Beirut’s traditional buildings inspire festive decorations

Ramzi Abu Fadel created these Beirut-inspired tree decorations. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 December 2020
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Beirut’s traditional buildings inspire festive decorations

DUBAI: When it comes to decorating Christmas trees, one of the quirkiest types of tree ornament comes in the shape of famed world monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben or the Statue of Liberty. However, one Lebanese architect is giving this staple of the festive season a regional touch by crafting painted metal ornaments of the traditional buildings that line the streets of Beirut.

A university professor and specialist in architectural restoration, Ramzi Abu Fadel has long had a passion for Lebanon’s multicultural architectural landscape. “Every country has its own heritage,” he told Arab News. “In Beirut, the architecture is very special. Because we are on the Mediterranean Sea and open to trade, we were influenced by many neighboring civilizations, whether Islamic or European. We adapt and we develop.”




Abu Fadel said that the ornaments had proved popular and so far about 2,000 of them had been sold. (Supplied)

In the aftermath of the deadly Aug. 4 explosion, thousands of buildings were severely damaged; among them are more than 600 historic buildings that are in a vulnerable condition, according to UNESCO. “We were all heartbroken; you cannot not cry,” says Abu Fadel, “I wanted to help with what I know best.”

Inspired by the architecture of the Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael neighborhoods, which were particularly severely impacted, he initially designed a line of delicate candle houses, featuring, for instance, triple arches — an iconic element of Lebanese architecture that has a history of Italian origin. All profits from this project went directly to the Beirut Heritage Initiative, which is rehabilitating damaged buildings constructed between 1860 and 1930.




Ramzi Abu Fadel was inspired by the architecture of the Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael neighborhoods. (Supplied)

As Christmas approached, Abu Fadel set out to locally produce carved ornaments painted in red and white and hand-finished by people with disabilities. “It’s a sad Christmas in Lebanon. So I thought that this initiative will allow people to show their love for Beirut by decorating their trees with these ornaments,” he said.

Abu Fadel said that the ornaments had proved popular and so far about 2,000 of them had been sold. Proceeds will once again benefit the initiative Abu Fadel is committed to.

“People like the product and at the same time they like that they are helping rebuild Beirut,” he said.

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Stars flaunt Arab looks at music’s biggest industry events

Updated 02 February 2026
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Stars flaunt Arab looks at music’s biggest industry events

DUBAI/ LOS ANGELES: The Grammys are a night of rule-breaking looks and memorable fashion statements where artists shed the traditional playbook of red carpet dressing and take style risks.

Some artists at Sunday night’s Grammy Awards in Los Angeles looked to the past for inspiration, with British girl group Flo, a first-time nominee, paying homage to Destiny’s Child with their matching sets.

Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma and Renée Downer each wore coordinated beaded black and royal blue ensembles. Destiny’s Child famously wore matching green lace cut-out looks at the 2001 Grammys where the group won two awards for “Say My Name.”

Former Destiny Child member Michelle Williams arrived on the carpet in a black sheer gown embellished with gold leaves and a black satin train from Lebanese designer Jean-Louis Sabaji.

Michelle Williams arrived on the carpet in a black sheer gown embellished with gold leaves and a black satin train from Lebanese designer Jean-Louis Sabaji.(Getty Images)

It was one of a few Arab looks on the Grammy Awards red carpet, with other stars opting for Middle Eastern designs at pre-Grammy events instead.

On Saturday night, Dove Cameron posed for portraits on the red carpet during the 68th Grammy Awards Pre-Grammy Gala in a pale blue Georges Hobeika gown from the Lebanese designer’s Spring/Summer 2026 ready-to-wear collection.

Dove Cameron posed for portraits on the red carpet during the 68th Grammy Awards Pre-Grammy Gala in a pale blue Georges Hobeika gown from the Lebanese designer’s Spring/Summer 2026 ready-to-wear collection. (Getty Images) 

On the Grammys red carpet, British rising stars Lola Young and PinkPantheress who are shaking up the music industry with their individual sounds both opted for vastly different Vivienne Westwood looks Sunday. Best new artist nominee Young, who is back after taking a brief hiatus last year, sported an army green sweatsuit printed with children’s toys on the carpet. PinkPantheress opted for a signature corseted off-the-shoulder gown draped with the Union Jack symbol.

Zara Larsson glowed on the carpet in her sunny yellow bra top and maxi skirt sequined set. The “Midnight Sun” singer made reference to the song with her radiating look. In keeping with her theme, the Swedish singer wore a circular ray around her skirt while performing at the Grammy’s Premiere Ceremony before removing the rays for her walk down the carpet.

Unlike the tuxedos at other award shows, male Grammy nominees often shake things up. Singer-songwriter Darren Criss was one of the first to arrive shortly after the carpet opened. Criss, who hosted the Grammys premiere ceremony, donned a shimmering lace suit from Tanner Fletcher with an off-white silk cravat shaped into a bow.