Lebanese PM attends Eid al-Fitr prayers with Saudi crown prince

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam traveled to Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening to celebrate Eid al-Fitr alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s two holiest sites, announced that Eid al-Fitr — the festival marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan — would begin on Sunday, following the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar.

Ties between Lebanon and Gulf countries have been strained in recent years, largely due to the growing influence of Hezbollah in Lebanese politics. The Shiite group, backed by Iran, has seen its military strength diminished following its latest conflict with Israel, prompting Gulf nations to reconsider their stance toward Lebanon.

Just ten days ago, Prime Minister Salam revealed that efforts were underway to lift the travel ban imposed on Saudi citizens traveling to Lebanon, as well as to resume Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia, which have been suspended since 2021.