Emirati billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has announced he is halting his investments in Lebanon, citing personal safety concerns and the country’s ongoing instability. Speaking to Reuters, Al Habtoor revealed that he had been threatened with being “slaughtered and killed” last year, a threat that pushed him to abandon plans for a media venture in Beirut in 2024.

The anonymous threat, made via social media, prompted Al Habtoor to take legal action. He successfully won a lawsuit in a Lebanese court. Despite this legal victory, he has not visited Lebanon in nearly 20 years and remains cautious about the country’s safety conditions.

Al Habtoor had previously expressed hope that a new government could help Lebanon recover from its severe economic crisis, which has worsened since 2019 due to corruption, financial mismanagement, and recent conflicts. However, he now believes the influence of Hezbollah and the lack of stability make it impossible to invest further.

Lebanon has faced one of the worst economic collapses in recent history, according to the World Bank. The situation deteriorated further after the 2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, though a US-brokered ceasefire has been extended to February 18.

The UAE reopened its embassy in Lebanon earlier this year, but Al Habtoor noted that Emirati citizens are still not permitted to travel to the country. When asked if he would reconsider investing in Lebanon, Al Habtoor said safety and security must come first. “Not one penny can be invested unless there is security and safety,” he stated.

While Lebanon continues its talks to form a new government, Al Habtoor remains firm in his decision, awaiting concrete improvements before reconsidering any future ventures.