On Thursday, Libya signed a significant partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to launch the “New Benghazi” project, a transformative initiative to revitalize one of the country’s most crucial cities.
The deal was signed during a high-profile meeting in Benghazi between a UAE delegation led by Mohamed Alabbar, the influential founder of Emaar Properties, and senior Libyan officials.
Alabbar, known for his role in developing landmark projects like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, is bringing his expertise to this ambitious Libyan venture. The New Benghazi project will focus on designing and constructing a modern downtown area and the expansive Mreisa Free Zone, which is set to become the largest free zone in North Africa. This development will be carried out in collaboration with Libya’s National Development Agency, underscoring the project’s strategic importance to Libya’s future.
The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Major General Saddam Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Libyan Ground Forces, Dr. Jibril Dawood Al-Badri, Director General of the National Development Agency, and Engineer Al-Saqr Imran Bujuwari, Chairman of the Steering Council of Benghazi Municipality.
The discussions centered on the New Benghazi project and explored opportunities for additional development initiatives in the region.
The New Benghazi project is a cornerstone of Libya’s broader efforts to rebuild its cities and rejuvenate its economy after years of conflict. Benghazi, the second-largest city in Libya, has historically been a vital center of trade and culture but has suffered significant damage from the turmoil following the 2011 revolution.
This new project aims to restore Benghazi’s status as an economic powerhouse, attracting international investment, creating jobs, and laying the foundation for long-term regional stability.
