There has been much said and written about the re-emergence of Beirut as one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning cities.

    Business and leisure travellers have been returning to its shores by the millions, tempted by the host of activities and attractions waiting for their arrival. Away from the buzz of the capital city, the exquisite countryside is home to attractions steeped in thousands of years of history.

    While the beaches dominate the summer activity, the action moves inland during the winter with the promise of superb skiing facilities in the mountains.

    While some companies have decided to sit back and see how the country, and more importantly the capital develop, one Dubai-based company has been quick to recognise its potential.

    The Al Habtoor Group has just announced another multi-million dollar development for Lebanon’s capital that further underlines the company’s commitment to the city.

    The ambitious Metropolitan City Centre development was announced at the five-star Metropolitan Palace Hotel Beirut that was opened by the Al Habtoor Group last year. The project joins a growing list of developments undertaken by the company, which is headed up by Mr Khalaf Al Habtoor.

    “The launch of the Metropolitan City Centre represents an important step forward in the process of rebuilding Lebanon, and the re-establishment of its position on the Arab economic and tourism map,” said Mr Al Habtoor.

    Since 1971, Mr Al Habtoor has surfaced as one of the leading businessmen, not only within the UAE but also throughout the Arab World, with a group of companies which have become industry leaders in several sectors including contracting, hospitality, automotives, and even education. All the companies within the group have become renowned for their efficient and professional performance.

    Lebanon gained its first insight into their expertise when it took the construction industry by storm in erecting the magnificent Metropolitan Palace Hotel Beirut in just 17 months.

    Soon after it opened its doors for business, the Al Habtoor Group was at it again, this time announcing the Jamhour Village project. Just 10 minutes drive from the booming capital, and located in lush green gardens, this is an exciting new development currently under construction.

    Jamhour Village is a project of 40 well-equipped apartments, which will be serviced by high class sporting facilities including a modern health club, playgrounds, Olympic size swimming pool and children’s pool. Centrally located to a host of shopping malls, the airport, schools, universities and hospitals, Jamhour Village is the latest in a long line of property developments undertaken by the Dubai-based construction professionals.

    One of the most innovating projects also currently underway in Lebanon is the delightful Harat El Sit Recreational Park, which is set to become a massive boost to the tourist industry.

    The Park will feature a whole host of entertainment outlets including a Miniature Park, Roller Coaster, Souk, amphitheatre and birds park.

    Of course there have been other smaller developments too, but the new Metropolitan City Centre is expected to inject a massive dose of life into the ‘Paris of the Med’. With this new project, The Group will be contributing to the well being of over 1200 Lebanese families, from all the regions of the country through direct employment while offering indirect benefits to thousands of other Lebanese businesses and individuals.

    The Metropolitan City Centre is a comprehensive complex of 115 thousand square metres, and represents a $150 million investment. At a height of 110 metres, the Metropolitan City Centre will be the tallest building on the Beirut skyline and will further enhance the Sin El Fil area. A connection bridge will link the new complex with the Metropolitan Palace Hotel. The combination of exclusive accommodation, state of the art conference facilities, shopping mall and service excellence will make the Metropolitan City Centre the perfect venue for future summits, official international events and conventions, exclusive weddings and exhibitions.

    One of the chief crossroads of the world, Lebanon has attracted merchants and traders for more than 4,000 years. This long tradition has enabled the country to build a strong foundation to become a major banking and trading centre. The country is gearing up to play a pivotal role as a major regional shopping centre with competitively priced products. And, thus, the need of world-class shopping facilities, particularly in the fashion-conscious capital of Beirut.

    The Metropolitan City Centre ushers in a new age shopping destination. Situated on the outskirts of Beirut in Horsh Tabet, the centre gains immensely from its close proximity to high-end residential and commercial districts. The centre will feature a wide choice of international branded goods within the target market segment. Apart from a great shopping experience, shoppers will also have access to excellent recreational facilities. In addition, the centre will boast a state-of-the-art banqueting and conferencing facility.

    The majestic tower will house hotel rooms and suites. The fifth to 15^th floor will include 110 large luxuriously appointed guest rooms and 22 suites of 85m2 each. Floors 16 to 24 have been allocated for 18 stylish apartment suites covering 500m2, each one to include a dining room, kitchen, four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and maid’s quarters. Capping it off will be two penthouse suites of 1,100 m2 each to be located on the 25^th and 26^th floor. Exclusively furnished and decorated with fine art, these suites offer luxury that is beyond any comparison. Each penthouse will include a welcome area, main living room big enough to host official receptions, office with meeting room, private dining room, family living room, master bedroom complete with ensuite Jacuzzi and walk through wardrobes, four guest bedrooms with ensuite, not to mention the fully equipped kitchen and servants quarters.

    Due for completion by the end of this year, the 33-storey Metropolitan City Centre will be the most prestigious landmark to grace the Beirut skyline.

    The location of the Metropolitan City Centre has been chosen after a careful pilot study. It is strategically located on the corner of two major boulevards – General Charles Degaule and President Charles Helou Road – it is estimated that over 150,000 cars pass the Metropolitan Roundabout located close by each day. The centre will also serve an estimated population of 1.3 million people within six kilometers from the mall. Coupled with other ongoing land development projects in the vicinity, the centre will have the advantage of greater retail expenditure.

    When complete, the Metropolitan City Centre will have 61 retails stores, two family entertainment centres, as well as six food outlets for restaurants and coffee shops. Care has been taken to ensure a better product mix along with a strong choice of brands. Which means, shoppers can look forward to shopping for the leading high street names in fashion and designer wear for men, women and children, jewellery, watches, eye wear, cosmetics, electronics, gifts and other novelties. It aims to be a recreational retail mall with a quality fashion base.

    The food and beverage outlets will include an Arabic nightclub on the second floor and a rooftop jazz bar offering panoramic views over Beirut and beyond to the Mediterranean Sea and mountains. There will also be a French Restaurant on the rooftop 112 metres above ground level. It will offer a selection of fine French cuisine and an exclusive range of great wines for both lunch and dinner.

    The centre will feature an internal landscaped garden and water features, which will be a real hub of leisure activities and will have cafes and restaurants all around. As an added leisure facility, the bowling centre will play a great role in enhancing the shopping mall. Children can look forward to a special Entertainment Centre for fun and activities.

    The project will also comprise fine conferencing and banqueting facilities. Capable of accommodating up to 2,000 people, the hall will have versatile space that can be used for regional conferences, product launches, exhibitions, concerts, weddings and private parties. Connected to the shopping centre, the banqueting hall will be accessed directly from an underground parking facility. The visitors’ flow into the complex from the parking areas will be by lifts and escalators through a central atrium to access the various levels.

    The spa and health facilities will be unrivalled anywhere in the city. Covering 3,500 m2, it will consist of 10 themed treatment rooms, outdoor pool, jogging track, fitness centre with state-of-the-art facilities, exercise studio and ladies and gents thermartium with caldarium (dry heat), laconium (wet heat), tropical rain showers, under water massage pool and tranquility room.

    Special care has been taken to create internal spaces with natural day light by means of glass domes and atrium skylights. Natural plants and special water features create a natural environment for pleasant shopping while the shops are easily accessed through means of escalators and lifts which have maximum transparency that creates the right exposure of the showcases and displays of various branded merchandise.

    The finishing will be done in a combination of marble floors and columns, timber columns, stainless steel / glass and timber balustrades, gypsum ceiling with decorative chandeliers and wall bracket lights.

    There’s parking for 800 cars in the basement with valet parking available and for those arriving in style, a helipad will be constructed on the roof.

    Overall the Metropolitan City Centre is set to add an extra dimension to Beirut that is well, and truly back in business!