Al Habtoor cancels
TV channel project

Following threats and orchestrated campaigns

UAE-based Al Habtoor Group said it has canceled a plan to launch a new television channel that was supposed to broadcast from Lebanon and that it is now exploring alternatives to launch the channel from other countries.

The decision was a direct consequence of severe security challenges, according to a statement by the group. It said that following the announcement of the project, the group encountered a barrage of orchestrated campaigns of accusations, slander, and threats including physical threats to the founder and staff.

Khalaf Al Habtoor, founder and Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, said: "We have encountered insurmountable obstacles that exceed what can reasonably be borne regarding the safety and security of our team. After careful consideration and in light of the lack of necessary security stability for investment, we find ourselves compelled to seek an alternative to launching the project from Lebanon."

“The current situation has left us no choice but to step back from this initiative and abandon the launch of our television station from Lebanon," Al Habtoor said.

The group, which owns Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand Hotel and Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace, has lodged criminal and civil complaints in Lebanon and abroad against the suspects.

The TV channel project, which was announced at the end of last April, was intended to broadcast cultural, social, and sporting programs. It was expected to initially create nearly 300 jobs in journalism, production, art, and other fields with more jobs to be added with the project’s further expansion.