feel jittery.
Choosing a lower-caffeine option can help. Coffees made from 100 percent Arabica beans naturally contain less caffeine than Robusta, while still offering plenty of flavor and aroma.
Iftar, traditionally broken with water and dates, is usually followed by a light meal or soup. Coffee often comes later, once the body has rehydrated and blood sugar levels have stabilized. Enjoyed mindfully, it can be part of a beautiful evening ritual rather than a stimulant.
There is no single “right” way to enjoy coffee during Ramadan. Taste preferences, caffeine sensitivity, work schedules and sleep patterns are deeply personal. (Shutterstock)
One of the most important things to remember during Ramadan is hydration. Coffee should never replace water, especially when fasting hours are long. Drinking enough water between iftar and suhoor helps reduce fatigue and headaches far more effectively than extra caffeine.
Added sugar in coffee can also cause blood sugar spikes, followed by dips in energy. If you enjoy sweetness, try reducing it slightly or pairing coffee with food to soften the impact.
If you are worried about caffeine withdrawal during Ramadan, decaffeinated coffee can be a very helpful bridge. High-quality decaf, such as coffee processed using the Swiss water method (which avoids chemical solvents), retains flavor while removing most of the caffeine.
Ramadan is not about restriction for restriction’s sake. It is about awareness, intention and care, including care for your own body. Coffee can absolutely remain part of that journey, as long as it’s enjoyed thoughtfully.
Whether you choose to drink less, switch origins, reduce caffeine or simply slow down and savor it more, the best coffee choice this Ramadan is the one that supports your rhythm, your rest and your well-being.
Here are a few RAW coffees that feel gentle, balanced and comforting during Ramadan:
RITUAL Blend
Created at the request of many customers from the Levant, this is our only blend that combines Arabica with a small amount of Robusta. The result is a bold, full body with very low acidity. Smooth and grounding, it works beautifully as espresso, Moka pot or Turkish coffee, and pairs well with milk.
Brazil — Serra Dos Ciganos (Single Origin)
A beautifully approachable coffee with tasting notes of roasted hazelnuts, nougat, baker’s chocolate and pear. Comforting and elegant, especially when brewed.
Guatemala — Pampojila Natural
Often chosen as a “breakfast coffee”, this is gently sweet with notes of brown sugar, nuts and orange, offering a medium body and soft fruit character.
Mexico — Mazateca
Another favourite for earlier in the day, with flavors of orange, malted barley and cacao, balanced, warm and easy to drink.
Kim Thompson is the founder and director of Culture & Brand at RAW Coffee Co.
