The concept of "Sannine - the ornament of Lebanon" project was born from the stunning terrain, diversified climates and charming sceneries of both, the Buqa'a Valley and the Mediterranean. It would eventually become one of the biggest skiing and winter sports resorts in the world, and it also would include fantastic golf fields and variety of other activities throughout the year in the Middle East.

The prominent Lebanese businessman Jan Abi Rashid, the majority shareholder of Al Salam Holding Company, was convinced that Lebanon could be a main attractor of investments in the Middle East, so the idea of Sannine was born. And since he was actively involved in managing the investments of the Gulf and other entrepreneurs through G.F.I.C Investment Company, which he owns and runs, he presented the idea of this strategic unique project.

The project will be established on plots 15,16, 17, 18 & 20 of Badnayel Town in Buqa'a, owned by the Sulaiman and Haider families. Most of those who sold their rights to the properties inherited them from their forefathers. Over one thousand of them benefited from the sale, as the land after ten years would become a joint ownership. The company paid for the land price ranging between 70 Cents to 1 US$ per square meter.

The project is an integral tourist site, and in fact, it was prompted by the flourishing tourist activity that followed the September 11th events, which reminded the Lebanese of the tourist boom they enjoyed 30 years ago. It would be excellent tourist destination during the four seasons of the year, especially for families, as its hotels, seaside and mountain resorts would be the ideal place for the holiday-makers coming to Lebanon to enjoy its weather, sun, fascinating beaches, snow-capped mountains and other activities.

The "Sannine - the ornament of Lebanon" project occupies a wonderful location at mid way between Europe and the Arabian Gulf. It extends over the Sannine mountain summits, 3.500 m high, and covers 96 million square meters approximately, overlooking Faraya, Beirut and Buqa'a.

Upon its completion in 2009, the project is expected to create 10,000 new jobs and to develop an area between the central mountains and Buqa'a Valley that was formerly neglected. Its shares, with a value of about US $1.4 billion, are expected to be introduced in the market after 3 months. Businessmen from the Gulf countries are expected to purchase about 20% of the shares.

At some stage, rumours spread out that the land was being purchased to settle Palestinians, so the owners added an additional term in the contract to stop such eventuality. There was also some talk about the pollution that would be cause by the project. However, the company confirmed that the project will be a friend to the environment, and pointed out that thorough study on the protection of soil, water resources, plants and even rock formations have been completed. It added also that the built area would be only 20% of the total area of the land, while the rest would be a natural reserve.

During the next three months, the company will start issuing Global Depository Receipts to shareholders. As 20% of them are expected to be Gulf Businessmen, the balance would be available to the public. Those receipts give their owners economic rights, but no land ownership rights.

The project will have various architectural styles that suit the various locations. The plans have areas for seasonal houses, chalets, villas, palaces in addition to hotels, entertainment and shopping centers, a fitness institute and spas. The following developments have been planned:

* The Global sporting village, which would merge with the skiing slopes, thus providing its inhabitants with both, the enjoyment of excellent abodes and skiing.

* The Environment village: this has been designed as a model for continuous development. The inhabitants would have plots overlooking the Buqa'a Valley to practice agricultural skills.

* The Lake Village that overlooks Beirut and the sea, and lies around an artificial lake that could be used for skiing in the winter and sailing in other seasons.

The project provides various activities around the year for all ages, such as horse riding, mountain climbing, camping, archery, parachuting, walking, and summer school that teaches children painting, sculpting and other arts. All these facilities will ensure that visitors will have incomparable experiences in Lebanon.