And to those who are for the project: QUIT THINKING ABOUT MONEY. It wouldn’t even be that good for the country. Look at Dubai now. Virtually zero sales on any of their new and fake beachfront property. Give me a break, Lebanon has a soul.

We better not stoop this low! I would be embarrassed to call myself Lebanese.

I’ve been reading about this on other websites and I attempted to understand the AUB lecture against this proposal (although my understanding was very limited). It seems to me that yes, although this proposal has had it’s positives in Dubai, one must keep in mind that what works in Dubai does not necessarily work in Lebanon. To compare Lebanon to Dubai is an offensive mistake.

Certainly this proposal has logical claims as to why it must not exist. Yes, it will impact the environment, yes, it gives Israel another target (undoubtedly, Israel enjoys aiming at the prizes of the Lebanese, we don’t need to serve them this potential-massacre on a silver platter – imagine this proposal war torn with artificial pieces clogging our sea).

Lebanon does not need “artificial” means to attract tourism. Lebanon in and of itself is sufficient. I’m pleased to say that Lebanese attractions stand as unique natural marvels – Jeita Grotto, the Cedar Reserves, the breath-taking Mountains, the welcoming Mediterranean coast – to name a few.

To introduce this proposal is intrinsically insulting. Beirut is coined as the “Paris of the Middle East” and many Arab nations have envied it for its’ perseverance, resistance, flourishing commerce, intellectual prosperity, and most importantly, its ability to rebuild itself, time after time, war after war, from the foundation, to the top while always maintaining its world-renowned status. Beirut is a city of history, culture, and unprofound beauty. Dubai may have its “artificial” beauty, but this relatively recent city certainly lacks culture and history. For Beirut to get its inspiration from Dubai is ridiculous.

People don’t travel to Lebanon hoping to see Dubai, they go to Lebanon to see Lebanon. There’s no need to bring Dubai in the greater scheme of life.

I just adore this project – when I saw the cedar tree architecture – I said, that’s it, as soon as I’m returning to leb after graduating (hopefully), Ill be able to buy an appartment or something there.
It’s astonishing that at last LEBANON will become an extended country… people, try n think of it positively, yes as others said, tourism will increase which will eventually back up Lebanon and its economic crisis, the landscape would become vast enough, w mensir men2oul OK lebnen mbayyan 3al 5arita w ma ba2ato small anymore… ye3ni who wouldn’t see themselves in that island??
Hopefully by the time I graduate I’ll be there 2012 …!!
w ba3den don’t anyone dare and say lebanon is copying Dubaii!
Despite the common architect that’s been recently happening, LEBANON WILL STAY LEBANON no matter what, because of its lovely hospitality, aristocracy, social life, culture and tradition … no matter what, lebanon will never change nor will be replaced by anything.

w ba3den what ever we say, the lebanese government won’t listen to us, la2an 5alas, they already thought about it, and drew this project…
I’m looking forward to seeing that happen.. I’m proud of my lebanon being successful..