Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center

The Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center (commonly BIEL) is a large multi-purpose facility, hosting exhibitions (Beirut Book Fair), conferences, concerts and private events. It opened on 28 November 2001. It moved from what is now called the Arena Waterfront to its current location on Emile Lahoud highway in 2018.

Famous performances
American pop-R&B diva Mariah Carey gave a Beirut concert during her Charmbracelet World Tour on 24 February 2004 at the BIEL. British singer-songwriter Phil Collins took part in a charity concert for children’s cancer at the BIEL in 2005. On 10 June 2006, American rappers 50 Cent and G-Unit performed their first concert in the Arab world at the BIEL. On 26 May 2011, Colombian artist Shakira, whose last name is Mubarak (her father is from Lebanon), was set to perform in the hall during her The Sun Comes Out World Tour; this performance was subsequently moved to an adjacent outdoor area, due to overwhelming demand. On 23 July 2014, English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding performed in the BIEL as part of her The Halcyon Days Tour. British Pink Floyd tribute band Brit Floyd performed at the venue in December 2015. Avicii performed in the BIEL on 22 July 2016.

Record
Shakira holds the record for the most attended concert in Lebanon with around 32,000 people.