A photograph by Vianney Le Caer shows former crane operator Abu Khodor praying by the beach in Beirut, as he has done for the past 25 years. Courtesy Vianney Le Caer
A photograph by Vianney Le Caer shows former crane operator Abu Khodor praying by the beach in Beirut, as he has done for the past 25 years. Courtesy Vianney Le Caer
A photograph by Vianney Le Caer shows former crane operator Abu Khodor praying by the beach in Beirut, as he has done for the past 25 years. Courtesy Vianney Le Caer
A photograph by Vianney Le Caer shows former crane operator Abu Khodor praying by the beach in Beirut, as he has done for the past 25 years. Courtesy Vianney Le Caer

Beirut is ‘a city of every contrast and paradox possible’


  • English
  • Arabic

In Vianney Le Caer's photographs, the sunbathers who gather at the beach at the American University of Beirut preen and spread themselves like a colony of bronzed seabirds on some off-shore promontory. A concrete carbuncle that juts beyond the Corniche Beirut, the beach may be little more than an outcrop of crumbling walkways and derelict swimming pools, but it fosters its own unique sense of community for an unlikely group of men who can be found there each day, exercising, sunbathing and praying.

A freelance photojournalist who lives in London, Le Caer discovered the beach in 2015 while on an assignment with an NGO in Lebanon, covering the Syrian refugee crisis. Despite covering conflicts in Iraq, Ukraine, Syria and the Demo­cratic Republic of Congo, Le Caer felt anxious about approaching the men, but he was welcomed by a leathery veteran, Abu Khodor, a regular on the beach for 25 years.

A former crane operator in the nearby Port of Beirut, Khodor regaled Le Caer with tales of sunbathing on the beach alone while watching the Israeli air strikes that rained down on Lebanon after eight Israeli soldiers were killed by Hezbollah in 2006.

A 'wake-up call' for political awareness

Le Caer's photographs and the Lebanese-Israeli conflict both play a key role in the exhibition C'est Beyrouth, which opens on Thursday at the Institut des Cultures d'Islam (ICI) in Paris.

The exhibition, which features 16 photographic and video artists whose work has engaged in some way with the Lebanese capital since 2006, has been curated by Sabyl Ghoussoub, a French-­Lebanese photographer, writer and columnist who describes himself as a multidisciplinary artist. He served as director of the Lebanese Film Festival in Beirut between 2012 and 2015, and in 2018 published his first novel, the darkly satirical Le Nez Juif.

artist Myriam Boulos focuses on the experiences of migrant workers in Beirut in her images. Courtesy Myriam Boulos
artist Myriam Boulos focuses on the experiences of migrant workers in Beirut in her images. Courtesy Myriam Boulos

"In a country already weakened by successive attacks on politicians and journalists, this war, usually referred to as the 'July War' or the '33-Day War', broke all the hope that the people felt after the Syrian army left the country in 2005," Ghoussoub says, describing the conflict as a "wake-up call" in terms of his own political awareness. He says the conflict haunts the subconscious of all Lebanese people, regardless of age or religion.

"Bombs were falling on Beirut after 15 years of reconstruction and for the new generation of Lebanese and the immigrants living in the city, it was their very first conflict. For the older generation, it was one more in a long line of wars."

Inside the exhibition

Organised according to themes that investigate the body as a site and symbol of identity, religion, and the experience of marginalised minorities, the show begins with a section called The Spectre of War, which features a video of Fouad El Khoury's autobiographical On War and Love from 2006. Consisting of 33 works arranged chronologically, beginning on July 13 and ending on August 14, On War and Love chronicles life during the Israeli bombardment, a time that became even more traumatic for El Khoury when, three days into the siege, he discovered that his girlfriend was leaving him.

C’est Beyrouth captures the contrasts and paradoxes of Beirut, including its religious identity. Courtesy Vianney Le Caer
C’est Beyrouth captures the contrasts and paradoxes of Beirut, including its religious identity. Courtesy Vianney Le Caer

In 2007, On War and Love featured in Lebanon's first national pavilion at the Venice Biennale and was also exhibited in the Roads Were Open / Roads Were Closed group show at Dubai's Third Line Gallery in 2008, where his works were paired with others that explored the links between personal and collective memory, and the perception and experience of conflict-­related trauma.

These included Joana Hadji­thomas and Khalil Joreige's Wonder Beirut, which retraced the career of Lebanese photo­grapher, Abdallah Farah, who at the start of the Lebanese Civil War in 1975 began to damage the negatives of his postcards in ways that both imitated and documented the ensuing destruction.

I think that we can judge the state of a society by how marginalised people are threatened in it and I wanted to show how these people live in a religious city and in a paternalist society.

Ghoussoub also pairs El Khoury with Hadjithomas and Joreige in C'est Beyrouth by including a video from the Prix Marcel Duchamp-­winning duo called Tout Est Vrai. Exhibited in the ICI's hammam, Tout Est Vrai  gives voice to the experience of migrants and has been selected as part of C'est Beyrouth's Ignored Minorities strand, alongside photographs from artists such as Myriam Boulos, which explore the exploitation of foreign domestic workers. "Focusing on these minorities was essential to me," Ghoussoub insists. "I think that we can judge the state of a society by how marginalised people are threatened in it and I wanted to show how these people live in a religious city and in a paternalist society."

C’est Beyrouth

For Ghoussoub, the idea for C'est Beyrouth came not from a desire to make a political point but from his need to understand and come to terms with a city in which people's behaviour is often driven by fear. "I lived and worked in Beirut and I have a love and hate relationship with the city," he says. "Two years ago, I left Beirut and moved back to Paris. I was so sure that I could get it out of my mind. A year later, I had to finally admit that I was obsessed."

C’est Beyrouth captures the contrasts and paradoxes of Beirut, including its religious identity as depicted in this image by Patrick Baz. Courtesy Patrick Baz
C’est Beyrouth captures the contrasts and paradoxes of Beirut, including its religious identity as depicted in this image by Patrick Baz. Courtesy Patrick Baz

Ghoussoub admits that when it came to curating the exhibition, the hardest task was deciding on a title. But given his relationship with the city, it's perhaps no surprise that he chose a name that is as troubled and ambiguous as the place itself. "C'est Beyrouth, or This is Beirut, is an expression that people both in Lebanon and outside of Lebanon often use to describe a situation of chaos," he explains. "But the title can also be read as an affirmation."

It is a phrase that frustrates certain Lebanese people because they believe it evokes negative connotations and outdated images of the city, such as notions of devastation, chaos and destruction. But the phrase "C'est Beyrouth" also conjures notions of understanding and shared experiences, if not always acceptance.

"These photos and videos are really a way to speak about numerous sensitive subjects and to show certain truths about Beirut's reality," Ghoussoub says. "Beirut doesn't have any lessons to give to other cities in the region, but its experience is unique. It is the city of every contrast and paradox possible."

C’est Beyrouth runs at the Institut des Cultures d’Islam in Paris from Thursday until July 28. Visit www.institut-cultures-islam.org 

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
The biog

Favourite colour: Brown

Favourite Movie: Resident Evil

Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices

Favourite food: Pizza

Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon

Wonka
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Paul%20King%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3ETimothee%20Chalamet%2C%20Olivia%20Colman%2C%20Hugh%20Grant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Jawan
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAtlee%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Shah%20Rukh%20Khan%2C%20Nayanthara%2C%20Vijay%20Sethupathi%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:

Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE

Game is on BeIN Sports

The%20Last%20White%20Man
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Mohsin%20Hamid%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E192%20pages%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPublished%20by%3A%20Hamish%20Hamilton%20(UK)%2C%20Riverhead%20Books%20(US)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERelease%20date%3A%20out%20now%20in%20the%20US%2C%20August%2011%20(UK)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Disability on screen

Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues

24: Legacy — PTSD;

Superstore and NCIS: New Orleans — wheelchair-bound

Taken and This Is Us — cancer

Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)

Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg

Scorpion — obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety

Switched at Birth — deafness

One Mississippi, Wentworth and Transparent — double mastectomy

Dragons — double amputee

FIXTURES

Saturday
5.30pm: Shabab Al Ahli v Al Wahda
5.30pm: Khorfakkan v Baniyas
8.15pm: Hatta v Ajman
8.15pm: Sharjah v Al Ain
Sunday
5.30pm: Kalba v Al Jazira
5.30pm: Fujairah v Al Dhafra
8.15pm: Al Nasr v Al Wasl

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESplintr%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMay%202019%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammad%20AlMheiri%20and%20Badr%20AlBadr%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20and%20Riyadh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epayments%20%2F%20FinTech%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESize%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10%20employees%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eundisclosed%20seven-figure%20sum%20%2F%20pre-seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eseed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eangel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 325bhp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: Dh289,000

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

RESULTS

Women:

55kg brown-black belt: Amal Amjahid (BEL) bt Amanda Monteiro (BRA) via choke
62kg brown-black belt: Bianca Basilio (BRA) bt Ffion Davies (GBR) via referee’s decision (0-0, 2-2 adv)
70kg brown-black belt: Ana Carolina Vieira (BRA) bt Jessica Swanson (USA), 9-0
90kg brown-black belt: Angelica Galvao (USA) bt Marta Szarecka (POL) 8-2

Men:

62kg black belt: Joao Miyao (BRA) bt Wan Ki-chae (KOR), 7-2
69kg black belt: Paulo Miyao (BRA) bt Gianni Grippo (USA), 2-2 (1-0 adv)
77kg black belt: Espen Mathiesen (NOR) bt Jake Mackenzie (CAN)
85kg black belt: Isaque Braz (BRA) bt Faisal Al Ketbi (UAE), 2-0
94kg black belt: Felipe Pena (BRA) bt Adam Wardzinski (POL), 4-0
110kg black belt final: Erberth Santos (BRA) bt Lucio Rodrigues (GBR) via rear naked choke

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

How to donate

Text the following numbers:

2289 - Dh10

6025 - Dh 20

2252 - Dh 50

2208 - Dh 100

6020 - Dh 200 

*numbers work for both Etisalat and du

MATCH INFO

Bayern Munich 2 Borussia Monchengladbach 1
Bayern:
 Zirkzee (26'), Goretzka (86')
Gladbach: Pavard (37' og)

Man of the Match: Breel Embolo (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDirect%20Debit%20System%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sept%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20with%20a%20subsidiary%20in%20the%20UK%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elaine%20Jones%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Barbie
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Greta%20Gerwig%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Margot%20Robbie%2C%20Ryan%20Gosling%2C%20Will%20Ferrell%2C%20America%20Ferrera%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
WEST ASIA RUGBY 2017/18 SEASON ROLL OF HONOUR

Western Clubs Champions League
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Bahrain

Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons

West Asia Premiership
Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Premiership Cup
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Dubai Exiles

UAE Premiership
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Who has been sanctioned?

Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.

Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.

Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.

Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

The specs: 2018 Dodge Durango SRT

Price, base / as tested: Dh259,000

Engine: 6.4-litre V8

Power: 475hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque: 640Nm @ 4,300rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.7L / 100km