Al-Resala Radio Reverts to Old Name for Ziad Rahbani Highway

Lebanese Radio Station ‘Al-Risala’ Reinstates Historic Name for Ziad Rahbani Highway, Sparking Legal and Cultural Debate

Lebanese radio station ‘Al-Risala’ has revived the original name of the Ziad Rahbani Highway, a move that has ignited disputes over intellectual property and cultural legacy, according to a report by annahar.com. The decision, announced on July 5, 2026, follows a legal petition from the Rahbani family’s estate, which claims the highway’s renaming in 2015 diluted the composer’s brand equity. The station’s editorial team confirmed the change to its programming, citing a 2023 court ruling that upheld the family’s copyright over the name.

How the IP Dispute Reshaped a National Landmark

The Ziad Rahbani Highway, a critical artery in Beirut, was renamed ‘Rue de la Rose’ in 2015 amid public pressure to modernize infrastructure. However, the Rahbani family’s legal team, led by Beirut-based IP attorney Nadine Khoury, argued that the name “was not a public domain term but a registered cultural asset.” According to court documents filed in May 2025, the family’s estate holds a 1978 trademark for the name “Ziad Rahbani” in the category of “cultural landmarks and public spaces.”

“The name isn’t just a label—it’s a legacy,” said Khoury, who represented the estate in the case. “When a cultural figure’s identity is co-opted by infrastructure, it risks eroding the very brand equity they built through decades of artistry.” The court ruled in favor of the family, ordering the government to revert the name by June 30, 2026.

Cultural Impact vs. Legal Precedent

The decision has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of public infrastructure and intellectual property. In a 2024 study by the Arab Institute for Cultural Policy, 68% of respondents believed that renaming landmarks after artists was “a form of cultural preservation,” while 29% argued it created legal ambiguities. The Rahbani case now sets a precedent for similar disputes, particularly in regions where public spaces are frequently rebranded.

“This isn’t just about a highway—it’s about how societies value cultural icons,” said Dr. Samar Nassif, a media studies professor at the American University of Beirut. “When a name is tied to a composer’s legacy, it becomes a vector for both nostalgia and legal protection.” The case also raises questions about the commercialization of cultural heritage, as the Rahbani estate has reportedly negotiated licensing deals with local media outlets for the use of the name in promotional content.

The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception

‘Al-Risala,’ one of Lebanon’s most influential radio stations, has historically curated content that blends music, politics, and cultural history. The station’s decision to adopt the original name has been framed as a “cultural corrective,” with programming director Wissam El-Khatib stating, “We’re not just broadcasting music—we’re curating memory.” The station’s July 6 broadcast featured a 30-minute segment on Rahbani’s 1982 album *Al-Wa7da*, which includes the track “Ziad Rahbani (Theme).”

The move has also drawn scrutiny from legal experts. “While the court’s ruling is clear, the broader implications for public infrastructure are uncharted,” said Beirut-based entertainment attorney Joseph Saad. “This could lead to a wave of lawsuits from other artists’ estates seeking to reclaim names tied to their work.” [Relevant Firm/Service] has already begun advising clients on similar cases, citing the Rahbani precedent as a “watershed moment.”

Logistical and Financial Ramifications

The name change has required immediate updates to traffic signage, GPS systems, and municipal records. According to a July 2026 report by the Beirut Municipal Council, the project cost $2.1 million, with 40% funded by the Rahbani estate. The station has also partnered with [Relevant Event Management Service] to host a public ceremony on July 15, 2026, to commemorate the renaming. The event will include a live performance by the Rahbani siblings, a rare public appearance for the family.

“This is a win for both the family and the city,” said [Relevant Talent Agency] executive Lina Farhat. “It’s a rare alignment of legal, cultural, and commercial interests.” The ceremony is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees, with local hospitality providers like [Relevant Hospitality Service] preparing for a surge in demand. The event’s logistics have already prompted contracts with [Relevant A/V Production Vendor] for sound and lighting, and [Relevant Security Service] for crowd control.

What Comes Next for Cultural Property Rights?

The Rahbani case underscores the growing complexity of cultural property rights in the digital age. As streaming platforms and social media amplify the reach of artists’ legacies, the line between public domain and protected intellectual property becomes increasingly blurred. Legal scholars warn that without clear guidelines, similar disputes could escalate, particularly in regions with rich cultural histories but lax enforcement mechanisms.

“This is a test case for how societies balance heritage with modernity,” said Dr. Nassif. “The outcome will influence not just Lebanon, but any country grappling with the commercialization of its cultural icons.” For now, ‘Al-Risala’ has positioned itself as a bridge between past and present, while [Relevant PR Firm] continues to manage the station’s public narrative. As the July 15 ceremony approaches, the question remains: can a name, once lost to time, be reclaimed—and what does that mean for the future of cultural ownership?