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 Mohammad Zeidan Development Association in Saida and the Beirut Arab University - Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Urban Environment announced that a memorandum of understanding was signed between them today, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, to implement several development projects in the old city of Saida.

The signing ceremony took place at the association's headquarters in saida and was attended by the President of Beirut Arab University, Dr. Amr Jalal Al-Adawi, the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Professor Ibtihal Youssef Al-Bustoussi, Dr. Khaled Sadeq, the Assistant Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Heba Mohsen, as an Assistant Professor, and Dr. Karim Saad Jalal as an Associate Professor.

Representing the association were its President, Engineer Dr. Hatem Khodr Badih, and the association's patron, Mr. Mohammad Hassan Zeidan, accompanied by his special advisor, Engineer Professor Haifa Al-Amin, along with the former President of the association, the veteran engineer Professor Khodr Badih, and the Secretary General, lawyer Professor Abdul Halim Al-Zain, in addition to the association's members, Ms. Farah Zidan and Mr. Rabih Al-Awji.

Ms. Farah Zeidan, on behalf of the association, welcomed all the attendees and expressed the association's joy in collaborating with Beirut Arab University. She highlighted the joint goals and aspirations and commended the university's efforts as a whole, particularly the Faculty of Architecture, for serving the community and the participating students who will provide engineering and scientific consultations related to the intended projects, including the preparation of execution plans, specifications, quantities, as well as conducting field surveys for the planned rehabilitation areas. Ms. Zeidan emphasized the association's commitment to continuing cooperation with Beirut Arab University to preserve Sidon's architectural heritage and maintain the city's vibrancy in its neighborhoods and streets, making it a destination for people from all around the world.

In turn, Dr. Amr Jalal Al-Adawi, the President of Beirut Arab University, delivered a speech on this occasion, expressing his happiness about the ongoing collaboration with the Muhammad Zidan Development Association in Sidon. He noted that the Faculty of Architecture at Beirut Arab University has executed several projects in Lebanon, especially in Tripoli, Beirut, and Sidon. He reaffirmed the university's commitment to contribute its capabilities in charitable work and serving the city of Sidon and its residents.

Mr. Mohammad Zeidan confirmed that the association's voluntary projects in saida and its implemented projects are purely service-oriented, driven by love and appreciation for the city, its heritage, and its people, without any personal interests or ambitions. He added that old Sidon is a national and global treasure that must be preserved and not left neglected or excluded from tourism programs. Choosing the Bab Al-Saray Square in Sidon as the first project to be implemented in collaboration with Beirut Arab University is attributed to its location in the heart of the old city and its role as a meeting point for several neighborhoods, housing traditional cafes visited by tourists from all over. Mr. Zeidan explained that the project's budget has been allocated, and the focus now is on starting the implementation and completing the work as quickly as possible, preferably before the upcoming blessed month of Ramadan. He expressed gratitude to the Dean of the Faculty, hoping that this collaboration will be successful and bring prosperity to the city of Saida and its people.

Dean Professor Ibtihal Youssef Al-Bustoussi echoed Mr. Mohammad Zeidan's sentiment, emphasizing that the collaborative work being pursued is far from personal goals and interests. She added that Beirut Arab University is dedicated to charitable work and human relationships, and the university engages in such endeavors to serve people without expecting any material gain in return. Professor Al-Bustoussi confirmed that this flexible project addresses the needs of residents and marks the beginning of cooperation between the university and the association, with the hope that it will lead to success, continuity, and the launch of other projects and achievements for the collective benefit. She noted that the team includes specialized students working under the supervision of experienced professors known for their expertise.

After the memorandum was signed and the President of the University, Dr. Amr Jalal Al-Adawi, and Mr. Mohammad Hassan Zeidan left, a meeting was held between the association's president, Engineer Dr. Hatem Badih, and several engineers and specialists from both parties to establish the execution mechanism. The attendees then embarked on a tour of Sidon, specifically visiting the Bab Al-Saray site for an on-site inspection.

This signing comes after a series of meetings and discussions aimed at establishing cooperation between the two parties in the present and the future. The association sought to achieve such an understanding due to the Faculty of Architecture at Beirut Arab University having conducted engineering studies on several neighborhoods in old Saida. It had previously prepared a 3D survey of Bab Al-Saray Square in old Saida and conducted research, programs, and studies related to the subject.

The first fruit of this understanding is the rehabilitation and restoration project of Bab Al-Saray Square and its facades, which includes thirty residential units and twenty commercial and artisanal shops. This will be followed by the rehabilitation and restoration of several other neighborhoods, old buildings, and infrastructure in the city.