| 24 Jan 2009 |
|
'Noor International' is about to present the development of a Universal Investment Project called 'Lebanon's Cedar Island' that will be constructed in the Sea
- Text size
24 January 2009
Beirut - "Noor International Holding", located in Beirut, declared its determination to present to the Lebanese official authorities the development of "Lebanon's Cedar Island" project facing the Lebanese coast in order to get the approvals. The company revealed also that the project is an artificial island in the sea and it is similar to Lebanon's national symbol. It is worth mentioning that this island will be the biggest artificial tree in the history.
This island will include service, entertaining, touristic, commercial and residential compounds characterized by a great luxuriousness that is in harmony with the modern lifestyle, in addition to the availability of the best accommodations. Moreover, the company mentioned that it will be the main developer of the project and that it has started its calls with many Lebanese investors residing in Lebanon and abroad, with Arabs and other investment parties.
The chairman of the board of directors in "Noor International Holding", Dr. Muhammad Saleh, declared that the project aims at reinforcing Lebanon's position as a pioneer touristic and investment figure at the international level and at attracting the visitors and the investors from all over the world to visit Lebanon. Furthermore, Dr. Saleh (the inventor of the project's idea) clarified that the company's board of directors visited some political leaders in order to get "the blessing" regarding the idea of the project's presentation and he confirmed that the idea was welcomed. The board of directors visited also the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL), which is responsible for encouraging the investments in Lebanon, in order to start the authorization's procedures. Saleh expressed his hope for getting the official approval related to the project, in addition to the issuance of the necessary authorizations as soon as possible due to the serious interest of the investors in joining the giant "Cedar Island" project. Dr. Saleh added that the project will provide 50.000 job opportunities, clarifying that the company's strategy is to form alliances with the most important companies in this field in order to provide the best services in the project. In addition, he mentioned that more details will be announced about "Lebanon's Cedar Island" after getting the necessary approvals.
According to Dr. Saleh, it is expected that the accomplishment of this project will take 3 to 4 years after getting the specific authorizations and decrees from the competent Lebanese parties.
Dr. Saleh confirmed that the project, in its plans, takes into consideration the protection of the maritime environment without causing any damages to it due to the fact that some of the Island's parts will be the cedar's branches floating above the sea surface. He also mentioned that many investment companies showed their interest in investing in this project, among them are the Lebanese-Saudi Affairs Council, the Saudi based company Al Hokair Group for Tourism and Development, Qatarian and Bahraini companies and El Behbehani Group in Kuwait.
The company revealed that fst negotiations are taking place with several companies in order to present the consultative services and among these companies is the American company B.A. specialized in the water projects worldwide. In order to carry out construction works related to the project, the company made contracts with the biggest universal companies such as Panasonic CorporationPanasonic Corporation
, the universal Chinese Hawawi Corporation, the British Homes Express Corporation specialized in the real estate marketing and Navy International Group specialized in controlling the environmental pollution. Thus, "Noor International Holding" prepared a universal alliance in the field of engineering, construction, marketing, administration and environmental and economic studies and it formed a giant structure in order to carry out this special project. It is worth mentioning that CP Company, one of Noor International Holding's companies, got a work of art and literature registration certificate, holding No. 4125, on 28th February 2008, issuance No. 1515. This certificate is issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Economy - the Department of the intellectual property's protection in Lebanon.
- Ends -
For more information, please contact:
Tel.: 009611/999100/1/2
Fax: 00961 1 999103.
Website: www.cedarsisland.com
x
DISCLAIMER
Zawya is a distributor (and not a publisher) of content supplied by third parties and subscribers. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers, or other information or content expressed or made available by those third parties, including information providers, subscribers or other users of the Service, are those of the respective author(s) or distributor(s) and not of the Company. The Company neither endorses nor is responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, advice or statement made on the Service by anyone other than authorized Service employee spokespersons while acting in their official capacities. The Company is not responsible for any infringement of intellectual property rights or breach of any applicable law or regulation, including regulation in relation to financial services or the distribution of financial products, defamation, data protection, telecommunications (including regulations relating to excessive use, spamming or other abusive activities) or obscene, offensive or illegal content). Under no circumstances will the Company be liable for any loss or damage caused by a member's reliance on information obtained through the Service. It is the responsibility of member to evaluate the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information, opinion, advice or other content available through the Service. Please seek the advice of professionals, as appropriate, regarding the evaluation of any specific information, opinion, advice or other content.
Read the full Member Agreement
http://www.zawya.com/legal/NewsLetter.cfm?name=disclaimer
Zawya is a distributor (and not a publisher) of content supplied by third parties and subscribers. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers, or other information or content expressed or made available by those third parties, including information providers, subscribers or other users of the Service, are those of the respective author(s) or distributor(s) and not of the Company. The Company neither endorses nor is responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, advice or statement made on the Service by anyone other than authorized Service employee spokespersons while acting in their official capacities. The Company is not responsible for any infringement of intellectual property rights or breach of any applicable law or regulation, including regulation in relation to financial services or the distribution of financial products, defamation, data protection, telecommunications (including regulations relating to excessive use, spamming or other abusive activities) or obscene, offensive or illegal content). Under no circumstances will the Company be liable for any loss or damage caused by a member's reliance on information obtained through the Service. It is the responsibility of member to evaluate the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information, opinion, advice or other content available through the Service. Please seek the advice of professionals, as appropriate, regarding the evaluation of any specific information, opinion, advice or other content.
Read the full Member Agreement
http://www.zawya.com/legal/NewsLetter.cfm?name=disclaimer
Access to this article is subject to specific terms and condition.
Loading ...Free Newsletter
Get the latest news from Construction and other Free newsletters.
Post a Comment
Community Comments (60)
the project is going ahead this year.thank you guys for supporting this program.
I'm against this project 500%
Lebanon is a beautiful country. not a desert, we got 2 million visitors in 2009 that is 1/2 of our population, i think that is enough for now, up until they fix the roads , electricity, water etc... we DO NOT NEED another solider where the government stole our money and kept in the dark, DR S. if you really wanna help please help yourself out of here we don't need you and we don't need another money hungry Arabs in here.
Thank you very much for your Idea but when Lebanon becomes a desert and has nothing to offer to the world WE WILL THINK ABOUT YOUR OFFER....Hopefully NEVER
Khaldoun, do not be so pessimistic. No pain, no gain. Hurdles can be over come with will power. Do not focus on such silly issues. Grow up man!
we need this project,that will create lots of jobs ,and will boost the economy.the government should work for a plan to build it lease it for 100 years,and work a way to pay the 40 billion dollars depth that she put herself in..that a good opportunity for the government to get out of the depth .that the only way out .stop being negative you will not get any where in life .
Have we thought about the logistic concerns of the project?
Shouldn't we get the approval of israelies & syrians prior to any action specially that it has been understood that the decision is not in the hand of the lebanese for such project scale!
Shall we wake up one day and find all routes , bridges and subways destroyed bec the Israeli has decided so? what's next?
I wonder from where to get the dumping material to build this island at first.
Dear Mr Saleh
I don't think that this project will actually be achieved in Lebanon… I think that it would be more fruitful if it were conducted in another country...
It is much better if your money were manipulated in other more profitable projects.
Who said it’s helpful for Lebanon?
No job vacancies for Lebanese people, more pollution, what about benefits?!!
When are we gonna wake up?!!!
Besides, Lebanese are proud of their natural cedars not the artificial ones.
I keep hearing people saying this will bring tourism to Lebanon. The taxi drivers will make some money driving the rich to this Island but other than that what little tourism Lebanon has will be decimated as tourist will go to the Island. Many shops in beirut and other towns will close. People will become poorer and the electricity will go off even more as what little electricity there is gets diverted to the Island. This can only be bad for Lebanon and its people.
let's all get our wastas together and stop this ridiculous project! we have enough problems on the one hand and enough culture on the other to do without this atrocity!!
Reminds me of "The Island of Dr Moreau"... :)
Good luck Dr Saleh creating your chimeras!
Bravo Bravo Bravo
it's like if this project does not exist in the first place, all our problems will VANISH
wake up people, just tell me, who of you does not go to monot, DT, Gemmayze..........
didn't these projects bring debts to lebanon
are we benefiting or not, lebanese and foreigners
i do only agree in not imitating others, maybe this project will take place in another area then the sea , maybe some neglected cities we have a lot of spaces (an idea!)
get a life we need sumthing new
This project is a total disaster, besides the poor idea that we are copping and the maritime disaster that i m sure you know it, there is around 5000 fishermen that will be jobless, the people that have lands near to the sea and payed 3 times more there lands will have more land in front of them and there real estate will loose 3 times its price, and taking in consideration the price of the meter cube on this island we will know that few Lebanese will benefit from this project so we are building an island to sell it to foreign people and mainly arabs.
Finally we have in Lebanon more than 4 000 km3 that are empty so they can do an innovative project that will have the same advantages and no disastrous consequences like this one.
i am not sure yet about my opinion about this project !!!
i truely think it s a great exiting idea ,that will definitly raise the world appreciation of lebanon and it s touristic standard .
but the job it is creating it s going to be temporarely till the project ends.
beside are we sure that the people imployed are going to be lebanese.i mean the white ,blue and other collar workers.and after that will this project creat enoughr jobs....
we all now that this project is for reach people ,but hey..if rich people are in lebanon ,their investement might also come with them...
still we have to see the other parts also , we still have enemy in the area ( would it be israel or syria/i doesn t matter /i m not arguing ),but this is something to take into concideration...another issue is that Lebanon real tourisem is it s enviroment ,atmosphere and nature--- hope this project will not destroy the base ..othere wise we lost our true and real investement.
i'm totally against this project...........
no need to note the reasosn for all the reason noted are the same of mine.
this project should not see the light by any means.
It's a very nice idea but the funny part is that we have bad roads no water no electricity.polluted beaches and mountains of rubbish lying all over lebanon, poverty is increasing. For whom do you think such project is made? for us as civilians??!!
It's crystal clear that no one will profit from it but our lovely politicians, they throw unsolved problems on us, and they go to their super luxurious villas made on artificial islands. they took enough from mountains and now they are invading the sea.
How ironic, keep on following politicians and supporting "Innovative ideas" made for just their sake
this isn't negativity - it's reality. lebanon's people and infrastructure will not support this project. full stop.
This is addressed to those with negative comments.
This project does not conflict with your 'demands' to have the project reviewed enviromentaly, or to push plans to renovate Saida - Baalbek - etc
This is a private sector development and is a 'need' to any economy at all times.
An YES it creates jobs, and contribute considerably to our economy growth.
Go doctor Saleh go dont listen to the people do what u want because it is helpful for lebanon and its people i think this is the best project that lebanon see it in its history dont listen to those who speak politics let the politics man and the government fix their problems do your project and all of lebanese people will be proud of you and your project i will thank you to your very very nice and helpful idea that will help many workers and people this will make a new society thanks again and i will say good luck ....
we dont have the infurstructure to do such a project .bad roads no water no electricity.polluted beaches .and mountains of rubbish lying next to this area ,.think enviromently...you have to work your way step by step..not a bad project .but we have more important issue to fix befor sticking an island in the sea.
...
Wouldn't it be more appropriate to fix what we have before building something ridiculous (and not even new), that will supposedly attract tourism or create Jobs?
Isn't our heritage (Baalbek, Saida, Byblos and the rest) good enough to bring in tourists?
If others have built mile long towers and palm tree shaped islands, it is because they do not have what we have. If you believe in your country, believe that it's heritage is worth a lot more than a copy-cat island. what is this... a gimmick?
Can lebanon handle more pollution?Can our waters handle the major ecological mess this project will create?
isn't the money needed more urgently elsewhere?
Wouldn't all that money be better spent creating tourism incentives/resorts/events on land. Do we have to destroy yet another thing before we build the next?
Is this how little we think of our Nation's potential?
Someone just spent a ridiculous amount of time putting this prank together, and if not, if this project actually flies, we might as well become the laughing stock of the century....
People are so negative and conservative ... I can see the benefits of such an idea for the people of Lebanon who has had only wars after wars and they need a break and some prosperity coming their way. I SUPPORT THIS PROJECT
It's not good to sacrifice the water surface and to distroy the eco-system for some millions or some job vacancies;It is more suitable to search some rocky areas and build and plant them instead.
There is a saying :
If it's working, keep doing it. If it's not working, stop doing it. If you don't know what to do, don't do anything.
- Dr. Melvin Konner
And in my opinion you do not know what your doing, the logic says that investments should go for the things that havent been finished yet , finish what you have started then you ll have the right to start such a project.
keep our cedar on our flag do not throw it in the sea!
This is unfair to Lebanon and the Lebanese. This project should not take place... This need to stop NOW
I am sure that when Lebanese hear about this, they will say "to hell with job vacancies," we want to preserve the last thing we still have, our SEA.
But now you want to make money from it. you did not make enough money from destroying mountains and lands already and polluting skies. you now attack the Sea!
Believe me when I say, your idea *****! even the sea feels sick now!
Lebanon is all about nature. it is not about artificial stuff like Dubai's case. the Sea will suffer because of your project. You do not care if this will create job opportunites as much as you care for how much profit you will make.
You are taking advantage of Lebanon, its people, and of the current situation.
I hate your idea Man! It is horrible. Maybe you should go to Africa, and Make an Ivoray island!! so cliche...
We do not need more pollution in Lebanon. Nor an artificial Cedar Tree. THis is not Dubai. I do not even like Dubai!!! Leave us alone Please Mr. Salah...
Leave this country and what is left of its ecosystem and natural beauty alone! This is not Dubai. A petition should be signed and sent to the authorities.Mr. Salah please use your money wisely, there are so many other things that needs yet to be done to safeguard our Cedar!!
It reminds THE UNiVERSE.....
The word Dubai comes to mind!
Lebanon can't supply power to all its people as is! I don't understand what the point of this stupid project is!
who said that lebanon is still safe, security wise, for such investments? have you forgotten the almost yearly conflicts with the neighbouring countries? what about the frequent closures of the beirut airport in the last 5 years? 10 years? hello? wake-up guys and face reality... my beautiful country Lebanon will unfortunately not (or even never) see propsperity in the near future ... it's a dream every lebanese (with true origin) is having that the security situation of this lovely country is resolved.
Dr SALEH is bringing professionals from the biggest environmental organizations in the world to come and make sure that the construction of this project will not kill species in our sea or will destroy any environmental aspect of the lebanese green life
I have seen lots of emails about this subject in the last 3 days and my humble opinion is that we should be lobbying against this project rather than marketing it as it is just another "human stupidity" and as if we needed more of them these days… especially in Lebanon.
If Dubai couldn’t afford its Palm, how is Lebanon supposed to manage a project like this one? I wonder what next we are going to subject the local ecology to and which is by the way on the brink of total collapse, noting that we have already disseminated all our cedars to try and commemorate them now with an ecological monstrosity.
Looking at the brighter side though, and if the project ever takes off, it will at least provide a good working opportunity for all the talented people that are now returning back home from Dubai and the Gulf and that can share all their lessons learnt on how to balance ecology land reclamation to ensure minimum impact on the environment.
As usual, Lebanon is likely to place the cart before the horse. Where is the underlying in-depth environmental study BEFORE any authority can consider the project? This takes years to do. As to "floating" branches ON the water, the only one managed this feat was Jesus some 2000 years ago. And where does the 50,000 employment figure come from? Why not 45,000 or 55,000, or 100,000?
In addition, the English text is quite appalling and does not inspire much confidence and credibility in the company and people behind the project.
My assessment: a lot of superficial BS
We can only dream of such projects, why not? Providing that the country is emerging from war after war after war…. Such projects do lift the spirit and the hopes for every Lebanese.
First let us by real provide peace, safe place, security and assurance given by a united central government that control and rule by their Arm forces every small and large event. Such security forces should only be symbolized by the Lebanese official arm service supported by strong body of government. Governments that can and will enforce laws protect and defend human rights and the properties of every citizen, resident, Visitor, worker, provider, investor…
Once Law and order is enforced and implemented only then these outstanding projects will be appealing to everyone. Prior to that this project is a big risk and might stay plans on papers.
It is quite a risky project in the current climate and the location, I would say Good Luck with it, it would be an excellent opportunity for Lebanon if they succeed with the project, but it wouldn't be surprising if it does not happen...
Let's hope it does...
First let us by real provide peace, safe place, security and assurance given by a united central government that control and rule every small and large event. Such security forces should only be symbolized by the Lebanese official arm service supported by strong body of Government. Government that can and will enforce laws protect and defend human rights and the properties of every citizen, resident, Visitor, worker, provider, investor… Once Law and order is enforced and implemented, only then these projects will be appealing to everyone. Prior to that this project is a big risk and might stay plans on papers.
what does this sentence even mean:
"It is worth mentioning that this island will be the biggest artificial tree in the history."
What an honor!!! History of what exactly, history of artificial things??
And please, lets not get into the 'Biggest', 'Tallest', 'Mostexpensive' thing, its so ridiculous!!!
i think you should get the best of it
think that today is the history of tomorrow, as Baalbeck and the rest of what we call our history were like this island in our days!!!
and for those who said, no need for job opportunities, let them do some personal researches and see how many lebanese are suffering from living abroad in GCC, France, USA....... just to have some extra money so they can live decently when they get back to their home country, that, if they lived long enough to be back (btw, i'm one of them)
anyway, good luck to all of you guys
wish al the best to my country Lebanon
Unfortunately, getting the best of it has always been synonym of "making as much profit as possible for contractors/politicians pockets".
I think today's priority in Lebanon is definitely not luxury resorts. What's the use of such a project if you spend 4 hours on the main road that we call Autostrade (=Highway) from Dbayeh to Beirut?! Why not enhancing the transport infrastructure (bridges, roads, trains...) before adressing such inessential projects?
I think we should get focused on the essential...
Well I couldn't agree more with you!!
We Do need development in Lebanon, and we need it now.
When investors come to one place in Lebanon, let's be realistic, they would want to invest first in the hot spots. then hopefully they might consider other areas when the market evolves.
So sooner or later remote cities like Baalbeck or Zahle would share a piece of the cake.
Let's hope THERE WILL BE A CAKE to share in the first place, before we start complaining.
By the time i was done reading this (article), the only thing i could think of, was how unprofessional, and rediculous can it get, and how would a company actually get to Construct an ISLAND, if they can't construct a marketing article that will be read by thousands of people.
It also got me to think how such a poorly structured article actually made it out of the offices of this company as a "PRESS RELEASE". If they don' t have policies of proof reading, copy writing, and QUALITY CONTROL. Would i even want to stand on a man-made island that they built ?
Good luck...it's an excellent opportunity and a great idea:)
Thank you for still believing in Lebanon.... we should happy to host such projects, not criticize it.....
yet another pie in the Sky ... how ridiculous can these stories get ?!
well i think otherwise guys. i think that this is a great opportunity to get more business into Lebanon. More jobs, and better life. investors are not concerned with Baalbeck and zahle and shtoura. these cities are old and historic and it would be better not to build more. i hope they get the approval because lebanon will put Dubai and Qatar in its pockets ;) better weather and good places ... ;)
I don't think there's any need to worry that this project will actually happen.
First of all, the logistics and storage capacity required to move building materials, people and equipment to the site simply doesn't exist in lebanon. Beirut port is already at 150% or more of capacity. When the palms were being built in dubai, some of the worker were housed in a boat offshore, providing them easier access to the site. Somehow i don't see that happening here.
Second, lebanon's coast has often been blockaded, patrolled, or similar by neighbouring countries' fleets at times of political uncertainty. Also, several large oil spills have occurred polluting the beaches and wildlife. If such a thing were to happen during construction or even after, the results would be even worse. Blockades and patrolling by other navies would also not contribute to the "oasis of calm" one would hope to feel on such an island.
Thirdly, the power and utilities capacity is not enough service the existing households and offices in lebanon. How are they proposing to supply power / water / to this island? Build its own power plant?
The security and sustainability questions are too great for such a project to go ahead. It would be an ideal and easy target to hit during times of aggression. Unless everyone lives, plays and works on the island, the influx of people to the mainland is going to cause havoc on the already crippled infrastructure.
This could be a good project, but not right now.
Such projects should be encouraged, as long as strict condition on quality & environmental issues are taken care of..also,long term,repeat long term employment is a factor as well.
Quality not as some projects in Dubai !! and this should be the only one on in sea...attracting Wealthy tourists & Lebanese isn't a shame, as these wealthy will spend, and their spending WILL filter through to the rest of the economy.
also, I would make it conditional that some low cost accommodations must be provided to the people working in the area,,ownership or rental to cut down on travelling time, congest ions & pollutions, limited car use on the Island as well, use of electric tramp to travel around the Island..!!..sooner the better..
With All due respect Mr. Barakat
This is wishful thinking, it has no place in the reality of Lebanon. Your approach takes in consideration the humane dimension of the project... BUT
The reality of Lebanon is: get it done
Exploit the people for lowest salaries/spending....get the most money out of it, and above all practice the national sport: Show off as much as you can with attributes like: biggest island.. a classic case of unequalled ego and who has the biggest...
No, getting the wealthy is not something to be ashamed of, but consider your statement that you seem to take as a rule: "their spending WILL filter through to the rest of the economy. " I can state many examples in the world where this apparent rule doesn't apply, where circles of misery surround one the most extravagant hotels, villas and resorts...
Projects like this are what we need to achieve our status as a Banana republic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_republic
Projects like this belong where the will to apply your conditions exist, and above all where the humans come before stone.. So clearly not in Lebanon
Mr Younes, I know VERY WELL where you are coming from,I do agree that Lebanon isn't the best place when it comes to implementing rules & minimum human conditions (decent salary,transport..etc),.. but then it worth considering & we have to start some where....as to 'spending filter through..', in terms of their spending power in shops, restaurants,food,petrol..etc...and tax on their apartments..etc this spending will at the end benefits every one..
As to the issue of the Banana republic, well, as Lebanese we all know the reasons...the so called Za3eems & their sectarian ideology. (keep them divided,in need & u control..!!).
I've already saw something that resembles to this cedar island (whatever) project, I think it was in in in ...DUBAI! Right That great place to live in that we want so much to look like! We really should do our best efforts and get inspired by the luxurious hotels and freakingly expensive projects in Dubai, we don't need our history and culture, forget our values and education.
Lust and Luxury the 2 Ls that shape some countries we admire so much, and we forget each and every day we have a great amazing and very rich country that doesn't need any of that ''Cliche luxury'', our one and only L our Lebanon.
good start,
"changing your attitude " i believe that change is great, i think u should too.
about me being abroad, is not funny at all, i don't know if u tried it, but when u do u'll be in "changing your attitude" situation
it's an opportunity for me and u and beacoup beaucoup,
see the bright side
"les priorités" have been there 1,000,000 years ago and will always be, shou mne3mol "makanak rawe7"
RIDICULOUS!
SHOCKING!
UNSCRUPULOUS!
UNECOLOGICAL!
OUTRAGEOUS!
WHEN ARE WE GONNA WAKE UP?!
Before even considering to raise up islands in the sea of Lebanon.. and copycat the ideas of Dubai World.. they ought to build up the rest of Lebanon.. which isn't getting any attention.. cities such as Hermel, Ba'alback, Zahle, Chtourah...
1.1 Contain any material which is libelous or defamatory of any person, is obscene, offensive, hateful or inflammatory or causes damage to the reputation of any person or organisation.
1.2 Promote sexually explicit material, violence, discrimination based on race, sex, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or age or any illegal activity.
1.3 Be made in breach of any legal duty owed to a third party, such as a contractual duty or a duty of confidence.
1.4 Be threatening, abuse or invade another's privacy, or cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety.
1.5 Be used to impersonate any person, to misrepresent your identity or affiliation with any person, or be likely to deceive any person.
1.6 Give the impression that they represent Zawya.
1.7 Advocate, promote or assist any unlawful act such as (by way of example only) copyright infringement or computer misuse.