Sharjah-based foundation helps restore 147-year-old hospital destroyed in Port Beirut blast

The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a global humanitarian organisation based in Sharjah, UAE, has inaugurated the newly reconstructed and expanded Emergency and Trauma Unit at the Saint George Hospital University Medical Centre (SGHUMC) in Beirut.

Funded by a $2.36 million (Dhs 8.7 million) contribution from TBHF’s “Salam Beirut” campaign, the project has reconstructed facilities in Lebanon’s oldest and most revered medical institution, severely damaged in the catastrophic 2020 Beirut Port explosion.

The inauguration signifies an important step in restoring critical healthcare access for thousands, and underscores the power of international solidarity in crisis response.

The reconstructed unit now boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment, expanded capacity, enhanced trauma care facilities, and a new paediatric section; enabling SGHUMC to operate at full capacity for the first time since the blast. Expected to serve over 40,000 patients annually, the facility is a significant step forward in strengthening Beirut’s healthcare capabilities.

The Port of Beirut explosion claimed over 150 lives, injured thousands, and displaced nearly 300,000 residents; and among the hardest-hit institutions was SGHUMC, a 147-year-old pillar of Lebanon's healthcare system, which sustained extensive structural and operational damage.

Sharjah’s response, following the compassionate and visionary leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of TBHF, and UNHCR’s first Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, TBHF launched the “Salam Beirut” campaign, raising over Dhs30 million o aid recovery efforts.

Officials take a tour of the hospital.

The reconstruction of SGHUMC’s Emergency and Trauma (ERT) Centre has been one of the major accomplishments of the campaign.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Metropolitan Elias Audi, Archbishop of Beirut and its Dependencies; Mariam Al Hammadi, Member of the Advisory Board of TBHF; Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF; Dr Marwan Najjar, SGHUMC Chief Executive Officer; and Dr. Salah Chouairi, SGHUMC Chief Medical Officer; Fahad Salem Al Kaabi, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Lebanon; alongside other important figureheads from both TBHF and SGHUMC as well as healthcare leaders, diplomats, and regional partners.

At the inauguration ceremony, Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, reaffirmed Sharjah’s long-term friendship with Lebanon, praising the strength of its people.

“This initiative carries a message of love and solidarity from Sharjah, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, and our Chairperson, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher, to the people of Lebanon who have always faced adversity with resilience and pride,” she noted.

TBHF Director continued: “The reconstructed and expanded ERT Centre at SGHUMC symbolizes our belief that humanitarian work must be meaningful, long-term, and grounded in the dignity of those we serve. The devastation caused by the Port of Beirut explosion was not just structural—it was deeply human, and our response through 'Salam Beirut' was committed to investing in systems that give people back not just services, but stability and self-worth. Today, we are not simply inaugurating a project; we are standing beside a community and investing in its future.”

Dr Joseph Wehbe, Chief of Staff and Head of the Emergency and Trauma Centre at Saint George University Hospital : This project goes beyond rebuilding—it restores hope to Beirut.

Dr Joseph Wehbe, Chief of Staff and Head of the Emergency and Trauma Centre at Saint George University Hospital, said: “The rehabilitation, restoration, and expansion of the Emergency and Trauma Unit marks a moment of great pride for everyone at Saint George University Hospital. The hospital was among the most severely affected institutions by the tragic explosion that rocked the Port of Beirut, resulting in a complete shutdown for the first time since its founding in 1878. Despite the magnitude of the disaster, our determination never wavered. Through the dedication and perseverance of our medical and administrative teams, we managed to resume operations via a temporary emergency unit within a record time of just two weeks.”

Dignitaries being briefed on the functioning of the various departments of the hospital.

He added: “Today, thanks to the generous support of The Big Heart Foundation, and under the guidance of its Chairperson, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, we inaugurate a fully developed and advanced emergency unit equipped to the highest medical and technical standards—ready to resume its vital role in serving over 40,000 patients annually. This project is not merely about rebuilding a medical facility; it represents a noble humanitarian message and restores hope to the people of Beirut.”

After the speeches and ribbon-cutting, guests received a guided tour of the ERT Centre and viewed a documentary illustrating the journey from devastation to renewal. A commemorative plaque honouring TBHF was unveiled, symbolizing SGHUMC's appreciation for their crucial support.

The event ended with a reception attended by healthcare leaders, diplomats, and regional partners, united in their commitment to rebuilding Lebanon with dignity and hope.

Originally announced in December 2020 as part of TBHF’s “Salam Beirut” campaign, the reconstruction of the Emergency and Trauma Unit was set to be completed within a few months.

However, the aftermath of the Beirut Port explosion coincided with the global COVID-19 crisis, leading to necessary delays as parts of the hospital were repurposed to treat urgent cases during the pandemic.

Throughout this period, SGHUMC remained steadfast in its service to the community by establishing a temporary emergency facility that continued to provide life-saving care.