In the beginning of 2000, the popularity of the newly constructed downtown buildings proofed less than expected and many buildings remained empty. Consequently, as a solution to the vacancy, popular businesses such as chain shops and restaurants, temporarily occupied the real estate and this is how the idea of the current Beirut Souks initially evolved.

Officially opened in 2012, the fancy area nowadays hosts more than 200 well-known chains of clothing shops, bars and restaurants and is one of the reasons that downtown - originally intended for affluent people - these days attracts a blend of visitors and is one of the few bright spots in an otherwise struggling downtown. Every Saturday, a Farmer’s Market - Souk El Tayeb - is held there on Trablus Street from 9:00 to 14:00.