Lebanon unveils 26-metre Christ the Redeemer statue in Al Qaa amid regional turmoil

Amid ongoing tensions and conflict across Lebanon and the wider Arab region, a towering symbol of faith and resilience has risen above the Bekaa Valley.

In March 2026, the predominantly Christian town of Al Qaa in northern Lebanon inaugurated one of the largest statues of Christ in the Middle East, a 26-metre monument overlooking the plains near the Syrian border.

The statue, erected on Jabal Al-Salib—Arabic for “Mount of the Cross”—stands as a message of peace, protection, and spiritual reassurance at a time when instability has cast a long shadow over the region.

Designed by Lebanese architect George Makhlouf, the white fiberglass statue measures 16 metres in height and rests on a 10-metre base, bringing the total structure to 26 metres.

To withstand the area’s strong winds, more than three tonnes of steel reinforcement were incorporated into the design, ensuring durability and stability.

With arms slightly raised, the depiction of Christ conveys a gesture of blessing and welcome, visible from miles away across the Bekaa plain.

The monument is now considered one of the most prominent Christian landmarks in the region.

The project, which took over a year to complete, was conceived by Fady Awad, a native of Al Qaa.

With the backing of the Al Qaa municipality and support from local residents, the ambitious vision gradually became reality.

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For many in the town, the statue represents far more than a religious sculpture. Al Qaa, located close to the Syrian border, was directly affected by extremist violence a decade ago, when ISIS militants carried out deadly attacks in the area.

The site chosen for the monument once served as a frontline position during that turbulent period.

Organisers said the decision to erect the statue on Mount of the Cross was deliberate, citing the location’s historical and spiritual importance to the local Christian community.

The elevated site not only overlooks the Beqaa Valley but also stretches toward parts of Syrian territory, reinforcing its symbolism as a guardian presence.

Lebanon is home to one of the largest Christian populations in the Arab world, with Christians making up roughly 30 percent of the country’s population.

The Levant region more broadly contains several notable Christian monuments, including the “I Have Come to Save the World” statue in Saidnaya, Syria.

Residents of Al Qaa hope the new landmark will further cement Lebanon’s religious and cultural diversity while attracting pilgrims and tourists from around the world.

Plans are also underway to open a church near the monument, transforming the area into a broader site of worship and reflection.

As violence and political instability continue to affect parts of the Middle East, the towering Christ the Redeemer statue stands as a visible reminder of endurance and faith for many Lebanese Christians.

For the people of Al Qaa, it is not merely a monument of concrete and steel, but a testament to survival, unity, and hope in the face of adversity.

While the region grapples with uncertainty, this new landmark rises as a declaration that faith, for many, remains unshaken.