One Square Meter explores the leading architectural designs, city plans and demand for property investment in emerging markets. Join CNN's John Defterios as he visits some of the world's most dynamic cities for an insight into the fast-paced world of real estate development.

Beirut, Lebanon (CNN) -- If cranes are a visual barometer of the economic vibe of a city then central Beirut is buzzing.

Targeted car bombings linked to the ongoing Syrian conflict have raised anxiety and hurt overall growth in the Lebanese capital in recent years. But this seems to be a city that endures when it comes to real estate.

During the boom years towards the end of the last decade, total sales rose by 36% here hitting nearly $9.5 billion in 2010, according to Bank Audi.

And even though there was a slowdown last year, real estate purchases fell just 2.4% to $8.7 billion. [CNN]