Lebanon's creative talent suffers as regional war squeezes Gulf economies

There are many people in Lebanon who are really good at designing, advertising, and creating beautiful things.

For a long time, they got paid by clients in the Gulf — rich countries nearby.

Now there is a war in the region, and the Gulf is making less money.

So those clients are pausing new projects, paying less, or paying late.

This means many Lebanese designers and advertisers are losing income, and some are losing their jobs.

One fashion school, Creative Space Beirut, gives free lessons to students who cannot afford them.

It hoped to get $500,000 from Gulf donors this year, but the donors could not keep their promises.

Now the school only has enough money for four more months and is asking people online to donate.

Some freelancers now earn much less money — one person said she might have to move back in with her parents.

Experts say the Gulf economies will probably get better by 2027, so people hope things improve.