NIGHTLIFE, AS BRIGHT AS ALWAYS

Lebanon attained and has maintained its reputation as the party capital of the Middle East. Lebanese entrepreneurs have never stopped creating successful concepts which extend beyond the borders of their small homeland, founding some of the original nightlife venues of hot destinations, such as Dubai’s White, Sky Bar and Music Hall, among others. “What distinguishes this sector from others is the Lebanese people themselves who know how to enjoy nightlife, alongside the famous Lebanese sense of hospitality and service,” said Jad Aboujaoude, managing partner of Addmind, a company which creates and manages F&B and nightlife concepts, whose portfolio includes iconic brands such as White, Iris and Indie. Aboujaoude is also the nightclubs representative in the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafés, Nightclubs & Pastries (RCNP). He believes nightlife represents a major market share of the country’s attraction, coming under the same banner as restaurants, beach resorts, ski facilities and sightseeing. “With world-renowned DJS and top music acts performing live in Beirut, in addition to the local and international media covering and promoting the events, we evolved into a party destination and a hotspot for nightlife lovers,” Aboujaoude noted. Mega clubs, such as White and The O1NE, continue to act as magnets for lovers of the party scene. The rising popularity of pubs and bars, meanwhile, is adding another dimension to Lebanon’s nightlife, catering to a broader variety of demands. Streets such as Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhayel and even Badaro are destinations that continue to stand the test of time for those looking for a quieter night out. “There is room for every market and to meet all demands,” Aboujaoude said. “Some clubbers might not like pubs and bars, while others might prefer to start their evening in a pub or bar before heading to a club.” Just like many other sectors, the clubbing and pubbing industry is currently facing a number of challenges, although according to Aboujaoude, that isn’t holding it back, with investments in new concepts ranging from USD 500,000 to USD 3 million. However, he cautioned that with many brands springing up every year in the nightlife industry, investors need to choose their operators wisely. With good, thorough planning, financial studies and cash flow management, he concluded, it’s possible to overcome obstacles successfully.