Wow.. Im only checking this page cuz a certain somebody is forcing me, but i'm truely impressed.. Nice, tasteful, even elegant somehw.. Congrats Saida :)

la2 ur checking this thread becuase you are deeply interested in the developments and happenings in the city of saida......

.....inu took me 2 hours to upload the pics

Finally!!!! Yalla 3e2bel Saida Mall, which i believe is going to be very soon,online sources stated that Saida mall is actually double the size of Le Mall,so that should be nice :)

bije el sabet iza la7 yekoon fe dayafe... chocolat Patchi iza bit reed

Saida mall and Le Mall are pretty close to each other aren't they?

Wow, they went all out with the opening! Looks like a great Mall to shop at.
its Martyrs new hang out now.

To be honest I wasnt expecting it to look so modern and trendy.

^^ hehehehe eh why not :P

Saida mall is right across the street from le Mall and they are both developed by the same company.... http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.5641142&lon=35.3801233&z=18&l=0&m=b

hassoun where are u finding the information online.... becuase i search a lot and i hardly find anything ????

@ rami. ahla w sahla ta3a emtan mabadak w fe patchi w kil yalli badak ye (ps: very few people know that the patchi factory is actually in Saida)

hope there will one in Tyre and Tripoli ;)

No way! I didn't know patchi factory was in Saida.. sweet. I bet the area smells delicious lol

The two malls are so close, looks like a 2 minute walk between the two! They do have different stores right.. or do we not know that information yet? Seeing as its the same developer, they should have none of the same clothing/accessory stores.. because that is redundant lol

it takes 30 seconds from le mall to saida mall...... and no you can't smell anything near the patchi factory :( !!!!

Saida Mall will be twice the size of le mall, and it will have a Grand Cinemas, H&M, Springfeild, Starbucks, Timberland, Jack&Jones, Vero Moda, Mother Care, Crepaway.....

bye5idni 2 min... bimshi mitl l zili7fi lol....
You know what.. maybe its a good thing you cant smell anything from Patchi factory. Like in chouefait you can smell the ma3mel making dibs el rouman.. and it smells disgusting... way worse then what the actual thing tastes like (I personally do not like it)

But the stores sound sweet... has a little bit of everything that the average person can purchase.

SAIDA MALL

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image026-1.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image034-1.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image033-1.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image028-1.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image029-1.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image031-1.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image031-1.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image039.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image038.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image024-1.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image025-1.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image041.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image042.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image043.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image045.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image046.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image040.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image044.jpg

those are from december....

After a meeting between him and the acting Saida Mayor, Mr. Mohamed Suadi talked to the press about some of the projects in Saida:
*The Waste treatment plant is functional (not completely though) which means that dumping sewage into the Saida sea has stopped from this instant
*The plant is huge and will treat waste water from over 60 villages in the Saida, Jezzine and Nabatiye districts
*Dumping in the Garbage mountain will stop immediately and all new garbage will be directed to the plant for treatment. The garbage currently on the mountain will be used for land reclaimation
*Studies on the land reclaimation process are complete, it will create an area of 550,000 sq meters of reclaimed land
*Bidding for choosing a contractor to execute the project is to be held on the 16th of june (which means today)
*The duration of the project is 2 years

Good advancements!
I bet those volunteers that clean up the beaches in Saida weekly will be most happy lol... it will cut down on the work until this is all sorted out completely.

Do you have pics of this waste treatment plant by any chance?

^^ mish ma32ol shu btitallab :tongue:.....inu byikfi i re-posted the saida mall pics for u w matili3li thank you...... :lol: (j/k), u can actually see a render of the mall to the right of the first pic...

ok i found this:
http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/8089/plantu.jpg (http://img688.imageshack.us/i/plantu.jpg/)

here is the location: http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.5457584&lon=35.3608704&z=15&l=0&m=b
the reclaimed land will be between the plant and the garbage mt.

HAHAH.. thank you, merci, shukran. Ba3tizer minnek!!!!!.. I thought I thanked you earlier.

I like the way the plant looks and its location actually... A park next to a waste treatment plant is a good idea in my opinion.. Sounds weird to put them together maybe, but I like the contrast it creates haha. That is if the reclaimed land goes off the plant area, or if its off the mountain dumb area.
I wonder how this reclaimed land will go though... like straight out to sea, will it be round, will it curve and create a mini marina? Because.. if the area is cleaned up really well.. won't that water be swim-able in future years? If I recall it does have a sandy beach in between the garbage mountain and waste plant.

ur welcome....
who talked about a park???? i dont recall mentioning anything about a park...
the reclaimed land will stretch between the garbage mt. and the plant thus forming a new peice of land of an area of 550,000 sq meters...
as for the sandy beach, it doesn't exist anymore....

no one talked about a park.. i just want a park there! hahahah

No more sandy beach:(? That's sad...So this next reclaimed land has no purpose as of yet? From that website you posted on Seniora projects, was there any projects proposed on the reclaimed land you know of?

hahah I ask you so many questions..

After a meeting between him and the acting Saida Mayor, Mr. Mohamed Suadi talked to the press about some of the projects in Saida:
*The Waste treatment plant is functional (not completely though) which means that dumping sewage into the Saida sea has stopped from this instant
*The plant is huge and will treat waste water from over 60 villages in the Saida, Jezzine and Nabatiye districts
*Dumping in the Garbage mountain will stop immediately and all new garbage will be directed to the plant for treatment. The garbage currently on the mountain will be used for land reclaimation
*Studies on the land reclaimation process are complete, it will create an area of 550,000 sq meters of reclaimed land
*Bidding for choosing a contractor to execute the project is to be held on the 16th of june (which means today)
*The duration of the project is 2 years

GR8 News!!!!! FINALLY!!!!!

but can you please confirm that that dumping sewage into the Saida sea has stopped ? like can anyone confirm that on the ground?

^^ my official exams start in 2 days so i'm gonna be really busy for a week or so... bas when i'm done i will go check myself.... and i'm not gonna ask a friend to check it for me cuz it's just weird... "leik 7abibi fik tshufli iza ba3da lmajarir 3m tinzal bil ba7ir'' :nuts:

no one talked about a park.. i just want a park there! hahahah

No more sandy beach:(? That's sad...So this next reclaimed land has no purpose as of yet? From that website you posted on Seniora projects, was there any projects proposed on the reclaimed land you know of?

hahah I ask you so many questions..

la2 3ade..... it makes me feel important when u ask me questions :D !!!
it really sucks that no one even bothered to check the site... maybe except for AbdallaK.... anyway, yes Saida's port will be relocated there, so it will take up a portion of the reclaimed land....

I found this pic.....but i dont think that its accurate
http://www.fuadsiniora.com/sites/default/files/users/u9/img4be93bf2adb4f_0.JPG

Way to go Saida, looking great already, and that mall is amazing...Alla ykhalilkon l set Bahiyya ;) 3an jad enna exceptional this woman...

With exceptional bank accounts!

Tayyeb 3al 2alili 3am ta3mel shi, mesh a7san men elli ma3on w ma 3am ya3mlo shi? (w ma fi aktar mennon)

^^ lol,ma fe yjaweb 3a hal sou2al :D

:)
I always loved your interventions. They make me happy, I feel like I'm trying to communicate with babies, and all I get is nonsense from them.

:)

This is really good news. Its going to be a major advance in cleaning up the enviroment both land and sea. I wonder about the port relocation tho. Specifically i know that there were plans to create a container terminal in Saida...The plans were done and decided that the private sector would invest around 300 million and it would help Lebanon compete with Israel come a peace agreement. At the time the commentaries were saying it would deal a severe hit to Israels new Carmel port and have the benefit of being administered by th eprivate sector. (Which is more transparent and least corrupt. i think it would have also cut back on the development of Beirut Port. Since nothing was done Beirut went forward.

well if your reports about the beginning of the end of the waste dump are true then this is a major improvement for the city. IMHO there are some key aspects to Saida's rebirth which could make this city Lebanon's coolest city :

1- Removal of waste dump + waste treatment plant + cleaning of the coastline and beaches
2- Major renovation of the old city and the port area. A big project to turn the old city into a traditional souk and neighbourhood
3- New port facilities with container terminal
4- Improving security situation specially in relation to palestinian camps and thugs who fill the streets at night. Increase the number of police units patrolling the city.

1. under way
2. major steps have been taken and there is still much more under way
3. also under way
4. no one is courageous enough to tackle this problem... the police are as corrupt as the thugs...

Way to go Saida, looking great already, and that mall is amazing...Alla ykhalilkon l set Bahiyya ;) 3an jad enna exceptional this woman...

speaking of set Bahiya, do u guys remember the "Nights of the Khan" festival and the "City Wedding" street carnival that she organized last summer ???
anyway, due to the success of last year's version she decided to do another version in Beirut.... The "Nights of the Khan" festival will take place near the roman baths and the street carnival on the ramlet lbayda corniche...

She also contacted the ministry of culture and some banks to finance a thrid version in tripoli.... bas that's not settled yet !!!

Renovating the seafront of the Old City

http://www.fuadsiniora.com/sites/default/files/users/u9/wajha%201_0.JPG

http://www.fuadsiniora.com/sites/default/files/users/u9/wajha%202_0.JPG

Architect: Abed El-Wahed Shhab
Contracter: Geneco
Financeir: Prime Minister Saad Hariri
Cost: 2,400,000 USD
Description: Restoring facades, enhancing underground electricity grid, increasing greenery, creating public space, removing

The Lebanon Report
Number 3
Fall 1996

Transport: The Sidon Port

The development of Lebanon's ports is an integral part of the government's drive to encourage foreign exporters to use Lebanon as a transit point for goods to the Middle East, particularly once a regional peace settlement is reached. The most ambitious such plan is the construction of a new port in Sidon as part of an overall rehabilitation of the city and its coastline. The proposed port will specialize in trans- shipment and container handling with some multi-purpose terminals included.

The Sidon port project was conceived in summer 1994 and was initially intended to upgrade the existing Sidon port. A year later, the Sidon Port Authority (SPA) was contacted, reportedly through Prime Minister Hariri, by Fidelle, the holding company of the Lebanese-owned Compagnie Maritime d'Affrètement (CMA), one of the largest shipping companies in the world. Fidelle indicated that CMA was willing to invest in Sidon port and turn it into a regional trans-shipment center. The basin at the new Sidon port is to have a depth of 15 meters and will be able to accommodate the largest of cargo ships. With the interest shown by Fidelle, Hamburg Port Consultants were contracted in September 1995 to draw up a two- year feasibility study for a completely new port.

The Sidon port will be located to the south of the city on approximately 250 hectares of reclaimed land with a seafront of 1,800 meters. The port will include a 15-hectare multi-purpose terminal, a 41-hectare container terminal with an adjacent 11-hectare quay area, an 11-hectare commercial area, a 10-hectare free trade zone, and 10 hectares of green spaces. The total cost of the project is estimated at $400m $300m in infrastructure costs and $100m in superstructure costs. It will be funded by a specially-established property company called Sidon Co. that will be similar to Solidere. The first stage of the study, involving the feasibility study, port design, and marine survey, is almost completed. The second stage will cover the geo- technical and engineering surveys and the preparation of tender documents by the Dar al-Handasah engineering company. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2007.

Sidon Co. will be formally established in the next few months with a capital of $150m. This is intended to finance 50% of the $300m infrastructure costs; the $100m superstructure costs will be met by contracted companies. Upon completion of the project, Sidon Co. will own the reclaimed land including the free zone, the multi-purpose terminal, and container terminal, and will be able to rent the stockyards to quay operators. Sidon Co. will also be responsible for the development of tourist facilities in Iskandar bay between the new port and the old port.

The development of the Sidon port has cut back development of the Beirut port. Plans for a fifth basin at Beirut port have been scrapped. Although, Sidon port will mainly concentrate on sea-to-sea transport, the SPA fully anticipates an increase in imported goods through the port. To this end, the government intends to build a new highway that would begin beside the port and extend, through Jezzine, to the BiqaΠValley where it would meet up with the Beirut-Damascus highway. Since the route would run through an area occupied by Israel, construction cannot begin until the issue of Israel's presence in south Lebanon has been settled.

Objections to the project have been raised by those who fear that Mr. Hariri, a native Sidonian, will use the private company and its control over some 20% of the area of the city, to expand his political and economic influence. Moreover, the ecological and social changes which construction of the new port will cause may be far- reaching. Entire neighborhoods near the old port area may be irrevocably transformed by the decision to upgrade the access roads to the port.

Local worries aside, perhaps of greater consequence for the long-term future of the port is the competition it faces from Haifa in Israel and Aqaba in Jordan. The monopoly of access points to the hinterland of the Middle East is likely to be keenly contested once a regional peace settlement has been concluded. Many believe that goods are more likely to be transported through Israel and Jordan rather than Lebanon and Syria to reach the markets of Iraq and the Gulf. Furthermore, the Israeli government is about to embark upon a five-year plan to turn Haifa port into a deep water trans-shipment terminal. This will provide direct competition with Sidon. The Sidon port will be up and running before Haifa, however, and unlike the Israeli por
t it will have the advantage of being privately funded.

- Study was completed in 1998 on it being solely a transshipment hub

^^ i wonder if they are still moving on with the same project.... cuz actually this sounds huge, i didn't know it was supposed to be this big !!! yala nchala 5eir...
the saida-jezzine highway was completed in 2007, the jezzine-masna3 highway is still U/C...
...thnx for the article amerileb :D

speaking of set Bahiya, do u guys remember the "Nights of the Khan" festival and the "City Wedding" street carnival that she organized last summer ???
anyway, due to the success of last year's version she decided to do another version in Beirut.... The "Nights of the Khan" festival will take place near the roman baths and the street carnival on the ramlet lbayda corniche...

She also contacted the ministry of culture and some banks to finance a thrid version in tripoli.... bas that's not settled yet !!!

It is official now...
- The ramadan celebrations will take place in 3 cities: Beirut, Saida, Tripoli
- "Nights of the Khan" will be renamed "Nights of Ramadan"...
- It will take place in Khan El-Franj (Saida), Roman Baths (Beirut), King Fahed Park (Tripoli)
- "City Wedding" street carnival will take place in saida's corniche and in beirut's ramlet lbayda corniche... and somewhere in tripoli kamin :P

MP Bahia Hariri met with Bank representatives from Saida to help get funding for the festivals, she also stated that several other festivals are intended for Saida to help make saida a year-around destination and not just in Ramadan...
She also welcomed couples to register for the annual "Mass Wedding"...

Many mabrooks to Saida. It is an amazing city and will be mind-blowing in like 3-4 years when all these projects are done and the beaches are cleaned up.

And if I may say so, Le Mall is so sexy :) I think it looks so much nicer than most of the malls in Beirut. It's very chic and modern yet very humble.

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-06/Ext_11638/Ext_11638_03.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-06/Ext_11638/Ext_11638_04.jpg

^^ Nice pic of this mall - it looks like it could eassily be on Miami Beach.

The Greek Melkite Catholic Bishopric of Saida (the building in the pictures) is currently under renovation

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/100_0171.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/100_0172.jpg

note that these pics were taken last month (i.e. before renovations)

now:
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4382/427746242.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/i/427746242.jpg/)

there is a huge hotel being built in Jiyeh, i think its part of the Jiyeh Marina Resort.... its already 9 floors and still rising.....

^^ it is part of the resort, i think it will have 11 floors, Jiyeh Marina will also begin to increase the number of pools to 4 (currently 2) and will build a restaurant on the marina facing its shores.

i talked to one of the security guards at Saida Mall, he said that the first stores are expected to start opening sometime between the first and the second week of august !! i also took a little peek inside and saw workers hanging a "Casper and Gambini's" sign on one of the stores !!!!! :)

I can't beleive this, all of my dream projects for saida are finding their way towards being implemented.....:):) after the old city renovations project and the land reclamation project, now the municipality is preparing this project....

I really love the idea of creating a lively city center for Saida, the current one (which extends west of Nejme Square) is not that bad, half of its streets have already been pedestrianized they just need to install cobblestone instead of pavement, the buildings there are all low-rises with a 60's style facade they just need a simple facelift, some street furniture and signage, doing something about the electricity wires.... those procedures would really improve the city center aestheticly... As for general atmosphere of the city center, i think they should keep the choatic lively feel to it.... you know what i mean: a book store next to a high-end shopping store then a shoe store then a shawarma stand then a cheap clothing store then a bakery.... they should make space for a couple of restaurants and cafes though !!!

To answer your question Ramy, Saida city doesn't have pubs or nightclubs, u might find a couple in the near suburbs (rmayle, kraye...etc). The nightlife here is consisted of a series of restuarants and cafes, some of them host parties on the weekends. As for the congestion in beirut's cafes, i think that government officials should start working on directing the excess of tourists and locals to Saida to help in the city's development on one hand, and taking some of the pressure off of beirut on another hand.

the municipality prepared a presentation for the deveopment plan of the DT area or what is known locally as the "commercial souks".... (ps: the commercial souks are not the Old City... plz differenciate)

*plans were made for an area of 2000 sq meters with a total cost of 500,000$ but those plans were canceled because of the July War
*Bahia Hariri took on the project ater on and expanded it to include the entire "commercial souks" area with a total cost of 15,000,000$
*a general plan showing the concept and the changes was presented by the municipality, a more detailed plan will be put together soon
*first phase will include the development of the area's infrastructure: electricity wires, telecommunications grid, sewage system, rain water reservoirs... etc
*second phase will be about improving the area aestheticaly: restoring building's facades, street furniture and signage, installing cobblestone on all the streets...etc
*each street will be redisigned seperately in order to preserve its unique identity, shop owners on each street will be consulted on how to improve the area and will be aware of all the changes and developments going on !!!
*duration of the project is between 24 and 30 months


http://www.saidaonline.com/eup/uploads/5456unicipality-photogz-11-7-2010.JPG

http://www.saidaonline.com/eup/uploads/5456unicipality-photogz-11-7-2016.jpg

http://www.saidaonline.com/eup/uploads/5456unicipality-photogz-11-7-2017.jpg

http://www.saidaonline.com/eup/uploads/5456unicipality-photogz-11-7-2011.JPG

http://www.saidaonline.com/eup/uploads/5456unicipality-photogz-11-7-2015.JPG

http://www.saidaonline.com/eup/uploads/5456unicipality-photogz-11-7-2015.JPG

http://www.saidaonline.com/eup/uploads/5456unicipality-photogz-11-7-2013.JPG

http://www.saidaonline.com/eup/uploads/5456unicipality-photogz-11-7-2014.JPG

http://www.saidaonline.com/eup/uploads/5456unicipality-photogz-11-7-2012.JPG

saida is going to be a sexy city.. i feel it haha

Saida is a sexy city!! I love Saida!!

^^ it is part of the resort, i think it will have 11 floors, Jiyeh Marina will also begin to increase the number of pools to 4 (currently 2) and will build a restaurant on the marina facing its shores.

i found this pic of the resort.... u can see the hotel rising in the back...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs024.ash2/34544_404158806052_598956052_5098221_5389578_n.jpg

the saynik bridge, 312 meters long

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-07/Ext_p_57989/Ext_p_57989_01.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-07/Ext_p_57989/Ext_p_57989_02.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-07/Ext_p_57989/Ext_p_57989_03.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-07/Ext_p_57989/Ext_p_57989_04.jpg

^^ recent pics?

--

yes they were taken 2 days ago...

Martyr,da5lak chou sar be moudou3 l mjerir?

5alaso ltimdidit w ltiwslit last week.... so lmafroud ykuno wa2afo ykibbo lmjarir bil ba7ir.... bas i haven't checked la 2it2akad...

It is official now...
- The ramadan celebrations will take place in 3 cities: Beirut, Saida, Tripoli
- "Nights of the Khan" will be renamed "Nights of Ramadan"...
- It will take place in Khan El-Franj (Saida), Roman Baths (Beirut), King Fahed Park (Tripoli)
- "City Wedding" street carnival will take place in saida's corniche and in beirut's ramlet lbayda corniche... and somewhere in tripoli kamin :P

MP Bahia Hariri met with Bank representatives from Saida to help get funding for the festivals, she also stated that several other festivals are intended for Saida to help make saida a year-around destination and not just in Ramadan...
She also welcomed couples to register for the annual "Mass Wedding"...

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-08/Ext_11925/Ext_11925_12.jpg

^^ In Tripoli its going to be hosted at Bourj Al Saba3 not King Fahed Park

The municipality just declared that yesterday, on tuesday 10/8/2010, dumping sewage into the sea has officially stopped and all sewage has been directed to the waste treatment factory !! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

I Won't beleive it until i see some evidence....

**The Evidence**

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-08/NewsImage_58750.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-08/NewsImage2_58750.jpg

^^ nice job by the municipality

I Won't beleive it until i see some evidence....

**The Evidence**


Detective MARTYR

NEVER LETS A THING ESCAPE
PRESENTING ALL THE EVIDENCE
SAVING THE LOCAL SAIDA POPULATION
BE VERY AFRAID

http://i33.tinypic.com/2vw5nup.jpg

^^ Damn It !! I look good :cool: hahaha !!! :lol:

Saida Mayor inspects the project...

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-08/NewsImage2_58801.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-08/NewsImage_58801.jpg

Sand imports offer solution to harmful quarries

SIDON: Recent restrictions on the activities of sand and stone quarries have raised hopes that the importing of sand from abroad might be an alternative that would put an end to the disastrous effects of quarries.

NADOS, a ship hoisting the Lebanese flag, has docked at Sidon’s port with 3,200 tons of sand onboard that could be used in construction.

The vessel departed from an Egyptian harbor.

Mohammad Bashasha, the owner of a freight forwarding agency in Sidon, told The Daily Star Monday that he imported sand between 1994 and 2004, when he stopped due to the huge losses he sustained.

“Today, in 2010, I resumed importing sand from Egypt and we started to unload the cargo and transfer the charges to our clients immediately,” noted Bashasha, attributing the quick sale of the cargo to the remarkable increase in demand.

The high demand is resulting from a real-estate boom Lebanon is currently witnessing.

“This has encouraged me to bring more sand,” he added, noting that he ordered a quantity of sand equal to the load of seven ships and that another vessel would arrive in Lebanon within 24 hours.

The importer said that the price of a ton of sand ranged between $18 and $24 and that it was exempt from custom fees.

“But we pay the Value Added Tax [VAT] along with the port’s fees,” said Bashasha.

Bashasha said the quality of the sand imported from Egypt, and whether it was in line with the safety standards of construction in Lebanon was determined by special laboratories run by the government and the customs authority.



He said most of the sand was imported from the Egyptian cities of Dumyat and Arish.

Activists have been raising concerns over the dire environmental consequences of the continuous operations of sand and stone quarries in Lebanon.

Previous suspensions have proved ineffective.

Mahmoud al-Ahmadieh, the head of Environment Without Borders, stressed that quarries in Lebanon should abide by laws. “We are not against sand or stone quarries, but Lebanon’s mountains, trees and valleys are the country’s petroleum, and those stone and sand quarries are not abiding by the laws,” he told The Daily Star.

Ahmadieh heads the environment committee in the Engineers Syndicate.

“I support every move that benefits the environment in Lebanon,” he said.

Ahmadieh voiced his support for closing all quarries if their owners continued to “step on laws.”

“I prefer that sand be imported from outside,” he said.

Ahmadieh gave examples of quarries in France and the US that worked in line with laws, with the operation sites turned into parks, gardens and “civilized landmarks.”

The activist said that truck drivers who lost their jobs following the recent bans on quarries should be granted permission to work in the sea ports to which sand is being imported.

Sidon mayor diverts wastewater canal leading to sea
By Mohammed Zaatari
Daily Star staff
Thursday, August 12, 2010

SIDON: Sidon Mayor Mohammad al-Saudi diverted the Qamleh wastewater canal on Wednesday, in a first step to limit pollution on the shore of the southern coastal city.

Saudi visited the Qamleh shore, facing the Zaatari Mosque, and described it as “polluted by sewers.”

He said the wastewater canal was “one of the biggest canals going into the sea.”

The mayor ordered the closing of the duct and he ordered linking it to the main tube, leading to the Siniq water pump.

“This step was not born today. We started working on it as soon as the municipal council assumed its duties,” Saudi said, calling it a big achievement.

He added that the Sidon shore would be cleaned progressively throughout the coming months.

“The remaining canals will be diverted in the coming months,” he said, noting that Sidon counted five wastewater ducts.

“The most important canal was at the Qamleh beach, which used to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the city. It’s a shame to see it polluted in such a manner,” he added.

The mayor apologized to the locals for any disturbance on Riyad al-Solh Street while executing the project.

Wastewater is not the only environmental problem in Sidon. Its notorious landfill, opened more than 40 years ago, is considered an environmental crisis and hazard to everyone.

Fires have repeatedly erupted at the dump and they have often proven difficult to extinguish. Also, waste has been constantly falling from the dump into the sea.

There have been many meetings and conferences to try and remedy Sidon’s environmental crisis – even before Saudi was elected – but projects of a support wall, a new landfill and a waste-processing factory have barely materialized.

^^ the other five are very small.... but this one was really big and nasty as you could see in the pics... and it was responcable for most of the sea pollution in the area !!!

some company under the name of "Dany Khoury" won the bids to construct the off-shore breakwater in Saida... it will be 2 km long, 260 meters far from the shore, 5-7 meters deep

Martyr,any open stores at Saida Mall yet?as you mentioned previously that some stores will open in August.

on a side note i think Eid al Fetr occasion will witness the opening of the Grand Cinemas.

its been a while since i last passed there !! the last time was last month and they were still doing some minor construction, i.e., finishing the sidewalk, hanging some sort of glass ceiling between the 3 buildings, installing the glass on the shop's facacdes...etc

regarding Saida mall, an delivery call came today to kfc from Jack and Jones in Saida Mall... i asked the driver to see if the store is open... he told me no it wasn't, there were just a couple of employees unpacacking clothes and putting them on the shelves.... so it is still closed but they will open soon !!
also a friend of mine applied for some clothing store there and she is currently undergoing some training in beirut before she starts working in the mall... she told me that the store opens directly after the Eid !!!
yalla nchala 5eir :) !!

the municipality decided to name the street between East boulevard and the turkish hospital the "The Republic of Turkey" Street....
the street and hospital will be inaugurated before the new year in the presence of the turkish Prime Minister Erdogan...

Wla MArtyr,yen3ad 3lik :)

chou a5bar Saida mall? :D

yin3ad 3lek w 3al kil bil sa77a w 3afye....
the mall is not yet officially open...
the eastern and northern sides are done and i noticed that a couple of stores like Jack&Jones and H&M were open (i dont know if they're welcoming shoppers yet...)

saida municipality: 2 thousands visitors entered the seacastle during the eid... by the end of the year, the number will have exceed 50,000 visitors...

MP Siniora visits Le Mall

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-09/Ext_p_61305/Ext_p_61305_01.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-09/Ext_p_61305/Ext_p_61305_02.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-09/Ext_p_61305/Ext_p_61305_03.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-09/Ext_p_61305/Ext_p_61305_04.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-09/Ext_p_61305/Ext_p_61305_05.jpg

I heard that saida mall will open in 1-10 with fireworks worth of 70,000$

Saida... I miss it soo much. I cant wait to go back to. Just get a better waterfront and It will be perfect. such a cute city.

Am I hullicinating or is that girl's back (girl wearing a yellow top) photoshopped to cover it? :ss

^^ lol
u r not hallucinating :D wow,Sidonians are really conservatives :D

updated news , 1-11 is the opening day .

thanks for the update systamatics!!! where are u getting ur info from ?? is there a website or something ?? or do u work there???

thanks for the update systamatics!!! where are u getting ur info from ?? is there a website or something ?? or do u work there???

lol from the saidanians and i asked the security people who work there.

Hey Guys,

any new pic's of Saida mall ?at least couple of pic :)

SAIDA MALL from the inside, courtesy of me

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image010-4.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/MARTYR_92/Image006-4.jpg

Saida is going to be rocking next summer

It has a very open feel/design to it, kind of like ABC Achrafieh

Great pic’s martyr … it really love the open mall design and finally we have good cine in saida lol

WOW,thanx Martyr , that mall is Chique :)

the municipality launched its new website....
this is the projects page:
http://www.saida.gov.lb/SaidaProjects

this is the renovation project that i told u about a couple of months ago... it targets the "Down Town Area"...

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/4-1_p22/01.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/4-1_p22/02.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/4-1_p22/03.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/4-1_p22/04.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/4-1_p22/05.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/4-1_p22/06.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/4-1_p22/07.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/4-1_p22/08.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/4-1_p22/09.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/4-1_p22/10.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/4-1_p22/11.jpg

The Turkish Hospital,pics taken on 10/10/2010

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/8-2_p32/Turkish%20Hospital%2002.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/8-2_p32/Turkish%20Hospital%2001.jpg

i really like this project..... :)

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/inside/image/prog_pics/p55/Slide3.jpg

http://www.saida.gov.lb/gfx/news/1507719072-de57c6fc0715eb02fea2605e10358069.jpg

amazing stuff!

Great Projects ... i hope that it will take its way to the finishing point :)

^^ With these parks and green spaces,Sidon is going to be Lebanon's Greenest city :applause:

the Turkish hospital looking gr8 too :cheers:

wow saida's doing it right. Why is none of this happening in Beirut! :S. Amazing, more reasons to love saida (not that I needed more)

wow saida's doing it right. Why is none of this happening in Beirut! :S.

Last time I checked the Beirut municipality was studying the feasibility of a "green belt" project, with the help of the French Development Agency. I only managed to find an article in Arabic (http://www.almustaqbal.com/stories.aspx?storyid=388824). (Long live Yamli!)

Aridi lays foundation stone for the Saida-Jezzine highway and visits the Saida Port

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-10/Ext_p_62822/Ext_p_62822_03.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-10/Ext_p_62822/Ext_p_62822_05.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-10/Ext_p_62822/Ext_p_62822_10.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-10/Ext_12312/Ext_12312_03.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-10/Ext_12312/Ext_12312_05.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-10/Ext_12312/Ext_12312_06.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-10/Ext_12312/Ext_12312_08.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-10/Ext_12312/Ext_12312_09.jpg

H&M Opens in Saida Mall

http://www.beirut-online.net/portal/images/news/HM_Opens_in_Saida_Mall_1286955679.jpg

On October 30th 2010 H&M the international design-driven clothing retailer will open its fifth store in Lebanon, at Saida Mall.

The new store located in Saida Mall, will occupy over 1473 square meters and will carry a wide range of fashion for Ladies and Kids. The lines reflect the very latest international trends as well as updated basics. H&M’s unique fashion philosophy is to deliver new stock everyday to the fashion hungry crowds and make high fashion trends accessible as well as present complete looks.

"H&M looks forward to bringing inspiration style to conscious shoppers in Saida helping them to make their own personal fashion statement" says Ann-Sofie Johansson, Head of Design. "We hope that we can offer our customers added value through fashion and quality at the best price."

H&M currently has 39 stores in the Middle East: 6 in Kuwait, 11 in UAE, 10 in KSA, 4 in Lebanon, 3 in Bahrain, 2 in Qatar, 2 in Egypt, and 1 in Oman.

Source: http://www.beirut-online.net/portal/article.php?id=8051

hey guys... i been told that saida mall is open for shoppers !!!
any new news about it... and what stores did open
if any chance pic ;)

Where r u,Martyr?
i have the feeling u r not in Sidon lately.
any news about Saida Mall?

Yeah i'm only in Saida on sundays....
Saida Mall has opened, i visited it last sunday..... and there is only one way to describe it: "WWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW !!!!!"
IT'S FUCKING AMAZING !!!!!!!!
3njad she kteeeer 7ilo, its quite small (larger than le mall, but still smaller than a regular mall).... its classy and very chic !!!
The Grand Opening will be this sunday.....
and, wait for it *Drums Drums Drums* EVERYTHING IS FOR FREE ON SUNDAY !!!!
well except clothes..... but everything else from crepaway to Casper and Gambini's to Abed El-Wahab to Grand Cinemas tickets will be for freeeeeee !!!! :D

^^ Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay :banana:

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/ImageReal_12440.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12440/Ext_12440_03.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12440/Ext_12440_04.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12440/Ext_12440_05.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12440/Ext_12440_07.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12440/Ext_12440_09.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12440/Ext_12440_10.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/ImageReal_12438.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12438/Ext_12438_02.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12438/Ext_12438_05.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12438/Ext_12438_06.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12438/Ext_12438_11.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12438/Ext_12438_15.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12438/Ext_12438_01.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12438/Ext_12438_03.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12438/Ext_12438_04.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12438/Ext_12438_07.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12440/Ext_12440_02.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12440/Ext_12440_06.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_12440/Ext_12440_08.jpg

24 stores, 6 restaurants, 5 cinema screens...

ahhh so amazing!

Mabrook, its looking good ;)

24 stores, 6 restaurants, 5 cinema screens...

5 cinemas instead of 4 . Nice :)

and what i like about Saida's 2 malls is the quality and not the quantity.

^^ agreed, well it seems a lot of Saida's projects have been in line to modern architecture. These two malls are a push in that direction so when bi nafzo other projects across the city (from that site Martyr posted earlier) it will blend in really well together, making Saida look very classy.

Turkish Hospital completed and ready to open on the 25th (Erdugan will be there)

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/NewsImage_64133.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_p_64133/Ext_p_64133_03.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_p_64133/Ext_p_64133_04.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/Ext_p_64133/Ext_p_64133_05.jpg

^^ Gr8 job,Sidon,you are on the right direction.

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-11/NewsImage_64509.jpg

Saida Mall

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs990.snc4/76373_167358996630074_162350767130897_376324_7817284_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs996.snc4/76985_167358956630078_162350767130897_376323_3251678_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs948.snc4/74163_167358493296791_162350767130897_376317_735520_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs583.ash2/150568_167357929963514_162350767130897_376309_3015983_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs480.ash2/75353_167357826630191_162350767130897_376308_4384518_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs561.ash2/148384_167357603296880_162350767130897_376307_923682_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs926.snc4/73910_167357456630228_162350767130897_376305_5053539_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs932.snc4/74525_167356799963627_162350767130897_376295_7266787_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs990.snc4/76336_167356729963634_162350767130897_376294_3992708_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs951.snc4/74487_167356613296979_162350767130897_376292_7572849_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs562.ash2/148419_167355963297044_162350767130897_376279_2976920_n.jpg

Source: Facebook group

Saida Mall website

www.saida-mall.com

^^The website seems nice... I really cant wait to go to Saida next summer...

wow really nice! kinda reminds of me of ABC Mall

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2010-12/NewsImage_66884.jpg

a bulldozer gathers large stones on saida's southern coast as part of the preparations to launch the construction process of the off-shore breakwater, the first phase of the land reclamation project. Prime Minister Hariri will be in Saida next month to lay the foundation stone of the project. The buildings u see in the background are part of the sewage processing plant.

Which reclamatio is this for? the waste water/recycling?

dude we have discussed this project for ages here... where have u been ?? :P

the land reclamation project has nothing to do with the plant in the picture... i was just pointing it out... this plant is for sewage treatment.
the land reclamation project will start with the construction of the breakwater then the garbage mountain will be used to fill the gap between the shoreline and the breakwater along with dirt, soil, debris... etc. the result will be a reclaimed land of 550,000 sq meters in area. up till now, the only known function of the land will be to expand the current plant, build a solid waste treatment plant, and build the saida container terminal... there were some rumors of building a BIEL-like structure there too...

http://www.saidacity.net/_NewsPaper.php?NewsPaperID=70108&Action=Details

^^ Great news!!!! Finally!!!!

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2011-02/Ext_p_70108/Ext_p_70108_01.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2011-02/Ext_p_70108/Ext_p_70108_02.jpg
http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2011-02/Ext_p_70108/Ext_p_70108_03.jpg

VERY IMPORTANT ARCHEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES IN SAIDA

كشف تقرير أعده الباحث الأثري سامي فرحات عضو الجمعية اللبنانية للدراسات التراثية والأثرية حول المعالم الأثرية والتاريخية في مدينة صيدا، عن وجود معبد آخر في المدينة غير معبد أشمون الأثري، هو معبد "عشتروت" كان يقع في المكان الذي كان يقوم فيه مستشفى الحاج بالقرب من مدرسة راهبات مار يوسف الظهور. واشار التقرير الى أن النفق الذي سبق وتحدثت المصادر التاريخية عن انه يربط بين قلعتي صيدا البرية والبحرية، يتفرع عنه ايضا نفق طبي يوصل الى معبد أشمون اله الشفاء عند الفينيقيين.
ويتضمن التقرير الذي سلم فرحات نسخة منه الى رئيس بلدية صيدا محمد السعودي، ما يشبه سيرة ذاتية لصيدا الأثرية والتاريخية والجغرافية والحضارات التي تعاقبت عليها، وخطة عمل مقترحة من الجمعية اللبنانية للدراسات التراثية والأثرية حول كيفية اكتشاف وسبر اغوار المزيد من اسرار وكنوز هذا التاريخ العظيم والحفاظ عليه.
ومن بين ما يتضمنه التقرير من معلومات تاريخية أن نهر الأولي هو الذي جمع بين عرش صيدا وصور مسترجعا قبرص من الأشوريين، وأنه سمي "الأولي" نسبة الى الملك "لولي" الموحد والمحرر. وأن نهر سينيق كان يسمى "نهر القمر". والزهراني يعود الى "زهران" احد ابناء صيدون.
وبحث السعودي في مكتبه في القصر البلدي مع وفد من الجمعية تقدمه فرحات، وضع صيدا التراثي والأثري من الأنفاق والقلاع ومعبد أشمون لوضع خطة لإعادة ترميمها، بعد الحصول على الموافقة المبدئية من المجلس البلدي للوصول الى الهدف المنشود ولإظهار هذه المواقع الأثرية الموجودة في المدينة والتي تحافظ على طابعها التراثي والتاريخي .
ولخص الدكتور فرحات المهمة التي تتقدم الجمعية لها بـ:
- إكتشاف النفق الموصل بين القلعتين البرية والبحرية والذي يبلغ طوله تقريبا 300 متر وارتفاعه متران ونصف المتر، والنفق المتفرع عنه أو النفق الطبي الموصل الى معبد اشمون والذي يبلغ طوله 2500 متر وارتفاعه متران ونصف المتر.
- ترميم القلعتين البرية والبحرية ومعبد أشمون بما كانت عليه.
- اكتشاف معبد عشتروت وترميمه والذي يقع وفق فرحات- خلف مستشفى الحاج وعلى مقربة من مدرسة راهبات مار يوسف الظهور ولا يبعد عن خراج القلعة البرية أكثر من 400 متر تقريبا.
- اكتشاف المكان الذي أحرق ملك صيدا العظيم "تينيس( 344 ق.م.)" نفسه فيه رافضا الاستسلام، واقامة نصب تذكاري له تأكيدا على عزة المدينة وبطولات قادتها .
- اعادة ترميم شوارع صيدا الداخلية وبيوتاتها بالشكل الأثري والتراثي وبما كانت عليه. واقامة متاحف خاصة باثارها وتراثها.
وقال السعودي اثر اللقاء: ان مجموعة من العلماء الأثريين يعتقدون ان في صيدا من الاثار ما يشبع ذاكرة الانسان بكل الآثار الموجودة من آلاف السنين، ويرغبون في التعاون مع بلدية صيدا في انطلاق هذا المشروع. اتفقنا بالمبدأ أن يقدموا طلبا يوضحون فيه ما يرغبون القيام به في صيدا وعلى اساسه نعطيهم الجوا

GOOGLE TRANSLATION
A report prepared by the researcher Sami Farhat Archaeological Society
Lebanese heritage studies and archaeological monuments on
The historic city of Sidon, the existence of another temple in the city's Temple
Archaeological Ashmun, Temple is "Astarte" was located in the place who was
The hospital from a school near Haj Sisters of St. Joseph to emerge.
The report noted that the tunnel, which has already talked historical sources
For it connects between Sidon Qotai land and sea, also ramifications
Medical tunnel connects to the Temple of Ashmun god of healing when the Phoenicians.
The report includes Farhat, who handed a copy of it to the President of Saida Municipality
Saudi Mohammed, something like a biography of Sidon, archaeological and historical
And geographical and civilizations that came out, and an action plan proposed by the
Lebanese Association for heritage and archaeological studies on how
Discovery and exploring more of the secrets and the treasures of this great history
And maintain it.
Among the information contained in the report of the historic river that is the initial
Which brought together the throne of Sidon and Tyre recalling Cyprus from the Assyrians, and that so-called
"Initial" rate to the King "crown" the common and the editor. And that the river was Sinic
So-called "Moon River". Al-Zahrani back to "Zahran" One of the sons of
Sidon.
Saudi Arabia and discussed in his office at the Municipal Palace with a delegation from the Assembly to offer
Farhat, a Sidon and archaeological heritage of the tunnels and castles and the Temple of Ashmun
To develop a plan for reconstruction, after obtaining the preliminary approval of
Municipal Council to reach the desired goal and to show these sites
Monuments in the city which keeps the character of heritage
And historical.
And summarized by Dr. Farhat forward a task that has to:
- The discovery of the tunnel connecting the Kulotain land and sea, which amounts to
Length of approximately 300 meters and a height of two meters and half a meter, and the tunnel branching
For medical or tunnel connector to the temple Ashmoun and a length of 2500
Meters and a height of two meters and half a meter.
- Restoration Kulotain land and sea and the Temple of Ashmun what it was.
- Discovery and restoration of the Temple of Astarte, which is located according to Farhat - Behind
Haj Hospital and close to the School Sisters of St. Joseph does not appear
Away from the outlying areas of the castle land more than 400 meters.
- To discover where it burned the king of Sidon "Great Tennessee (344
S. M.) "Refusing to surrender the same, and to build a monument to him
Affirmation of the pride the city and the Champions League leaders.
- The restoration of the internal streets of Sidon and Biotadtha as archaeological
And heritage and what it was. And the establishment of private museums and heritage ruins.
The Saudi said after the meeting: A group of scientists, archaeologists
Believe that in Sidon effects to satisfy all human memory effects
Existing for thousands of years, and wish to cooperate with the municipality of Sidon
Starting this project. We have agreed in principle to submit a request in which they explain
What they want to do in Sidon and on this basis give them a Jawa

When we were children we used to hear stories about the secret tunnel connecting the sea and land castles... they were more like legends actually... i'm really shocked that it turned out to be real !!! :)

^^ but nothing discovered yet,,,they are just suggestions.

y3ni t7amaset zyede 3n lozom...

Saida Municipality imported 2000 tons of sand from Egypt to spread along Saida's shore to create a third public beach in the city

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2011-04/NewsImage_74238.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2011-04/Ext_p_74238/Ext_p_74238_01.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2011-04/Ext_p_74238/Ext_p_74238_02.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2011-04/Ext_p_74238/Ext_p_74238_03.jpg

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2011-04/Ext_p_74238/Ext_p_74238_05.jpg

The sand looks so fluffy hahahha. This is going to be a great new public beach. More public beaches is what we need... If I wanna bronzage everyday, I'm going to be broke if I need to pay each time

Isnt it bad for the environment..ie turtles etc if the sand is not similar...I know they imported this sand..i mean may look nice..

Isnt it bad for the environment..ie turtles etc if the sand is not similar...I know they imported this sand..i mean may look nice..

Well it looks like they chose the Mediterranean coastal sand of Egypt. Which is close to ours. The thing is, sand is sand for the most part. The bacterial make up in it will soo acclimate to Lebanons. Plus the beach this is on isn't a turtle beach.

The turtle beaches in Lebanon are maritime reserves. The only things that will need to adapt are beach crabs and some beach grasses.. but those two things will grow/live regardless of the sand type.. they just require a specific environment and temperature.

yo Mr Saida..... what happened with the offshore breakwater project? Is it still not commencing due to politics and the garbage strike (alongside the overfill of the garbage mountain)??

Merci:)

It was officially launched last week !!!

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2011-04/ImageReal_13571.jpg

I saw the drawings from previous posts. Is it going to be for shipping/containers or a pleasure port

The Reclaimed Land will host a Garbage Recycling Plant, an expansion to the current sewage treatment plant, a container terminal, and a BIEL-like structure... that is all the info we have right now !!

The Reclaimed Land will host a Garbage Recycling Plant, an expansion to the current sewage treatment plant, a container terminal, and a BIEL-like structure... that is all the info we have right now !!

Thank you! I wonder how this new container terminal compares to the original huge one planned by Hariri..

SAME PROJECT !!
I assume that of course it has been updated to meet today's standards... the original plan is over 15 years old !!

Awesome!

Saida Archeological Museum

http://www.saidacity.net/Upload/2011-05/ImageReal_13709.jpg

عُقد في مكتب الصندوق الكويتي للتنمية الاقتصادية العربية،عند العاشرة من صباح اليوم، إجتماع لعرض الخرائط النهائية لمتحف صيدا الأثري. وحضر الإجتماع الذي ترأسه المهندس نواف الدبوس، ممثلين عن مديرية الآثار ، ممثلين عن مجلس الإنماء والإعمار، بالإضافة لإستشاري المشروع شركة "خطيب وعلمي". وتخلل الإجتماع عرضٌ مفصل للتصاميم النهائية لمشروع متحف صيدا الأثري على أن تكون المرحلة اللاحقة بإعداد خرائط التنفيذ للبدء بإنشائه.
يُذكر أن هذا المشروع يهدف إلى إبراز التراث العريق لمدينة صيدا ودعم النشاط السياحي والثقافي فيها. ويتألف المشروع من إنشاء مبنى للمتحف بمساحة تقديرية تبلغ 1600 متر مربع في المنطقة الشمالية في الموقع الأثري بالإضافة لإعادة تأهيل مبنى بدورين في موقع المشروع وسقف بمساحة 2000 متر مربع لحماية القطع الأثرية، ناهيك عن الممرات الخاصة بالزوار وأخرى مزروعة للترفيه ويخصص الصندوق الكويتي لهذا المشروع ما يقارب 4 مليون دولار أميركي.
وعلى صعيد آخر، وقّع الدبوس بعد ظهر اليوم عقدي البدء بتنفيذ المراكز الإنمائية الاجتماعية في بلدتي "شمع" و"كونين" مع الشركات المقاولة المسؤولة عن عملية الإنشاء. حيث ستكون شركة " خليفة للهندسة والمقاولات" المسؤولة عن عملية إنشاء مركز "شمع"، ومؤسسة "يامن" لإنشاء مركز "كونين".

Saida Municipality is preparing a partnership agreement with MedCities (http://www.medcities.org/) for the urban development of Saida!

Old City Renovations

http://saidasea.com/admin/includes/picture.php?img=../../images/photos/old-saidasea-6-7-11.jpg&width=535

http://www.saidasea.com/upload2/uploaded/temsel3.jpg

http://www.saidasea.com/upload2/uploaded/temsel10.jpg

http://www.saidasea.com/upload2/uploaded/old-saidasea2-6-7-11.jpg

http://www.saidasea.com/upload2/uploaded/old-saidasea1-6-7-11.jpg

Sidon to raise modern hotel to boost tourism
September 19, 2011 02:30 AM (Last updated: September 19, 2011 01:15 PM)
By Mohammed Zaatari
The Daily Star



SIDON, Lebanon: Sidon’s municipal council announced Sunday a new project which will create a modern and luxurious hotel for the southern coastal city Sunday, on the first anniversary of the council’s election.

Sidon’s current municipal council decided to launch the project, which organizers say will return the city to the country’s tourist map, amid celebrations for the council’s first year in office.

The agreement to build the new hotel, designed to replace the city’s iconic but now dilapidated Hotel Tanios, was signed with the Lebanese Company for Hotel Investment and Development, owned by local businessman Ezzat Qaddoura.

The luxury hotel will be named after the city’s famous landmark Hotel Sidon, also known as Hotel Tanios, destroyed during the first years of the Civil War and again in 1982 during the Israeli invasion.

The municipal council announced the project at a news conference held to detail ongoing municipal projects.

Sidon Mayor Mohammad Saudi and Ezzat Qaddoura signed the agreement to build the new Hotel Sidon in the presence of a number of municipal members and businessmen.

According to Saudi, the hotel will be built on municipal land of 45,181 square meters in the Sidon neighborhood of Wistani, north of the city and near Rafik Hariri Cite Sportive, and will contain 84 rooms across four floors.

“Everyone knows of Sidon’s original Hotel Tanios and hopefully through Ezzat Qaddoura’s work, we will again return this hotel to the city, so that it can be enjoyed by both residents and tourists,” Saudi said.

The development of the new hotel will include the construction of breakwaters and a yacht club as well as other tourist facilities, Saudi said, adding that the next step will be completing the blueprints and obtaining a license to start building, hopefully by early next year, he added.

“The agreement will not be valid except after receiving approval by the Audit Bureau,” Saudi said, adding that “Sidon’s local residents will be given the chance to invest in the hotel.”

According to the agreement, Qaddoura’s company will own 20 percent of the shares in the hotel, while the remaining 80 percent will be offered to local residents interested in investment. Saudi called on such investors to examine the hotel’s feasibility study in the municipal building, or pay LL1 million to receive a copy of the study.

The agreement also stated that the period of investment and lease of the land will last for 35 years, during which the investing company should pay an annual allowance ranging between $125,000 and $275,000 to the municipality, unless the contract is renewed.

During the conference, Saudi also discussed the city’s major projects currently under implementation, primarily those connected to Sidon’s environmental crisis, including the Sidon dump project which is being implemented in three stage.

^^ great news !! it's good to hear that things are moving ahead as planned