The Orient-Institut Beirut supports historical and contemporary research on the Middle East and the Arab world in cooperation with researchers and academic institutions throughout the region.

It accommodates various research interests and furthers the articulation of diverse perspectives. Confessional multiplicity in Lebanon and the linguistic diversity of academic life inspire and guide the institute's mission. 

Research activity at the institute contains a broad spectrum of approaches and methods current in humanities and social sciences. Social, religious, and intellectual history as well as the study of literature, language and politics, for instance, may appear within the range of projects conducted at the institute. Particular emphasis is put on the systematic study of primary sources, regional agents and affairs.

The Orient-Institut is committed to supporting individual research. Its library services, colloquia and lecture series are meant to offer a complement and inspiring framework for studies in various fields.

To encourage academic cohesion and continuity, teams of scholars collaborate to develop institute-wide projects and long-term thematic perspectives.

The institute also provides doctoral and post-doctoral grants, which are announced at its website.

The Orient-Institut is a part of the The "Foundation German Humanities Institutes Abroad"(DGIA).