By Ahram Online Google marked the 95th birthday of Wadih El Safi, Lebanon’s most prominent cultural icon, with a doodle featuring the …

The new exhibition’s 520 pieces range from the Paleolithic period to the Ottoman Empire. A naturally preserved mummies, found in the caves …

By Dania Saadi, The National

Lebanon’s economic growth could accelerate to 3.3 per cent next year following the election of a president after a 29-month political vacuum, according to a report from the International Institute of Finance (IIF).

Lebanon’s parliament on Monday elected Michel Aoun, an ally of Hizbollah, as president, a post that had remained vacant since May 2014 because of political haggling over the successor to Michel Suleiman. The next step is to form a national unity government, which is expected to be headed by Saad Al Hariri, who helped to broker consensus for the election of Aoun.

Growth, which is forecast to have risen to 1.4 per cent this year from 1.2 per cent last year, will pick up next year thanks to "modest recovery in private investment and exports of goods and services", said Garbis Iradian, chief economist for the Middle Eastern and North Africa for the IIF in the report.

These growth estimates are more optimistic than the IMF, which is forecasting 1 per cent growth this year and 2 per cent for next year.The economic recovery could be boosted if the blocked trade routes with Syria and Iraq are reopened in the event of the defeat of ISIL, a de-escalation of fighting in Syria takes place and Lebanon’s ties with Arabian Gulf countries improve, according to the IIF.

By Gulf news

Sharjah: Lebanese intellectual and academic Dr Ghassan Salame was named Cultural Personality of the Year of Sharjah International Book Fair’s (SIBF) 35th edition. Dr Salame, who is a former Lebanese minister of culture (2000-2003), will be recognised during the fair, which will take place from November 2 to 12 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Ahmad Bin Rakkad Ameri, chairman of Sharjah Book Authourity, said, “Our selection of Dr Salame was based on his long and distinguished career, his invaluable contribution to the Arab cultural scene and his concern for all issues relating to the Arab world.” The SIBF’s recognition pays tribute to intellectual figures in the Arab world and celebrates their achievements that inspire future generations. Dr Salame is highly regarded for his significant achievements in the history of the region over the past five decades.

An internationally recognised and influential personality, he was appointed political adviser to the UN Mission in Iraq, served as senior adviser at the United Nations and taught political science at the University of Paris.