Plan to build fake island makes waves in Lebanon
4/25/2009, 8:27 a.m. PDT
ZEINA KARAM
The Associated Press

(AP) — BEIRUT (AP) ? Mohammed Saleh is convinced: If he builds it, Lebanese expatriates will come.

The Beirut-based developer envisions a 3.3-square-kilometer, artificial island shaped like a cedar tree as a major attraction off Lebanon's coast.

The massive chunk of dredged seabed or transported earth ? converted into an $8 billion paradise with luxury villas, apartments, shops, restaurants, white-sand beaches, parks, schools and hospitals ? would nurture national pride, says Saleh, chairman of Noor International Holding.

It's the kind of splashy megaproject that gave Arab boomtown Dubai its outsized profile but left it drowning in debt. And in Lebanon, a tiny country known more for war than tourism, critics see the project as folly.

But Saleh says Cedar Island is the kind of self-financed gamble the nation needs to lure back wealthy Lebanese who moved abroad as they grew weary of conflict.

"I am not worried about the global crisis, because my main target is Lebanese expatriates who have nostalgia for their country and would like to invest in it," said Saleh. "Unlike foreign investors, these people are used to Lebanon's system, its ups and downs."

Saleh ? many of whose projects boast outsized stature, like the Rose Tower in Dubai, which calls itself the world's tallest hotel ? points in particular to a $2 billion memorandum of understanding he's signed regarding Cedar Island with Turkey's Ihlas Holding. The rest of the money will come from other developers and investors, Saleh said.

He also points to stacks of correspondence he has received from expatriate Lebanese interested in buying into the venture. "I never expected such an outpouring of interest," he says.

Dubai boasts several artificial islands, so the project, which is still far from securing Lebanese government approvals, is not unique to Lebanon. But it's drawing sharp criticism.

Skeptics run the gamut from a coalition of 25 groups worried about the environmental impact of dredging enough seabed or quarrying enough land to build an island to some prominent Lebanese economists such as Louis Hobeika, who doubts funding will be stable.

"I cannot see who will do it and how the funding will be secured, particularly when states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which have billions in reserves, are halting projects," Hobeika said.

Others worry that pursuing Cedar Island will threaten the nation's tradition of conservative investment, which many economists and Lebanese officials credit for the country's ability to weather the global economic downturn so far.

A group of American University of Beirut professors teamed up to protest Cedar Island, describing it in a statement released last month as an "urban, economic and environmental disaster."

Jad Chaaban, professor of economics, said it would bring Lebanon no significant public revenue or permanent benefit.

"The suggested artificial island would generate mostly unskilled construction jobs which are typically taken by non-Lebanese residents," he said.

Hala Ashour, an engineer and one of the founding members of Green Line, an independent environmental awareness organization opposing the project, doubts every aspect of the project.

"Tourists like Lebanon for its nature, its booming ecotourism," said Ashour. "Why have an artificial island that would destroy marine life (and) cause more traffic and air pollution?"

Saleh says the project's planned artificial coral reefs, a sewage treatment facility, sand dune creation and new clam beds, eel grass plantings and beds for spawning fish will offset the environmental impact of building the island.

Because Cedar Island would involve public property on the coast, Lebanese law requires that the government have a minimum 20 percent stake, the Cabinet approve the project and the president endorse it. The process of seeking those sign-offs has begun, with Saleh meeting and lobbying officials.

Tourism Minister Elie Marouny said the government welcomed any projects that confirm Lebanon can still attract big investment. He told The Associated Press that officials are still studying Cedar Island, but he is not worried that it will lead Lebanon into Dubai's footsteps.

"Every society has rich people and poor people," he said. "It is good to have something for everyone."



© 2009 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

I do not agree that it will be mostly unskilled labour...you will need everyone..Lawyers,architects, engineers, planners etc etcetc...And the goverment will be collecting taxes and the reciept of higher VAt etc for tourism etc etc

Work on Cedar Island, an $8.2 billion artificial island off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon, will be postponed until after the parliamentary elections in June. The project developer, Noor International Holding, confirmed to MEED magazine that it underestimated the amount of time the Lebanese government needs to approve a project of this size.

In February, Noor announced it hoped to begin construction before the end of May, ahead of the elections in June.

”We are still waiting for permits from the authorities, so everything is on hold,” a spokesman for Noor said. “Hopefully we can move after the elections before the summer vacation starts.”

According to the developer, the project will take four years to construct and will house over 40,000 residents. The island will be a comprehensive community, and will feature villas, apartments, shopping complexes, schools and hospitals.

The project has received a flood of criticism due to its size and location: environmentalists insist that the nation is not in need of Dubai-style constructions to lure investors, and point to the negative impact dredging will have on marine life in the project’s construction site, and economists question whether the developer can secure the funds required to complete the project.

”I cannot see who will do it and how the funding will be secured, particularly when states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with billions in reserves, are halting projects,” Lebanese economist, Louis Hobeika said to Beirut-based newspaper The Daily Star.

Mohammad Saleh, the chairman of the board of directors at Noor International Holding, insists the project will attract funding in spite of the global economic downturn: ”I am not worried about the global crisis, because my main target is Lebanese expatriates who have nostalgia for their country and would like to invest in it,” said Saleh.

”Unlike foreign investors, these people are used to Lebanon’s system, its ups and downs.”


http://www.kippreport.com/kipp/2009/04/27/beiruts-cedar-island-delayed/

Are they that far along that all they need is approvals? I know this project is old ..i think they were started in 2006

I wish I could punch the idiot who came up with this project in the face! Or better still, slap him :)...According to him this island is going to bring expats home...I mean that is the dumbest thing I've ever heard, some tree shaped island is gonna bring them back? This is a disaster in every possible aspect...

I would have to agree with you LeB-iT. This project is a very bad idea. I dislike it for one.

This project is as tacky as they come. As much as I support mega projects and innovation, I really hope that one does not go through.... The only reclamation work that I personally think would look good in Beirut is extending the Marina to a huge residential and recreation area sort of like the one in Dubai....or an extension to the current waterfront being built by solidere, with some rehabilitation to the Dora/Borj Hammood area....

Noor International Holding Signs Strategic cooperation with Contour Entertainment, Inc.,
04 June 2009

Beirut, Lebanon - Noor International Holding and Contour Entertainment are pleased to officially announce their strategic cooperation through the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding that will initially and primarily focus on theme park development and entertainment design, depending on the nature of the project.


Noor International Holding - Real Estate Development and Contour, a destination entertainment design, implementation and operations company specializing in high-quality location based entertainment projects, contemplate entering into one or more specific project agreements, whereby Noor will be primarily responsible for the development of real estate projects, and Contour will be the supplier of the equipment and services for the entertainment aspects of the projects.


The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Mohammad Saleh, Chairman of Noor International Holding and Mr. Christopher Brown, President of Contour Entertainment, Inc.


-Ends-
Noor International Holding signs strategic cooperation with BA, Middle East

Noor International Holding and BA are pleased to officially announce their strategic cooperation through the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding that will initially and primarily focus on development projects in Lebanon and the Middle East.


Noor International Holding - Real Estate Development and BA, a global leader Design House in planning, design and project management of large scale development projects, contemplate entering into one or more specific project agreements, whereby B&A will be its planning and design partner and supplier of solutions.

As a partner B&A intends to use its leadership in planning and design to develop business propositions and tools for and together with Noor.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Mohammad Saleh, Chairman of Noor International Holding and Eng. Luis Ajamil, President of Bermello, Ajamil Middle East FZ-LLC.






[B

Noor International Holding and LG Electronics sign MOU for strategic partnership


United Arab Emirates: 3 hours, 3 minutes ago
PRESS RELEASE

Noor International, together with LG Electronics which is renowned for its global leadership in the fields of air conditioning, consumer electronics, IT products, and mobile communication, are contemplating to enter into one or more specific project agreements, whereby LG will be the preferred partner for Noor International.

This includes making use of LG's leadership in the aforementioned product categories to develop business propositions and tools for, and together with, Noor International.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Beirut by Dr. Mohammad Saleh, Chairman of Noor International Holding and Mr. Kevin Cha, Managing Director of LG Electronics Levant.

The parties currently envision that such strategic cooperation will initially and primarily focus on air-conditioners, consumer electronics, and household appliances projects such as, but not limited to, hotels, malls, buildings, villas, commercial residences, and modular cities.

The Managing Director of LG Electronics Levant, Mr. Kevin Cha, expressed his satisfaction with this latest partnership adding, 'We are very pleased with the signing of this agreement, and proud to provide our partners, Noor International, with our innovative products and services and state-of-the art technologies for their upcoming projects.'

From his end, The Chairman of Noor International Holding, Dr. Mohammad Saleh said, 'These joint efforts will undoubtedly and substantially accelerate Noor and LG's worldwide development.'

^^ What has this got to do with Cedar Island???

^^ the company developing the project is "Noor International Holding"
its been currently signing all those deals and agreements to get more international companies to invest in the project so they can start construction .

Silly of me, but, is this project even real?

because these partnerships will shape Cedar Island if built

Silly of me, but, is this project even real?

The proposal is certainly real. The company that announced it is real, as is their website and renderings. We need to just wait for approval now...

^^hopefull they'll never get it for this disaster of a project...

FYI - There is a huge billboard advertising this project along the airport highway. It includes new renderings of a tower. I will try and take a pic soon.

I really hate this project - i hope it gets cancelled

FYI - There is a huge billboard advertising this project along the airport highway. It includes new renderings of a tower. I will try and take a pic soon.

I saw that billboard...its HUGE :nuts:

Ok keep lining up there "ducks"...this project is huge and all these alliances are showing massive planning

Noor International Holding and Doka GmbH Sign MOU for Strategic Partnership

22 July 2009
Beirut - Noor International Holding and Doka GmbH- Lebanon branch, an International company engaged in the business of development, production, and distribution of Doka Formwork & Scaffolding Products, have recently announced the cementing of their strategic relationship through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Noor International, together with Doka which is internationally renowned for its global leadership in Formwork & Scaffolding, are contemplating to enter into one or more specific project agreements, whereby Doka will be the preferred partner for Noor International.

The parties currently envision that such strategic cooperation will initially and primarily focus on supplying Formwork and Scaffolding products as well as providing related services to the contractors, depending on the project's nature.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Beirut by Dr. Mohammad Saleh, Chairman of Noor International Holding and Mr. Jacques Karam, Managing Director of Doka branch-Lebanon.

-Ends-


© Press Release 2009

It's surprising that this press release doesn't mention the cedar project! :p

I don't find it surprising as it has nothing to do with the Cedar Project. I don't know why it was even posted here.

Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't Noor have any other projects?

some one once posted here that the whole cedar island project is a publicity stunt to get people talking abt noor international which i think is working and is the case.

I don't find it surprising as it has nothing to do with the Cedar Project. I don't know why it was even posted here.

Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't Noor have any other projects?

It was signed by the Beirut Branch for one or more projects. You cannot say it is not related to cedar island..because if cedar island gets developed they will be used.

Face facts, it's NOT about what Lebanon needs or what the Lebanese need.
It is as simple as this: - Foreign investors have money
- Foreign investors see an opprutunity
- They buy the land (or land underneath the water) and build!

Once they purchase it, there isn't much the Lebanese or anyone can do about it because that's how free markets work. And remember! why are you complaining that THEY should instead fix the roads? The Gulf investors don't have to fix your roads or plant more trees for you or even clean up the oceans which YOU infested with your own garbage. These investors are foreigners, it's not their responsibility. Fixing the nation should be the mission of Lebanon, it's government and it's people. NOT the foreigners or the UN . :)

Stop talking. People talk too much. And instead of complaining, innovate :S

" Start Companies & Projects for the People by the People "

angel of music, u have a good point, i agree, just be easy abit, dont be so harsh in ur comments...ppl are just saying, lebanon doesnt need this, which is true, we dont wanna be like dubai nor do we need such an investment/ project to put beirut on the world map. ppl know very well wat beirut is all about and how beautiful it is without having such an ugly fake project...
but as u said, they are investors, and they are looking for $ and new ideas, and this is one...although, they do have to get approval from the municipalities and construction authorities, especially for something of this scale which will change the actual lebanese coastline, how freaky!

I agree with Rezam on all but one thing, We sadly don't have the image we deserve in most of the western world. The media portrayal and the instabilities that we let pass all those years have put the word Beirut and the word war on the same line. What we need is to push forward in building our country and it's image worldwide for many more years. And we have to do so while preventing anymore incidents like 2006 that will push our image back 30 years everytime... We Lebanese know that our country is beautiful, but we sadly don't give it the respect it deserves for most of us! We need to change our own views and ways before we can expect the world to have a different opinion of our beloved country! It takes time to rebuild a country, but it take a lot more time to rebuild it's notoriety and it's image!

As for AngelofMusic, if you haven't set your foot on Lebanese soil, you cannot expect to adress such comments! In Lebanon, every street you cross has a building site. We have rebuilt and are rebuilding MAJOR parts if not MOST of the country's infrastructure, and we have done so since the early 1990s. Yes we still have problems, and many that is, but one shall not forget that if you took any country in the world and destroyed it for 30 years, it could not rebuild as fast as Lebanon has... Two buildings fell in America, eight years later they are still working on the foundations... We rebuilt almost everything from scratch in less than twenty years!

I do agree that this is a private company and it is not their duty to build our roads, but this is a fake project and Lebanon itself (unlike many of it's people lol) is authentic... It is a country of history, of heritage and of GRAND innovation! You cannot say that we are not innovators when you clearly have no idea what our people have contributed to the world we live in... This little country of mearly 4 million souls have given more to the world than many western nations, and I am not even taking into consideration the historic value of our contributions to humanity. I am not talking about our ancestors that innovated and presented the world with the first Alphabet, or innovated and presented the world with Glass, or innovated and presented the world with the Red Dye that the roman killed to get. I am not talking about the foundations of democracy on which your very civil law system is founded and that the Greeks claim as their own, I am not talking about Pythagoras, and I am not talking about the first people who settled down and founded one of the oldest cities in the world, I am not talking about the bases of countless discoveries that my ancestors contributed to the antique world. Because if I took the time to talk about those, you would understand that the word innovation itself was probably invented for us...

I am actually talking about the innovations and the economic conquests my people have accomplished during the last century or so and the extent of their contribution on a global scale where a country with 4 million people has countributed much more than countless countries will ever countribute. I am talking about all those Lebanese businessmen and women who own OH SOOOOO MANY businesses in any country in the world! Even on the island of Saint martin where less than 30000 people live the main mall is owned by a Lebanese! Wether you look in Africa or South America, Australia or Europe. We are everywhere and we succeed and we innovate! Actually let's be honest, great parts of West Africa and South America are mostly owned by the Lebanese... How many heads of states of Lebanese descent Latin America has known? I will join to this message a couple of links in which you could actually find certain Lebanese people who have changed the world a little step at a time.This is a small list, and with all due respect, you could take the time to become a bit more cultured and learn how to get informed before you respond bluntly to something you have no information about....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Lebanese_people
http://www.proud2blebanese.com/
http://www.berro.com/famous_american_lebanese/famous_lebanese.htm
http://www.downtownbeirut.com/lb/Table/Famous-Lebanese-section/

:^^^^^^banana::banana::banana::banana::lol::lol::lol::nuts::nuts:

Perfect reply in every way possible.

ppl are just saying, lebanon doesnt need this, which is true, we dont wanna be like dubai nor do we need such an investment/ project to put beirut on the world map. ppl know very well wat beirut is all about and how beautiful it is without having such an ugly fake project...!

Well, not all people know what Beirut is all about. Come here and ask anyone whats the first thing they think of when you say the word 'Beirut'. Most of them will say wars, poverty and terrorists. We here on this site and all Lebanese in the world know that this is not true, but from past events, people here still know Beirut as a country in war and in poverty.
This project would show the world the more modern Lebanon, the Lebanon that is peaceful and vibrant.

But, there are also negatives to this projects which have been mentioned before. I am Neutral on this and am not sure what side to be on. Lebanon does and does not need this.:nuts:

This is a link to a group i have on facebook, it includes thousands of names, would you like to join, you're more than welcome... the same goes for the rest of you.. anyone who cares to join is welcomed.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2505577236&ref=ts

ok lets put it this way.i live in switzerland one of the top richest countries on earth and in zürich the city that is 5years in a row the best city in the worl in the living quality ok!but still i woulkd rather wana live in beirut than here but this is cz im a lebanese.now here i do tell them always lebanon lebanon shwo them pix did a speech showing culture,ppl,religions,beaches,nature...but let them come to beirut and whole lebanon.what do they see even if this project was built.ma u drive the streets u arrive ur destination after 100 of holes and the roads are not clean and when something is broke they dnt fix it!besides u rly think beirut or whole lebanon is nice?its being rebuilt in a messy way with no real planing!the coast line is like one building taking the view from the other instead of leting the high ones be up and the ones down lower so all of them see the ocean and it look neat and organized!but no so u cant let the world look at us as we see lebanon because unfortunately only downtown is organized the rest is just a mess!!!!no electricity,no roads,no drinkin water,the trash lands in the ocean because we dont have a place to bring it and burn it....so is this project gona change any of that?

i been to zurich many times, enjoy sprungli for me! haha

i been to zurich many times, enjoy sprungli for me! haha

hehe actually u reminded me of them now: ill get me some 4 tonight;)

...I'm sorry for this late reply but I just saw a post of February stating that Holland has a tulip island and most people don't even know it exists. That is completely false: there is no such thing as a tulip island on the Dutch coast! We do have a windmill park built at sea. The tulip island was a suggestion by prime minister Balkenende, but as soon as he suggested it, the whole nation laughed at him for proposing such a ridiculous idea. I hope your nation will keep on laughing the same way at the Cedar Island as I see some people doing, and I hope opposition will grow even stronger. If only this was a joke, it would be brilliant...

^^ Thanks for the clarification! That makes more sense. As for this project, it looks like the developers are losing momentum and this may not get approved.

^^allah yesma3 mennak :)

^^
Ameen

Yay! nashalla la2
ma 7ada bado shi "dubai" hon
ba3ed na2iss :(
now way lebnen a7la 3a tabi3to w dubai is always artificial...
better stay au naturel lol

Potentially bad news:(btw the building design is horrid)

http://www.prlog.org/10373992-attachment.jpg

PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 13, 2009 – Beirut- Noor International Holding announced its intention to put forth the development of the “Global Investment and Real Estate Center” over the five continents, as well as a special center for the Middle East region.

The Beirut-based company also revealed that its new project consists of developing Globe-like shaped towers similar to the planet earth, comprising offices for the representation of international investment agencies, chambers of commerce, industry and agriculture, and tourism promotion agencies for all countries in each continent.

The company indicated that its new 22 floor towers will be the largest globe-shaped buildings in the world and will attract companies operating in investment, contracting, building materials, insurance, energy and economic studies, as well as law firms and banks, under one roof, which will make it easy for investors and decision-makers to take investment decisions.

Dr. Mohammed Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Noor International, declared that the project will promote the status of each center in each continent as a pioneering investment and real estate destination at the continental level in particular and the global level in general, and would attract businessmen, investors and decision-makers from around the world to each center in each continent.
Dr. Saleh who had originally conceived the project idea, said that the Board of Directors of Noor International would soon visit global economic and financial leaders to obtain their “blessing” of the project idea, stressing the International feedback generated from many countries as welcoming and encouraging the project.

Saleh expressed hope that the project would receive official approval from the countries that are candidates to execute the project on their soil, granting the plot, or partnering in the land, and also issuing at the earliest the required licenses, considering the investors’ profound interest in the project.

Saleh also indicated that Noor International was the main developer of the project and has initiated contacts with many investors and government agencies in a number of countries, investment agencies and investors to explain the importance of the project from all aspects. He said the company will successively announce the location of each center in each continent indicating that the new project by Noor International will simply and systematically rearrange global investment opportunities.

According to preliminary studies, the total cost per tower ranges around US Dollars 266 million. The center will include 3 basements over an area of 32,300 m2, a ground-floor and a mezzanine with an area of 27,800 m2, 22 floors with offices having a total area of 9416 m2, and a 5-star hotel with 120 rooms over a total area of around 7,727 m2.

Each center comprises a permanent center for exhibitions and rooms specifically designed for businessmen services and public auctions management, sophisticated exhibition rooms, a room for setting up a real estate stock market and gathering of financial stock markets for each continent, to organize real estate and financial trading and provide data and indicators in a transparent scientific manner, as well as a special hall for the exhibition of BOT and BOOT projects by all governments in each continent. The center also comprises parking lots, a gymnasium and a real estate educational TV channel, all of which have a magnificence that matches the modern living style, providing advanced technology and the best amenities.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Noor International indicated that the project would be completed in around 30 months, after obtaining the relevant decrees and licenses from the competent authorities. The project is designed in such a manner as to allow a small-scale view of the terrestrial globe. The building façade, a distinguished architectural edifice, will start turning around 12 hours a day.

Saleh indicated that the company strategy revolved around entering into alliances with major companies in the field, to ensure provision of the best project services. He added that more details will be given about the “Global Investment & Real Estate Center” which is expected to provide many employment opportunities after the necessary approvals have been secured in each continent.

Saleh attributed previous and current economic stagnation periods worldwide to the rare number of offers of quality investment projects needed by the markets like BOT projects which are subject to a concession period.

Saleh also attributed the stagnation to the lack of specialized development companies and the absence of transparent information that may guide coalitions of investors toward developed projects.

Saleh indicated that, given such information and based on the conviction that the world needed creative historic decisions to keep away the specter of recession and chaos, Noor International decided to launch the innovative project of the “Center for Global Financial and Real Estate Investment”. The company revealed that tight negotiations were under way with a number of companies for provision of consulting services, including the American B.A. company that specializes in giant global projects.

Noor International also entered into agreement with major global companies for the execution of construction works at the project. They include the Japanese company Panasonic, the Dutch company Philips, the Korean company LG, the Austrian company Doka, the American company TAS, the international Chinese company Huawei and Noor Homes that specializes in real estate marketing.

Noor International indicated that the group was arranging for the creation of a giant global alliance in engineering, construction, marketing, management and economic studies to perform this distinctive project.

Noor International added that the BOT Department will open and manage offices, and will also aim to create strategic alliances for the said projects, to secure a linking network system for the exchange of data on privatization projects of a medium and long-term BOT contractual nature, wherever they may be located.

About Noor International Holding

Noor International Holding, a Real Estate Developer, began activity in 1995 under the name of “MAK”.

“Jadwa”, a member of the Noor International Holding Companies Group, has contributed to the development of the Rose Tower, the world’s tallest hotel building, 333 meters in height. The tower has been completed in full. Other projects have also been completed in Dubai, Sharja and Doha.

Noor Holding has developed more than 12 projects in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, including modern residential villages, commercial complexes, and a high-standard series of tourist projects. Noor International operates under a clear strategy as the first real estate development factory, in cooperation with global partners that pooled their expertise to develop high-standard real estate projects. These include Philips, LG, Panasonic, Huawei, the Turkish company Ihlas, Doka and TAS.

Noor International was recently behind the idea of developing “The Cedar Island”, an artificial island project off the Lebanese coast, but is still awaiting approvals from the competent official authorities.

Noor International also started execution of many investment projects in Lebanon, among which the “Canadian Town” that comprises 28 buildings in the region of Aramoun, “Aramoun Country Club” that comprises 22 buildings, 5 projects in Dawhat Al Hoss, and 4 buildings in Khaldeh. New projects will also be announced in the region of Laklouk, Faqra and Kaslik.

Noor Karbala, a member of Noor International Holding is executing “Noor El- Hussein City” in Karbala, Al Reem Hotel under construction in Damascus, and “Aden Model City” in Ras Omran, Yemen.

Now i am more convinced that this company is a lie.

ugh, why does this company always have the tackiest designs. They are so literal in their interpretations. First a cedar Island for lebanon, now a globe shaped building for the Global Investment and Real Estate Center. You know how I would modify it.

attach the ball to the sides of the building so that ball is rising from this sheet of glass almost. And then either make the ball plain reflective glass, or a mettalic color. Or if you want to get bold make the ball a pattern like Argyle patterned glass or something like London's Gherkin building. Which is one of my favorite buildings in the entire world.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e4/St_mary%27s_axe22.jpg

Now i am more convinced that this company is a lie.

I'm convinced this company is %100 a lie, all they know how to do is announce tacky projects that will never happen

E4fSaDmrZkA

I actually think that globe thing is pretty cool. It's idfferent and that will bring people to Lebanon, becuase apparently what we already have does not seem to be enough to bring white folk from Kansas to Lebanon.

It it going to be on the Cedar Island itself? I think they should of built it on the mainland, incase something happens to the island, god forbid.

I know you guys will hate me for saying this, but I actually really like this project. The Noor Company whatever has to stop their bullshit with all these ideas, idf they are never going to actually build it.

get out of this forum :P (I'm kidding lol)

LOOOOOOOOOOOVE THE IDEA OF THE PROJECT.....but the design is a bit tacky

still, i prefer a bold unique design to a normal glass building

so yes, they should rethink the design in terms of architecture but stick to the main theme of the project which is an eye-catching international economic center in BEIRUT

i;ll say it again, there needs to be money spent on getting Lebanon to have 24 hour electricity and not fake islands.

their webpage doesn't exist anymore

^^ http://www.homesxp.com/noor_beta/Cedarisland/yakht.html

http://www.cedarsisland.com/

No updates since February..lets hope it doesnt get funding.

^^ohh :hilarious ooops... i guess i missed the S cedarSisland.... grrrr i really don't want it to go through!.... imagine if that money was well invested in lebanon's infrastructure and job making.... instead of this island, we could have a much higher standard of living.

^^ here we go again... guys try to remember that public is not the same as private.

if this island gets built then all of Lebanon will have an crisis like Dubai has now all because of the Palm Island... Because they built the Palm Island.. now Dubai is bankrupt

if this island gets built then all of Lebanon will have an crisis like Dubai has now all because of the Palm Island... Because they built the Palm Island.. now Dubai is bankrupt

dt forget that dubai spent billions over ALL the projects not only the palm island
moreover the bank system over there isn't well protected as the lebanese system (riyad saleme did a great job protecting our banks from the economical crisis)

They were probably reading the forum and wanted to come up with a news article loool

Beirut developer unfazed by Dubai's debt problem

News - December 4, 2009

Maktoob.com reports that a Beirut-based developer planning an US$8 billion artificial island off the coast of Lebanon is not worried by the debt debacle at Nakheel, the real estate developer behind Dubai’s man-made Palm Islands.

Earlier this year Noor International Holding (NIH) announced plans to build an island in the shape of the Cedar tree, Lebanon’s national symbol, and says it intends to press ahead with the plan.

Mohamad Alraai, a partner in the firm, told Maktoob Business: ""We are not worried at all," noting that he expected government approval for the project in the next "five to seven months".

Noor plans to involve some of the companies that have worked on Nakheel's projects, hoping their experience will be valuable.

"This will help us not to make the mistakes that were made in Dubai," Alraai said.

Cedar Island, the brainchild of Noor International Holding's chairman Muhammed Saleh, is being built to target the Lebanese diaspora who have money to buy luxury properties back home in Lebannon.

OMG that was ironic! lol

^^ what if they are Actually reading this forum?

^^ im sure they come across it, if you write cedars island in google we are listed second

^^ Exactly - dont be surprised. We are certainly the "go-to" site for most projects in Lebanon.

I don't understand why u think the article might be related to the forum in some way..

^^ lol... I agree.

Lebanon’s Going Ahead With $8 Billion Cedar Islands Project, Despite Dubai Debt
Submitted by Karin Kloosterman on December 4, 2009

http://www.greenprophet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/cedar-island.png

We reported earlier in the year that a Beirut-based property developer has designs to build a Dubai “World”-like set of islands in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Lebanon. Modelled after Dubai’s The World and Palm Islands, developers in Lebanon report that its $8 billion development project will not sink.

This is all despite a $26 billion in debt hold from a similar project in Dubai, albeit by a different developer. The after-effects of the debt problem have rattled world markets.

The series of artificial islands are expected to resemble a cedar tree, the national symbol of Lebanon, despite environmentalists objections and a $26 debt in Dubai from similar projects.

“We are not worried at all,” Mohamad Alraai, a partner in the Noor International Holding (NIH) in Lebanon, told Maktoob Business on Thursday.

The developers in Dubai called Nakheel have had ambitious plans for the world’s tallest skyscraper (bigger than Burj Dubai) and a massive collection of artificial islands — about 300 in the shape of a world map.

Meanwhile Noor is waiting for government approval and plans to go full steam ahead building luxury homes, hotels and shopping centres. All off the coast of Beirut, not far from Greece, Crete, Turkey and Israel.

I have recently watched a documentary on architecture developement in Lebanon. It showed how buildings such huge luxury projects would be a disaster to the average working family in Lebanon where only 25 percent of the public in 2013 will be able to afford buying a 150 sq m condo in Beirut and its outskirts... Of course this project is south to Beirut, but I think it would have disastrous effects on our status as Lebanese inverstors where we will be outnumbered by foreigners. To solve that problem, more modest projects will be perfect for both the public and the investors.

Not to mention the hideous design of the island! Can they be more literal?

Well, yes.... they could make islands spelling the word "Lebanon" so that when you are flying over its like a map lol

Well if they do go ahead with it, i hope they don't just build modern villas and towers, and try to stick to the traditional lebanese architecture for the villas, if nothing else.. Stone, red rooftops, etc... Not to be completely 'artificial' and dubai-ish...

^^ Hell no that would be worse, I rather see something totally new, and exciting. The only traditional Lebanese arhitecture that I like is the real deal, not some fake stucco rip off! I wouldn't mind if they build a series of islands, but Cedar Island is lame!

Well, yes.... they could make islands spelling the word "Lebanon" so that when you are flying over its like a map lol

actully there is a resemblance to the Lebanese Army Coat of Arms no?

yes but thats because the coat of arms is a cedar. lol.

I actually wish they could build a series of Islands off the coast of tripoli each linked by small bridges, and boats and ferries would come to and from those places. Just because Tripoli needs something to make it exciting.

^^ They already have Rabbit Island and another smaller one with boats that go to and from the mainland.

I mean inhabited Islands.... something more natural looking than a cedar Island, off the coast of tripoli. I dont take the Rabbit Isalnds seriously because they are barren wastelands with no one on them. I wish we could extend them and make them sustainable.

But in regards to CEDAR Island that is planned to be built, what will make these areas commercially viable. You would have to convince people to work and live there, I am afraid that this thing gets built and then becomes deserted

yes but thats because the coat of arms is a cedar. lol.

I actually wish they could build a series of Islands off the coast of tripoli each linked by small bridges, and boats and ferries would come to and from those places. Just because Tripoli needs something to make it exciting.

How dare you desecrate our beloved coastal islands! :nuts:

Ha! lol

I remember the first time I saw them, the family built it up so much, we took one of the boats from el mina, the boat went far and then started turning back, I thought I didnt see them, it turns out they were the little Islands that I overlooked. Kind of underwhelmed. You hear the word Island and you think its something significant.

I like what toronto has done, because land is developed, they reclaimed some land and made a huge series of islands connected by small rivers.

http://aaronandregan.ca/images/OSM-Toronto_Islands_with_labels.png

The islands a partially residential (Far Right), but the center Islands are just public parks that are accessed through a ferry that you pay one ticket to access. And on the island is also a small commercial airport for small cessna like planes (far left). In the summer, you can rent canoes, paddle boats and travel through the rivers of the island. There is also a small marina, a beach on the southern end, and a theme park on Olympic Island. Its amazing during the summer. And what is great is that its close to downtown toronto .

This is what I wish they would build in Lebanon, or in Tripoli, but I understand there is no money in this.

hmm actually this is not such a bad idea at all, except that turtle habitat should be considered and should improve on what is already there. Also establishing a monk seal nursery slash marine zoo, or an aquarium! The only thing that I would miss, is the memories that I have had of the islands!

PS: I have been to Toronto many times. I used to live in Buffalo, NY. Met alot of people from your area Missisauga, etc.

^^ Yes Ive seen them they hae HUGE potential, it just needs a bit of expanding and a unique design to be Tripol's No 1 destination !

I actually wish they could build a series of Islands off the coast of tripoli each linked by small bridges, and boats and ferries would come to and from those places. Just because Tripoli needs something to make it exciting.

oooh! i have a (edit: similar) plan for that. still undevelopped though :( so can't show you :P

Guys do I have some bad ass news for you:

In February Noor has gotten a string of approvals including today's.

A delegation from «Noor International Holding» headed by Chairman Dr. Mohammed Saleh visited Patriarch Sfeir in order to introduce the «Cedar Island Project» that is to be developed off the Lebanese coast after obtaining the necessary approvals. Dr. Saleh asked the Maronite Patriarch’s blessings and support for this important project that will have no negative impact on the environment, yet, create even more than 50 000 job opportunities for all Lebanese alike.

Invited by the AUL (Arts,Sciences & Technology University in Lebanon)- Jadrah Campus, Dr.M.Saleh / Chairman Noor International Holding was the guest speaker on the Cedar Island project. Journalists, Mayors and Heads of Municipalities greeted the efforts and wished the project all the success it deserves in favor of Lebanon’s precious Heritage.

Chairman Noor International Holding -Dr. M.Saleh has paid an official visit to the Minister of State, Mr. Wael Abu Faour to present the Cedar Island project concept and plan that won the Minister blessing and approval.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Turkish Giant IHLAS Holding/Construction- and Noor International Holding as an investment partnership in the mega project the Cedar Island. Both parties agreed to join efforts to meet objectives.

His Excellency Mr. Elie Marouny the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, visited the offices of Noor International Holding and was closely briefed on the Cedars Island Project. He expressed his blessing, wishing the company big success in its national project.

The different Zones

http://www.cedarsisland.com/images/treee.gif

More eye-popping information here:

http://www.cedarsisland.com/index.php?language=English

^^Those press releases are from February 2009.

I honestly hate this project. We dont NEED a island. We need that money to be spent on our poorer regions.

^^ Again, this is a private investment.

^^what does that meen?

it means that Nour is a private corporation that invests its money in lucrative real estate projects to yeild tons of money....so why would it want to use its own capital to help the poor or rebuild lebanon's infrastructure ?? It is not a charity organization

^^ It means that it's not the State's money for us to request that it be spent on improving poor neighborhoods. Public funding is meant for that. This is a private investment intended to be profitable and its not like money is being taken away from somewhere else and put into this. If this project is not approved, the money will probably be spent (and hundreds of jobs will be created) in Syria or Jordan instead.

Given the controversy surrounding this "mega-project", I have added a poll to the thread - please vote!

Private or not they could have easily taken on another section of Beirut or Tripoli and turned it into a lucrative investment such as in the BCD! I am not opposed to new development nor am I opposed to building islands off our coast. A cedar tree though is a bit too tacky for my taste. The whole thing just doesn't make sence.

No because it is lame, cheap and HIDEOUS and wouldnt like to see that thing anywhere near our coastline!

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/1031/cedarisland.jpg

The proposed "Cedar Island" project could see the light of day soon, states Noor International Holding

Lebanon is witnessing a very positive and encouraging investment environment which is quite obvious in the tremendous attraction of both Gulf and global investments. As a result, serious calls have been conducted with Noor Int'l Holding to reactivate the issue of building the Cedar Island. Dr. Mohammed Adib Saleh, Noor Int'l Holding Chairman, pointed: "Despite the existence of many attempts to create the island outside Lebanon, I insist that Lebanon's great symbol will have no place other than Lebanon and will be built by Lebanese arms with the contribution of Lebanese firms."

On the other hand, Dr. Abdullah Itani, Noor Int'l Holding Legal Counsel, informed that several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have been already signed with major Gulf investors and strategic international partners. "So, serious efforts and support from both the Lebanese government and the responsible regulating organizations are needed to activate the marine laws and set an adequate policy for the execution of this project", he added.

Being certified from the Ministry of Economy and Trade (Intellectual Property Protection Service), the Cedar Island lends itself as a luxurious residential, commercial and touristic project. Its geographic location on the Mediterranean Sea along the Lebanese coast allows it to play a vital role in attracting tourists and VIP residents looking for an exotic lifestyle or escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy Lebanon's moderate climate. And above all, the project will certainly provide many job opportunities and support the domestic product.




Contact information:
Address:
Al Awkaf Building
2nd Floor
Riad Al Solh Square
Beirut Central District
P.O. Box 11-510
Beirut
Lebanon
Tel: +961 1-999999
Fax: +961 1-999103
Email: info@cedarisland.com
Website: http://www.cedarsisland.com/

Will this nightmare ever go away???

Really its a interesting discussion

So any updates on this project?

Personally I think it'll be a nice landmark to Lebanon.

But I'm hoping with recent gas fields discovered off Lebanon's shore that the government will focus on spending these revenues on developing the poor areas.

^^ What does that have to do with this project?

when is this project gonna be approved....Looking forward for this!

Close this thread,i believe most of us knew it and saw this coming already :D

Noor Holding nothing but a scam

http://www.plus961.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Mohammad-Saleh-Noor-Holding-300x225.jpg

Remember the construction company that made a media buzz back in 2009 with the Cedar Island project it was promoting?

Call me naive, but this company, Noor Holding, had everything needed to let you think they’re doing legitimate business. A prestigious office in downtown Beirut, excessive advertising, claims about hundreds of household units being built, a good looking website, a “golden” phone number (01-999999), and a TV station. And at the end it turned out that the whole thing was nothing but a scam with the founder Mohammad Saleh (the man in the above photo) escaping with 5 million dollars! You can read everything about the issue in this article from Al-Akhbar.

I definitely don’t want to be in the shoes of those who have paid down payments for booking apartments with Noor Holding. These people will probably get nothing but news about Mr. Saleh moving from one country to another with their money…

Source: http://www.plus961.com/2011/06/05/noor-holding-nothing-but-a-scam/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Plus961+%28Plus+961%29

That is so messed up!

Sooo bottom line this thing will never ever ever get built..not a chance!..YES! :banana:

Well that's a relief (except for the people who lost money in the fake project) lol

What will exactly happen to Noor's ongoing projects, especially the ones in the BCD ??

So what geniuses paid and lost their money, towards a project that hasn't/hadn't been approved yet...

i don't think that anyone paid for the cedar project, i think the article was referring to other Noor Projects which are a lot btw and cover all lebanese territories !!