UAE and Syria Launch Major Investment Forum in Damascus to Boost Economic Ties

Damascus recently hosted the inaugural UAE-Syria Investment Forum, a landmark event aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and exploring new trade horizons. Led by the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the delegation arrived to a warm reception, signaling a new chapter in the long-standing historical relationship between the two countries.

Key Highlights

The forum focuses on integrating the economies of both nations through joint developmental and production projects.

Massive Investments: High-profile projects worth billions are on the table, involving major entities like Eagle Hills and DP World.

Diverse Sectors: Cooperation spans across 14 key industries including energy, healthcare, technology, and food security.

Strong Foundations: Trade between the two nations reached $1.3 billion last year, supported by over 40,000 Syrian companies operating in the UAE.

• Strategic Partnership: The forum focuses on integrating the economies of both nations through joint developmental and production projects.

• Massive Investments: High-profile projects worth billions are on the table, involving major entities like Eagle Hills and DP World.

• Diverse Sectors: Cooperation spans across 14 key industries including energy, healthcare, technology, and food security.

• Strong Foundations: Trade between the two nations reached $1.3 billion last year, supported by over 40,000 Syrian companies operating in the UAE.

Strategic Partnership: The forum focuses on integrating the economies of both nations through joint developmental and production projects.

Massive Investments: High-profile projects worth billions are on the table, involving major entities like Eagle Hills and DP World.

Diverse Sectors: Cooperation spans across 14 key industries including energy, healthcare, technology, and food security.

Strong Foundations: Trade between the two nations reached $1.3 billion last year, supported by over 40,000 Syrian companies operating in the UAE.

Strengthening Economic Bonds

The UAE delegation emphasized that Syria holds a special place in the hearts of Emiratis. Minister Al Zeyoudi stated that the primary goal is to elevate bilateral relations to serve mutual interests, moving beyond traditional trade toward a model of comprehensive development and shared prosperity.

Syrian officials echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership represents more than just financial transactions. Minister of Economy Nidal Al-Shaar remarked that combining UAE resources with Syrian talent is not just about building projects, but about building a sustainable future for the region.

High-Value Projects and Trade

Major investment deals are already taking shape following previous memorandums of understanding. These include a massive $50 billion real estate venture by Eagle Hills and a $1.5 billion hospitality investment by the Al Habtoor Group.

Infrastructure and energy also play a central role in this collaboration. DP World is looking into an $800 million project involving the Port of Tartous, while Dana Gas has signed a memorandum to develop Syrian gas fields. These initiatives aim to provide a significant boost to the productive capacities of both nations.

A Roadmap for Future Growth

The forum sessions are designed to provide a direct platform for government and private sector leaders to discuss specific opportunities. Key areas of focus include:

• Technology and Digital Transformation: Modernizing systems for better efficiency.

• Logistics and Aviation: Enhancing the flow of goods and people between the two hubs.

• Food Security and Agriculture: Ensuring stable supply chains for the future.

• Education and Healthcare: Investing in human capital and community well-being.

Technology and Digital Transformation: Modernizing systems for better efficiency.

Logistics and Aviation: Enhancing the flow of goods and people between the two hubs.

Food Security and Agriculture: Ensuring stable supply chains for the future.

Education and Healthcare: Investing in human capital and community well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the UAE-Syria Investment Forum?

The forum aims to create a direct dialogue between government officials and private investors to identify projects that offer mutual economic growth and long-term stability.

Which UAE companies are leading the investment efforts?

Major players include Eagle Hills in real estate, Al Habtoor Group in tourism, DP World in logistics, and Dana Gas in the energy sector.

How strong is the current trade relationship?

The relationship is already robust, with trade figures hitting $1.3 billion last year and a significant presence of 40,000 Syrian businesses currently established in the UAE.