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A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Municipality of Sidon, represented by its mayor, Dr. Hazem Khodr Badee’, and in the presence of its lawyer, Hassan Shamseddine, and the "Mohammad Zidan Development Association in Sidon," represented by its president, Dr. Hatem Badee’, and in the presence of the executive director, Farah Zidan, Rania Zidan, and the association’s lawyer, Eli Saab.  

A joint statement from the municipality and the association noted that the signing of the MoU comes "within the framework of the developmental projects carried out by the association in Sidon, which include the restoration of old neighborhoods and buildings and the development of infrastructure, in cooperation and coordination with the Municipality of Sidon, with the aim of development and preserving the architectural heritage and cultural identity of the old city." The statement added that "the Mohammad Zidan Development Association in Sidon, in cooperation with Beirut Arab University – Faculty of Architecture / Dbayeh, had previously prepared a comprehensive and detailed study for the rehabilitation and restoration project of the square and facades of the Bab Al-Saray neighborhood in the old city of Sidon."  

The statement clarified that "the two parties agreed that the Mohammad Zidan Development Association in Sidon would undertake, at its full responsibility and expense, the implementation of the rehabilitation and restoration works of Bab Al-Saray Square and the houses and units overlooking it, which approximately number thirty residential units and twenty commercial and craft shops, in addition to restoring the facades facing the square. The Municipality of Sidon expressed its readiness to issue the necessary permits and obtain all required official licenses on behalf of the association to implement the project, as well as to coordinate directly with the Directorate General of Antiquities at the Ministry of Culture."  

The statement mentioned that "while the MoU identified the violations that must be removed to facilitate the launch of the project and fulfill the conditions set by the Directorate of Antiquities, the Municipality of Sidon has taken upon itself the responsibility of removing these violations. Accordingly, coordination between the association and the municipality will be carried out through a follow-up committee. Upon completion of the works, the Municipality of Sidon will oversee the neighborhood and preserve its aesthetics and distinctive character, while taking necessary measures against any action that may distort the public scene or harm the area."  

The association hoped that "political parties in the city of Sidon would show interest and cooperate with the Municipality of Sidon to support efforts to remove existing violations, as the Bab Al-Saray Square rehabilitation project is a pivotal step in protecting the old city and enhancing its social and cultural role, reflecting a genuine commitment to preserving heritage and improving the urban environment."  

The statement affirmed that "through this project, Bab Al-Saray Square will regain its role as a vibrant heart of heritage, vitality, and beauty."