Beirut sheds deadly past to become hip city

BEIRUT: Lebanon's capital, Beirut, was once the centre-point of the country's civil war.

But it has since shed its deadly past to become one of the Middle East's most hip and fashionable party destinations.

And that's often quite a surprise for foreign visitors.

It's 10.30pm on Saturday in Beirut and the streets are packed with bar-hoppers.

For two decades, Lebanon was a dangerous war zone in the middle of a bitter civil war.

But despite its dark past, Beirut has gained a reputation for being one of the best party cities in the Middle East.

Every year, nightclubs in Beirut attract tens of thousands of partygoers from around the world.

For a growing number of Lebanese youth, partying provides a means of forgetting the past and putting aside fears for the future.

Medical doctor Andrew Letayf said: "People come out because they just want to get away and relax and live a normal life, like everybody does in the world.

"Unfortunately in Lebanon, with the political situation, it is tough, and Lebanese are very stubborn and they want to enjoy life, no matter what."

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Beirut sheds deadly past to become hip city