Middle East - Is Beirut truly a dense metropolis?

Hey everyone. I'm traveling to the city of Beirut for the first time this summer. I've heard that Beirut is completely unlike other Middle Eastern big cities like Dubai and Doha. While those cities were built on desert sands, Beirut was built on a coastline flanked by hills and mountains. Plus, Beirut has a nice waterfront and nice beaches.

I just have a couple of questions regarding Beirut and its georgraphy.

Are there any large, flat, wide-open fields within the Beirut city limits?

Take a look at these two pictures-

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd51/Jericho-79/0b0788c169b069485605ad1e0b842cd9.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd51/Jericho-79/MagneticHillsite.png

Does the city of Beirut have any of these vast, open spaces outside of BCD?

Thanks everyone.

Fifteen minutes on google earth should answer your question.

Unfortunately, Beirut no longer has these VAST OPEN spaces like the ones seen in your pictures. There are a few spots here and there (and we are fighting to keep them as such) but Beirut is a concrete jungle. If you have time to visit areas outside Beirut, you will see a lot more of that "green stuff" :D

@ BEYFlyer

Are they going to build more skyscrapers on the reclaimed land next to the Beirut Marina?

I doubt you will see any skyscrapers there; mostly 4 and 5 storied buildings. Then again, who knows... Solidere (the company charged with planning and reconstructing downtown Beirut) does whatever Solidere wants. I really feel sorry for those who bought apartments along the existing sea front years ago only to watch as that wonderful sea view was reclaimed right in front of their eyes...

@ BEYFlyer

Are there any more plans for land reclamation along the coastline of Beirut?

How about east of the Beirut Docks and the Port of Beirut?

Not to my knowledge... At one point, there was talk of reclaiming south of the airport (and in the shape of a cedar tree; along the lines of the palm project in the UAE) but I am not sure if that project got any serious investment.