New Stamp Issued by LibanPost in Honor of Elie Saab

Prime Minister Saad Hariri honoring renowned Lebanese international designer Elie Saab in Beirut.
Prime Minister Saad Hariri honoring renowned Lebanese international designer Elie Saab in Beirut.
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New Stamp Issued by LibanPost in Honor of Elie Saab

Prime Minister Saad Hariri honoring renowned Lebanese international designer Elie Saab in Beirut.
Prime Minister Saad Hariri honoring renowned Lebanese international designer Elie Saab in Beirut.

In the latest LibanPost series of honorary stamps, a special stamp was issued in honor of Lebanese international fashion designer Elie Saab, under the name of “Elie Saab - Le Timbre.”

The launching event was held at Beit Beirut in Sodeco area, in the presence of a number of Lebanese dignitaries, including Prime Minister Saad Hariri, and was inaugurated by Mazen Hayek (Spokesman for MBC Media Group), who underlined Saab’s journey and achievements at the local and international levels.

The walls of Beit Beirut were covered with giant photos of Saab’s designs of wedding and celebrity dresses, worn by prominent international figures, especially those of famous Hollywood stars on the red carpet at the Oscars and other international festivals.

Following a ceremony, during which Hariri awarded Saab an honorary shield, the curtain was lifted on the postage stamp bearing an image of Elie Saab, which he had chosen himself.

Hariri delivered a speech in which he underlined that Lebanon was proud of the renowned designer, describing him as an example to the Lebanese youth.

Khalil Daoud, General Manager of LibanPost, emphasized the talent, passion, vision, continuous work, boldness, ambition and determination of Saab since he was 18 years old. He said the international designer’s journey was marked by endless success and that Beirut and Lebanon were always in his heart.

Saab expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and appreciation, considering the event as a tribute to all Lebanese creators in Lebanon and the world, who reflect the positive image of the country.



International Fiesta Fills New Mexico's Sky With Colorful Hot Air Balloons

FILE - Nearly 500 balloons begin to take off during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Oct. 7, 2023, in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales, File)
FILE - Nearly 500 balloons begin to take off during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Oct. 7, 2023, in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales, File)
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International Fiesta Fills New Mexico's Sky With Colorful Hot Air Balloons

FILE - Nearly 500 balloons begin to take off during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Oct. 7, 2023, in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales, File)
FILE - Nearly 500 balloons begin to take off during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Oct. 7, 2023, in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales, File)

One of the most photographed events in the world is set to kick off Saturday with a mass ascension of color for the 52nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The nine-day gathering draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and pilots to New Mexico each fall for the rare opportunity to be within arm’s reach as the giant balloons are unpacked and inflated. Propane burners roar and hundreds of the uniquely shaped balloons speckle the sky with vibrant colors.
Everyone usually bundles up in layers to protect against a morning chill that helps pilots stay in the air longer, but this year’s fiesta could be the warmest on record, organizers say.
Morning lows and afternoon highs are expected to be above average for days in a city that on Monday recorded its hottest temperature this late in the year, at 93 degrees Fahrenheit (33.8 Celsius), according to the National Weather Service.
Globally, things have been trending hotter too. It's likely this year will end up as the warmest humanity has measured, the European climate service Copernicus reported in early September.
While past fiestas have had a warm day here or there, spokesman Tom Garrity said the prediction for prolonged heat is rare, The Associated Press reported.
For pilots, it could mean less time aloft or carrying less weight in their baskets.
Typically, when the mornings are cool, less fuel is needed to get the balloons to rise. Fiesta veterans explain it's all about generating lift by heating the air inside the envelope to temperatures greater than what's on the outside.
“With cooler weather, pilots are able to fly for longer duration,” Garrity said. “But when you have warmer temperatures, it just means that you pop up, you go up a little bit and you come back down. So just some shorter flights.”
Still, ballooning happens year-round in many places, including in the Phoenix area, which has seen its share of record-breaking temperatures over recent months.
“These are really non-issues from a spectator’s standpoint," said Troy Bradley, an accomplished balloon pilot who has been flying for decades. “I don’t see any difference other than they won’t be freezing in the pre-dawn hours.”
Even the fiesta's official meteorologist has joked about the possibility of wearing shorts this year.
This year's fiesta also features 106 balloons in special shapes, 16 of which will be making their fiesta debut. That includes Mazu, modeled after the sea goddess of the same name who is deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture and traditions.