A new mural has come to life at Beirut Digital District (BDD), celebrating the strength of women, the richness of Lebanese cultural heritage, and the connections that bring people and generations together.
Created by Mexican artist Paola Delfín, in collaboration with Instituto Cervantes Beirut, the mural titled Nabḍ (نبض), meaning “Heartbeat,” was inaugurated on October 14, 2026, at BDD 1075.
Marking the fourth major mural in and around BDD, Nabḍ builds on the district’s commitment to bringing art into public spaces and fostering cultural exchange. The artwork explores themes of identity, regeneration, and belonging, reflecting the role of women in preserving traditions, shaping communities, and passing on knowledge to future generations.
A Visual Story of Heritage, Hope, and Connection
At the center of Nabḍ stands a Lebanese woman, representing strength, continuity, and the role women play in carrying cultural identity across generations.
Surrounding her are figures of different ages, reflecting the relationship between generations and the importance of preserving the past while building the future.
The mural incorporates several symbolic elements that contribute to this narrative. A traditional Lebanese house evokes the idea of home and the importance of preserving architectural and cultural heritage. Books and a globe represent education, knowledge, and openness to the world, while the younger figures embody hope and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Flowers and natural elements introduce themes of regeneration and healing, while the intertwined roots at the base of the mural recall Lebanon’s cedar trees, symbolizing the deep connections that bind people to their land, culture, and one another.
Together, these elements tell a story about Lebanon’s past, present, and future, with women at its heart.
Created at a time when Lebanon continues to face significant challenges, Nabḍ also carries a message of resilience, acknowledging the country’s experiences while looking toward a future shaped by education, cultural preservation, and collective progress. Paola Delfín, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, said:
“Life holds both beauty and hardship, and it is through embracing both that we grow, heal, and transform. Just as we can restore ourselves after difficult experiences, we can also rebuild our communities and emerge stronger, more compassionate, and more connected. My hope is that this mural inspires people to come together, embrace our shared humanity, and believe in the possibility of a brighter future.”
Ten Years of Cultural Exchange Between Instituto Cervantes and BDD
The inauguration also marked a meaningful moment in the longstanding relationship between Instituto Cervantes and BDD, ten years after the cultural institution first joined the district.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mouhamad Rabah, CEO of BDD, reflected on the district’s founding vision of creating a cluster of hope that brings together technology, creativity, innovation, and art.
He highlighted how this vision has guided BDD’s development into a community where different disciplines, cultures, and perspectives intersect, creating opportunities for collaboration and exchange.
Rabah also emphasized the importance of STEAM education, which integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, as a foundation for Lebanon’s development. He connected this vision to the mural’s message, highlighting the importance of women’s empowerment, education, and heritage in shaping the country’s future.
Representatives of Instituto Cervantes similarly reflected on the role of cultural institutions as spaces for encounter, where language, artistic expression, and dialogue encourage mutual understanding.
The partnership between BDD and Instituto Cervantes demonstrates how cultural initiatives can contribute to a broader ecosystem that values creativity alongside entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Art as Part of BDD’s Identity
Over the years, BDD has embraced public art as a way to encourage creativity, spark conversations, and strengthen connections within its community. Through collaborations with local and international artists and cultural institutions, murals have transformed walls in and around the district into expressions of innovation, resilience, and social change.
The journey began in 2017 with Connection, created by Cuban-American artist Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada on a war-scarred building in the Bachoura district near BDD. Depicting a young boy exploring an Arduino board, the mural highlighted the role of technology and education in building a better future.
In 2021, Spanish artist Alba Fabré Sacristán created Drowning in Flowers at BDD 1079, in collaboration with Instituto Cervantes Beirut. The large-scale portrait of a woman surrounded by flowers offered an artistic reflection on Lebanon’s crisis and resilience following the August 2020 Beirut port explosion.
A year later, in 2022, Fields of Power was unveiled at BDD Piazza. Created by Lebanese graphic designer Samer Bou Saleh and Scottish illustrator Lauren Morsley, in collaboration with the British Council, the mural addressed environmental awareness and women’s empowerment, highlighting themes of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Today, Nabḍ adds a new chapter to this artistic journey, bringing the stories of Lebanese women and the country’s cultural identity into the district’s urban landscape.
These artworks reflect BDD’s approach to community building, where public spaces are not only places to work and connect but also environments that encourage artistic expression and cultural engagement.
Through the collaboration between Instituto Cervantes, Mexican artist Paola Delfín, and BDD, Nabḍ brings together international artistic perspectives and Lebanese cultural identity.
At its core, the mural conveys a message of hope: building a better future starts with empowering women, investing in education, preserving our heritage, and strengthening the connections that bring us together.
