Saudi Arabia lifts 5-year ban on Lebanese imports, marking a thaw in Gulf-Lebanon ties

Saudi Arabia lifted a five-year ban on Lebanese imports, a significant move toward repairing ties with Lebanon and Gulf states.
The 2021 ban followed a high-profile drug-smuggling case (millions of Captagon pills hidden in pomegranates) and a diplomatic row after Lebanon’s then‑information minister criticized Saudi policy.
Riyadh said the reversal followed “positive steps” by Lebanon—including plans to disarm non‑state groups like Hezbollah—and Beirut says the decision will help revive its economy and attract Gulf tourists.