Soliderequarterlyapril - June 2008 Business & Fina Ncial News

soliderequarterlyApril - June 2008 business & fina ncial news

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Development land sales Conferences Among the latest Solidere General manager Mounir December 31, 2007 2006 December 31, 2007 2006 2007 2006 land sales, Beirut Harbor Douaidy addressed the 16th US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ s.a.l. purchased in the last Arab Economic Forum, held quarter a land parcel on lot in Beirut May 2 - 3. He spoke Assets Revenues from land and real estate sales 288,467,975 253,344,014 Summary of Operations in US$ million 1504 Marfaa. of the Beirut city center Cash and bank balances 327,847,633 106,202,604 Revenues from rented properties 20,775,368 20,719,451 Net revenues from land, real estate sales The development land development that has earned Prepayments and other debit balances 34,449,004 28,253,397 Revenues from project management and rental 187.8 153.4 covers an area of it a worldwide reputation, Accounts and notes receivable, net 318,734,724 348,942,550 and consulting services 690,845 2,066,977 Gross rental income 20.8 20.7 1,137 sq m. It will be used leading to the creation of Investment securities 10,063,020 8,610,673 Cost of land and real estate sales (114,089,596) (114,584,398) General and administrative expenses 18.1 14.3 for a residential or office Solidere International. Inventory of land and projects in progress 1,404,710,655 1,457,804,977 Charges on rented properties (7,070,296) (6,457,583) development with retail on Reporting on Solidere’s Investment properties, net 150,349,040 150,651,813 Cost related to project management Land Sales in US$ million street level, totaling sustained good performance, Investment in an associate 287,458,659 - and consulting services (86,127) (1,831,969) Gross land sales 288.5 255.2 5,186 sq m of built-up area. he remarked that the expected profits of Solidere Fixed assets, net 35,641,877 26,115,483 (Loss)/gain on sale of investment properties (824,099) 264,974 Sales backlog 914.1 1,196.0 International are bound to Total Assets 2,569,254,612 2,126,581,497 Net revenues from operations 187,864,070 153,521,466 enhance this performance Financial Ratios in % and have a positive impact Liabilities Share result from an associate 68,030,929 - Return (interest income) on liquid assets 5.5 5.86 on Solidere share values. Bank overdrafts and short term facilities 181,186,491 48,362,001 General and administrative expenses (18,086,723) (14,304,800) Debt to equity 0.38 1.57 Accounts payable and other liabilities 99,357,927 83,323,709 Depreciation of fixed assets (1,494,267) (1,699,106) Dividends payable 46,212,797 30,877,712 Provision against land development cost (7,882,327) (3,036,061) Deferred revenues and other Other taxes (670,059) (1,319,859) credit balances 233,147,452 168,305,793 Provision for doubtful receivables (314,962) - Deferred credits under structured contracts 170,280,000 - Other expense, net (1,854,289) - Loans from banks and financial institutions 7,041,163 27,062,700 Interest income 40,151,525 27,211,687 Total Liabilities 737,225,830 357,931,915 Interest expense (15,885,954) (7,173,307) Profit before tax 249,857,943 153,200,020 Equity Income tax expense (25,666,091) (21,033,071) Share performance during the 2nd quarter 2008 Issued capital at par value US$10 per share: The Lebanese market as a 100,000,000 class (A) shares 1,000,000,000 1,000,000,000 Profit for the year 224,191,852 132,166,949 whole proved to be the best 65,000,000 class (B) shares 650,000,000 650,000,000 Share A - Daily Closing Prices performer in the region 1,650,000,000 1,650,000,000 Basic/diluted earnings per share 1.4450 0.8375 after the election of a new Volume president by end of May. Most listed shares shot Legal reserve 75,543,036 59,935,830 942,275 $40 500,000 upwards to unchartered Retained earnings 263,175,988 209,685,044 400,000 territories on high volume. $35 Cumulative changes in fair value of Solidere shares were the available-for-sale securities 147,492 38,760 300,000 $30 most affected by that Surplus on sale of treasury shares 11,653,751 11,653,751 200,000 positive mood, both classes Less: Treasury shares (168,491,485) (162,663,803) $25 of shares jumping to new 100,000 Total Equity 1,832,028,782 1,768,649,582 heights, with the mood Share B traded between a Total Liabilities and Equity 2,569,254,612 2,126,581,497 $20 0 remaining bullish for the low of US$21.99 and a high 1 Apr 08 30 Apr 08 30 May 08 30 June 08 foreseeable future. of US$37.71, closing at Share A fluctuated during US$37.2, a 69% increase the quarter between a low from the previous quarter. Share B - Daily Closing Prices of US$21.97 and a high of Trading activity boomed US$37.82. The closing price during the quarter, with Volume was US$37.17, a 69% around 13 million shares increase from the previous of both classes traded in $40 500,000 quarter. the local market, a twofold 400,000 increase compared to the $35 previous quarter. 300,000 $30 The GDRs traded in the 200,000 London Stock Exchange $25 100,000 followed the locally traded shares, closing the quarter $20 0 at around US$36.99, a 67% 1 Apr 08 30 Apr 08 30 May 08 30 June 08 increase from the previous quarter closing level. Share price (US dollars) Trading volume 2 3 al zorah launching

A VIP groundbreaking ceremony Supreme Council and Ruler of 1 4 Cityscape Abu Dhabi unveiled Al Zorah on May 1, 2008. Ajman, Al Zorah aims to Al Zorah Development Company The AED 220 billion project is transform the emirate into a was present at Cityscape Abu a joint venture between the world class residential, tourism Dhabi held May 14-16. On this Government of Ajman and and investment destination. occasion, the company announced Solidere International Limited. Located along Ajman’s pristine pre-sales of AED10 billion, Al Zorah Development (Private) beachfront and creeks, representing the first wave of Company P.S.C. was Al Zorah will be a self- sales for Al Zorah Project. The incorporated as a Free Zone contained, master planned city overwhelming interest in the Company under the laws of with varied residential, office, project came during the two week Ajman on October 31, 2007. retail, school, hospital and pre-launch sales process, which In line with the vision of leisure facilities, including ended May 7. HH Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid marinas and a number Al Noaimi, member of the UAE of 5-star resort hotels.

2 Solidere International Chairman Al Zorah has arrived at 5 The success of our presales 6 and CEO Nasser Chammaa the right time, from the right is the strongest endorsement commented on how SI, in all its place. The level of interest in for the project. Al Zorah will be developments, is committed to the“ project shows investors are a“ unique accomplishment that working within the context and excited about the concept and embodies Ajman’s vision for building on the strengths of a master plan for this new the future and Solidere’s particular environment, be it mixed-use urban community international capabilities. natural or urban. of around 200,000 people. Mounib Hammoud Al Zorah presents a unique COO opportunity and is a project Solidere International ” that will benefit from Solidere’s city-making development approach, as well as Ajman’s business-friendly policies and Al Zorah is an ambitious, Al Zorah is a milestone varied innovations. 1. Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Noaimi with Al Zorah in Europe transformational project that for Ajman, reflecting the Lebanon public works minister Mohamad Both Solidere International and will contribute to the further combination of tradition and Dr Nasser Chammaa Safadi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Zorah were present at Expo Al Noaimi, chairman Nasser Chammaa and development of Ajman as one innovation that distinguishes Chairman and CEO Italia Real Estate, held in Milan “ “ Solidere International vice-chairman Nabil Boustany. of the most sought after places the emirate… It is a truly ” 2. Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Noaimi and June 10-13, 2008. They participated to live and work in the region, spectacular project that will Dr Chammaa. in the exhibition by displaying the while ensuring the conservation become an international 3. Imad Dana being interviewed by television. Al Zorah site, master plan, model of its nature for future destination. 4,7. Al Zorah at Cityscape Abu Dhabi. and marketing brochure to 5. Mr. Fahd Hariri with Mounib Hammoud. generations. It is thus well an international audience. Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Noaimi 6. TNI chairman Abdallah Mazrui with suited to the Solidere Chairman Mounib Hammoud. On June 12, Rami Dabbas, community-focused Al Zorah Development Company head of Ajman Real Estate development approach. ” The city will promote Al Zorah will be a sustainable Development and Investment conservation and outdoor life city in all respects, adopting best Authority and board member Dr Nasser Chammaa by providing an integrated practices in environmentally Chairman and CEO 3 7 of Al Zorah Development network of walkways, canals, friendly construction and living. Solidere International “ “ Company, gave an address on ” waterways, bicycle paths and Developers will conform to the Ajman, Present and Future public transport facilities, master plan, leaving the natural Prospects: Real Estate jogging tracks and equestrian beauty of the project location Developments and center. It will make Ajman the unharmed and employing energy- Sustainable Growth. best place to live and work efficient construction methods comfortably, in close proximity as well as materials. to the major hubs and gateways in the UAE. Imad Dana

Imad Dana CEO ” Al Zorah Development Company” 44 5 solidere international news

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F RUE RESTORED BUILDING

PUBLIC OR RELIGIOUS BUILDING

ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE 04PEDESTRIAN STREET / LINK

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RUE 01 ANCIENT TELL RESTORED BUILDING 02 PHOENICIAN CITY WALL (GLACIS) PUBLIC OR RELIGIOUS BUILDING 03 PETIT SERAIL 04 MARTYRS' STATUE 37 ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE 05 UFA OFFICE BUILDING 06 VIRGIN MEGASTORE BUILDING 01 PEDESTRIAN STREET / LINK 07 AMIR ASSAF MOSQUE 33 08 ETOILE SQUARE HERITAGE 09 ST ELIAS GREEK-CATHOLIC CHURCH 32 36 10 NOURIYEH CHAPEL 34 35 11 ST GEORGE GREEK-ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 28 02 29 07 38 12 PARLIAMENT 31 13 DEPUTIES' OFFICES 03 14 GRAND THEATRE m 2 5 = 12 05 H 27 BUILDINGS 15 ST GEORGE MARONITE CATHEDRAL 30 09 08 06 04 16 MOHAMMAD AL AMIN MOSQUE 13 m 2

5 17 SAIFI VILLAGE = 21 10 H 26 11 18 RIAD EL SOLH SQUARE 19 ASSEILY BUILDING m 8 4 =

H 01 ANCIENT TELL 22 20 20 ARAB BANK BUILDING 02 PHOENICIAN CITY WALL (GLACIS) 19 21 CENTRAL POST OFFICE 03 PETIT SERAIL 25 16 22 PAN AM BUILDING R

R 23 R R

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R (?) R 37 24 05 UFA OFFICE BUILDING 24 NATIONAL EVANGELICAL CHRUCH 06 VIRGIN MEGASTORE BUILDING 01 14 25 ST NISHAN ARMENIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 07 AMIR ASSAF MOSQUE 26 THE GRAND SERAIL 33 17 08 ETOILE SQUARE 27 ROMAN BATHS 09 ST ELIAS GREEK-CATHOLIC CHURCH 28 MEDITERRANEAN AROMATIC HERBS GARDEN 32 36 10 NOURIYEH CHAPEL 29 OTTOMAN MILITARY HOSPITAL (CDR) 34 35 11 ST GEORGE GREEK-ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 30 OTTOMAN CLOCK TOWER 28 02 29 07 38 12 PARLIAMENT 31 MAGHEN ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE 31 13 DEPUTIES' OFFICES 32 ST LOUIS CAPUCHIN CHURCH 03 14 GRAND THEATRE m

2 33 BAB IDRISS OLD GATE 5 = 12 05 H 27 15 ST GEORGE MARONITE CATHEDRAL 34 AMIR MUNZER MOSQUE 30 08 09 06 04 16 MOHAMMAD AL AMIN MOSQUE 35 AL OMARI MOSQUE 13 m 2

5 17 SAIFI VILLAGE = 21 10 H 36 MUNICIPALITY OF BEIRUT 26 11 18 RIAD EL SOLH SQUARE 37 ABOU BAKER (DABBAGHA) MOSQUE 19 ASSEILY BUILDING 38 BAB EL SARAY GARDEN m 8 4 = 22 20 H 20 ARAB BANK BUILDING 19 21 CENTRAL POST OFFICE 25 16 22 PAN AM BUILDING R

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R (?) R 24 24 NATIONAL EVANGELICAL CHRUCH 14 25 ST NISHAN ARMENIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 26 THE GRAND SERAIL 17 27 ROMAN BATHS 28 MEDITERRANEAN AROMATIC HERBS GARDEN 29 OTTOMAN MILITARY HOSPITAL (CDR) 1 30 OTTOMAN CLOCK TOWER 31 MAGHEN ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE 32 ST LOUIS CAPUCHIN CHURCH 33 BAB IDRISS OLD GATE 34 AMIR MUNZER MOSQUE 35 AL OMARI MOSQUE 36 MUNICIPALITY OF BEIRUT 37 ABOU BAKER (DABBAGHA) MOSQUE 38 BAB EL SARAY GARDEN 1. HRH Prince Khaled

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RUE FOCH RESTORED BUILDING Al-Faisal presents PUBLIC OR RELIGIOUS BUILDING Solidere with the ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE PEDESTRIAN STREET / LINK Sponsor Trophy, in the presence of HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman and Dr. Othman. 2. One of the Solidere 01 ANCIENT TELL 02 PHOENICIAN CITY WALL (GLACIS) 03 PETIT SERAIL panels at the exhibition. 04 MARTYRS' STATUE 37 05 UFA OFFICE BUILDING 06 VIRGIN MEGASTORE BUILDING 01 07 AMIR ASSAF MOSQUE 33 08 ETOILE SQUARE 09 ST ELIAS GREEK-CATHOLIC CHURCH 32 36 10 NOURIYEH CHAPEL 34 35 11 ST GEORGE GREEK-ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 28 02 29 07 38 12 PARLIAMENT 31 13 DEPUTIES' OFFICES 03 14 GRAND THEATRE

= 12 05 HH=52m 27 15 ST GEORGE MARONITE CATHEDRAL 30 09 08 06 04 16 MOHAMMAD AL AMIN MOSQUE 13

5 17 SAIFI VILLAGE

= 21 10 HH=52m 26 11 18 RIAD EL SOLH SQUARE 19 ASSEILY BUILDING

= 22 20 HH=48m 20 ARAB BANK BUILDING 19 21 CENTRAL POST OFFICE 25 16 22 PAN AM BUILDING R

R 23 R R

R R R R R

18 R R

R 15 R R R R R R R 23 SHAKER-OUEINI BUILDING

R (?) R 24 24 NATIONAL EVANGELICAL CHRUCH 14 25 ST NISHAN ARMENIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 26 THE GRAND SERAIL 17 27 ROMAN BATHS 28 MEDITERRANEAN AROMATIC HERBS GARDEN 29 OTTOMAN MILITARY HOSPITAL (CDR) 30 OTTOMAN CLOCK TOWER 31 MAGHEN ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE 32 ST LOUIS CAPUCHIN CHURCH 33 BAB IDRISS OLD GATE 34 AMIR MUNZER MOSQUE 35 AL OMARI MOSQUE 36 MUNICIPALITY OF BEIRUT 37 ABOU BAKER (DABBAGHA) MOSQUE BEIRUT CITY CENTER HERITAGE 38 BAB EL SARAY GARDEN

In Beirut city center, some 900 buildings, many in a dangerous and dilapidated state, survived the war. Of these, 291 buildings, 35% of the fabric, were salvaged; 180 are of significant historic value, including 26 religious and government buildings. The historic core is defined by group value to include 111 such buildings. With its high quality restoration, the city center is the place where heritage has been preserved.

Roof

4th Floor

3rd Floor

2nd Floor

1st Floor

Ground Floor

Lot 131 Marfaa South elevation before and after restoration 1st Basement

2nd Basement Solidere International annual general meeting Cairo projects 3rd Basement Urban Heritage exhibition During the last five months of the year 2007, Solidere Detailed master plans of The Prince Sultan Bin Salman Award International (SI) realized US$49 million in profit. both Westown and Eastown for Urban Heritage conference and

have been completed ahead Lot 131 Marfaa ground floor plan before and after restoration exhibition were held June 24 -26 Presided over by Chairman and CEO Nasser Chammaa, the first INTEGRATING HISTORIC annual general meeting of Solidere International, held in Dubai of schedule. Th e two projects FRONTS AND in Jeddah. Organized by Al-Turath MODERN on June 18, 2008, took the following resolutions: have hired the services of INTERIORS Foundation, headed by Dr. Zahir The external internationally renowned envelope was Othman, the award aims to raise kept and To approve the audited standalone and consolidated annual reinforced by architects. steel bracing, and public awareness of traditional accounts and financial statements of the Company for the period new functional core was rebuilt urban heritage and its role in future from the date of its incorporation to December 31, 2007; Solidere International has from scratch. also exercised its options in development. To grant the Directors a release for their management duties the Westown project, where Farid Nehme, chief operating manager for the period from the date of incorporation of the Company several parties have already CONTEXTUAL at Solidere Saudi Arabia, received to December 31, 2007; INFILL shown great interest in Each elevation from HRH Prince Khaled Al-Faisal Bin of the Atrium To re-appoint Deloitte and Touche and Ernst and Young as building mirrors buying and developing the adjoining Abdulaziz the Sponsor Trophy for its auditors of the Company to hold office from the conclusion property. A major launch of street character. participation in this event. of this Annual General Meeting to the conclusion of the next the project is scheduled for A presentation and a set of panels Annual General Meeting and to authorize the Board of Directors September 2008. highlighted Solidere's rich experience to determine the remuneration of the auditors. 2 in the area of heritage preservation. 6 7 the new city center

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1. Souks of Beirut rooftops. 2. Four Seasons Hotel and Marina Towers residential development. 3. Reconstitued traditional façade, private residence in Zokak El Blatt. 4. Eclectic architecture: traditional, Daouk building; modern, Starco commercial center; contemporary, Bank Audi headquarters and Beirut Tower in the background. 5. Restored to its original architecture, lot 799 Mina El Hosn residential building. 6. Infill building in the Conservation Area, Foch 126.

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Beirut Souks Newcomers In Beirut Souks, aubergine- Embassies color shingles, chevron The Danish Embassy moved cladding and skylights mark on June 9 into Solidere's the finishing touches of the embassy compound in Zokak Souks core, designed by El Blatt. Soon to follow will be Rafael Moneo. the Norwegian embassy, with Together with Moneo’s block an expected move-in date of M office building and Kevin mid August. Dash’s Jewelers’ block, they Retail constitute the South Souks, Bonja watches and jewelry expected to be functional Geisha restaurant beginning 2009.

Solidere BBN network Project completion 6 Solidere has successfully In the city center, 373 projects launched its IPTV Service offering 2. 735 million sq m of (TV service over Internet built-up area have so far been Protocol) to all residents of the subject of development. Beirut city center. Of the 147 new construction Users will be able to receive projects with 2.09 million sq m services such as TV, VOD of built-up area: (Video On Demand), gaming Projects BUA sq m Status and closed circuit advertizing. 47 291,325 Completed 17 340,262 Finishing stage 13 164,624 Under construction 70 1,300,160 At various stages 8 9 the soul of beirut

Beirut lives on Beatification As the country reached an The beatification ceremony for easing of recent political Father Yaacoub was presided deadlock, the city center over by HE reverend cardinal became the scene of massive Jose Saraïva Martin, with the celebrations; from concerts by participation of Patriarch Mar star singers and live television Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir. broadcasts, to spontaneous Martyrs’ Square, June 22. bursts of revelry. The beatification was the In a short time, businesses occasion for recitals by and restaurants reopened and Pascale Sakr and Abir Nehme, welcomed old and new St Louis Capuchin church, customers. Once again, Beirut June 7 and 20. proves that its heart never stops beating.

Samir Kassir Revival concerts April 13 commemoration Other events Sports A ceremony in memory of Samir Melhem Barakat, sponsored Olive tree planting Reforestation campaign, Vivicitta, Run for Peace, city Kassir was held on June 1 in the by BankMed and Medgulf, Organized by the Offre Joie organized by Getaway Ltd, center marathon sponsored by garden named after him. Walid Martyrs’ Square, May 26. NGO in Hadiqat as-Samah Press Club, May 31. HSBC. Winners of 21 km race: Hourani played piano pieces Beirut Wassat al Noujoum, as a symbol of peace and Red Cross Day presentation men, Chomiyeh Elimayo, from Tchaikovski, Chopin, concert, sponsored by reconciliation, at the end of a and event, Ceramic Lounge, women, Marie Debaba, both Scarlatti, and Liszt. BankMed and Medgulf, march to which all Lebanese June 1. from Ethiopia; wheelchair were invited, April 13. race, Mohamad Rachad Hajjaj, Martyrs’ Square, May 27 - 30. Euro Cup 2008 football from Egypt. Students, families MBC television, Al Aarab live, On Journée Mondiale de matches were seen by crowds and others took part in the Roman Baths, May 30. l’Environnement, the Green on a large screen installed in Garden Group planted an olive 5 km fun race, June 1. Television broadcasting, Maarad street, June 9 - 17. tree in the Hadiqat as-Samah, Basketball finals, Saifi Village, Kalam Al Naas program: Kermesse by Amis Solidaires June 5. June 1. Moutrane Street, May 22. Grand Lycée Franco-Libanais, Bike Gymkhana, Foch, June 1 Majida El Roumi, Martyrs’ Open-air installation BIEL, June 22. Paper rally on bikes, Scouts of Square, sponsored by Haven’t 15 years of hiding Autism Day, by the Lebanese Lebanon, June 8. BankMed and Medgulf, June 1. in the toilets been enough? autism society, BIEL, June 14. by Nada Sehnaoui - discussions, Beat of the Nation, three music and poetry, memories popular music concerts, from everyday life during the Virgin Megastore, June 6 - 8. civil war, April 13 - 26.

10 performing arts

Samir Kassir Garden Nejmeh Square Miriane Zgheib, French songs Capoiera Sobreviventes Tony Bayeh, Oriental songs Khat Ahmar, rap by Zaki Nassif Karimbo, rap Ramcess, rap/reggae Oxygene, rap Microbe Crew, rap Bicro-phone, rap Hedne, Oriental Rama’s Whisper, guitar Fête de la musique Mia Habis, French songs Tahet Ta’et el Mass’oulié, rap On June 21, Beirut and its city Mashrou’a Leila, jazz Kristen Hope, rap center celebrated as usual the The Blue Label, jazz Solo musicians. Anne Steenkamp, rock/grunge traditional Fête de la Musique. Evangelical Church Escape, rock This event, which originated Classical music concert by Vibrations, alternative rock in France in 1982, has spread Ghassan Yamine music school. worldwide to become World The Crave, alternative rock. Music Day. Roman Baths Many amateur and professional Youmna Saba, Oriental sounds musicians from Lebanon and Raya Hillal, music variety abroad brought their music Champlain, French songs to Beirut city center for the Ashek’man, rap enjoyment of all. Open air Ramez, rap concerts were held in Samir Katibe 5, rap Kassir Garden and at the Doshka, electro-Oriental Roman Baths, while solo Meen, Lebanese rock musicians played in the Maarad Ziad Saad, pop rock and Foch-Allenby area. Indoors 961 crew, rap concerts were performed in the I-Voice, rap Evangelical church. Joe Youssef, Arabic pop.

Music and theater BIEL David and Cathy Guetta, concert, April 12. Ferry Corsten, DJ concert, May 2. DJ John Digweed, May 24. Music Hall Liban Jazz with Elizabeth Kontamanou, April 27. Bernard Lavilliers concert, May 11. Ours, alias Charles Souchon, concert, May 25. Liban World concert Roberto Fonseca, June 3. Other The Middle Beast, play by Joe Kodeih, Monroe Hotel, April 1 – 30. Le nuage d’eau et d’air, theater for children by La Nuvole, Planet Discovery, April 24 – 26. Music album signing, Ave Maria by Ghada Ghanem, Virgin Megastore Juin 29. 1212 13 cultural activities

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Quartier des Arts Galerie Alwane Fatima el-Hajj, May 2-17. Hassan Jouni, June 13-28. La Posta J’aime mon Liban, artisan work by Maria Arida, Zeina Abillama and Marilyn Massoud, May 1–10. Pièce Unique 2 A window to the Netherlands, 6 photographs by Erik Franssen, 84 slides presented by William Engelen, who also composed music performed by young Lebanese musicians played in the garden, June 17 - 30. Aida Cherfane 1. Jasenka Tucan-Vaillant 2. Hussein Madi Ali Chams paintings, 3. Live Debris April 11 - May 2. 4. Aïshti fashion show Omaggio alla Donna, 5. Hassan Jouni 6. Fatima Hajj Hussein Madi, 7. Javier Reverte May 23 - June 13.

Planet Discovery Home Works IV forum on cultural practices in Beirut, organized by Ashkal Alwan, Lebanese Association for Plastic Arts, April 12-20. Signs of conflict, political posters of Lebanon’s civil war 1975-1990, Zeina Maasri, April 12 – May 1. Fashion 3 4 7 Books, lectures etc. BIEL Biodiversité science exhibition, Live Debris, Taylor Stevenson El Bourj bookstore Instituto Cervantes Go Forward, National Council of Scientific exhibition and workshop on Story telling for children by Voyager pour écrire, lecture by recruitment fair, Research, with Yann Arthus- international re-use art Nisrine Ojeil, April 12. writer Javier Reverte, April 15. April 17-20. Bertrand wildlife photography, techniques, Souk al Tayeb, Le Liban autrement, book Lecture by writer Alberto Ruy Project Lebanon, April 15 – May 15. May 3. signing, guidebook and Sanchez, April 22. June 3-7. Carnets de voyages, Jasenka Fashion show, Aïshti, exhibition of photographs by End of season celebration, Horeca Lebanon, Tucan-Vaillant tapestry, Moutrane street, May 6. Cherine Yazbeck, May 17. musical performance and June 23-27. sculpture and Japanese Political Parties and the State dancing, Maarad street, June 27. papers, under the patronage in Lebanon (in Arabic),Book of French ambassador, André signing, by Nassim Daher, Souk Al Tayeb Parent, May 16 - 31. June 12. Kids’ books, April 26.

14 15 in and about the city center

1 Beirut in the world East Mediterranean yacht rally 26 catamarine yachts sailed into Beirut Marina as part of the East 1. Nigerian Mediterranean yacht rally, June 1. ambassador Arabic Graphics Hameed Opeloyeru. 2. Vice president This exhibition of the work of James Hickson award-winning graphic designer with a Morgan Tarek Atrissi took place at the Stanley delegation. Levant Foundation, Amsterdam, May 7 – June 22. 2 Atrissi has worked with Solidere on the corporate and visual identity of Al Zorah Project, jointly planned and developed by the government of Ajman and Solidere International. Beirut world capital Beirut has been nominated by UNESCO as World Book Capital 2009. The Lebanese capital was chosen among four candidates: Bangkok, Thailand; Cape Town, South Africa and Kazan, Russian Federation. Beirut was selected in the light of its focus on cultural diversity, dialogue and tolerance, and for its varied and stimulating programs. Visitors The events to be held on this Official visitors occasion in 2009 were presented Nigerian ambassador Hameed on April 15 by culture minister Opeloyeru, with Anthony Busah, Tarek Mitri in a press conference minister and head of chancery, at the London Book Fair. Nigerian Embassy. Business Professionals and academics James Hickson, vice-president Simon Platt, Tim Makower and Morgan Stanley, Saudi Arabia, Eric Martin, Allies & Morrison with a delegation; Aidroo H Architects, UK; Guerric Pere, Al Esayi, Saudi Real Estate and general director, and Gabriel Investment Company; Melanie Quentin, project chief, Ilex Robert, sales and leasing paysage-urbanisme, France; executive, Aswaq Management Houssam Al Karim and Zouheir and Services, Abu Dhabi; Bakhit, HAK architecture, Saudi Michael Schmid, managing Arabia; John Pegg, Craft: pegg director, Kieback and Peter, architecture landscape, UK; Germany, with Thomas Kabelitz, Dieter Wellmann, senior export manager, and five associate, Chris Blandford representatives; Robert Uthwatt, Associates; landscape project management, COWI A/S architects Daniel Day Miller, Dubai; Jorgen Juhl, chief project UK, and Michele Wurm, manager, COWI A/S, Denmark; USA/UK; Lebanese University Ghada Kamal, SODIC, Egypt; 15 students. representatives from French construction companies. The Lebanese Company forPOBox the 119493 Development Beirut and 2012 Reconstruction 7305 of Lebanon, Beirut Tel Central 961 District 1 s.a.l., 980650 / 980660, Fax 961 1 980661 / 980662, [email protected], www.solidere.com