Syria, Between Challenges and Opportunities: commitments to large-scale investments (3/4)

In our two previous articles, we examined Syria’s various assets as well as the numerous challenges it faces. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the country has entered a new era, bringing with it huge opportunities. The formation of a new government led by Ahmad al-Charaa, and Donald Trump’s announcement of the lifting of U.S. sanctions, has triggered Syria’s reconstruction. Since then, donations, investments, and capital have poured into the country. It is therefore worth looking at the sectors that would benefit most from these capital inflows and the impact they could have on Syria’s future economic development.

The Energy Sector, a government priority

With electricity production limited to just a few hours per day, it is imperative for the new government to rehabilitate its energy network. Accordingly, Syria signed a $7 billion agreement with UCC Holding, a Qatari energy consortium, to build new power plants based primarily on natural gas and solar energy. Together, these plants aim to produce nearly 5,000 megawatts, roughly half of Syria’s pre-war electricity consumption.

In addition, during the Syrian-Saudi summit in July 2025, Saudi Arabia pledged $150 million for energy projects.

American firms, such as Baker Hughes, Hunt Energy, and Argent LNG, plan also to modernize Syria’s oil and gas infrastructure in order to improve hydrocarbon extraction and refining, thereby strengthening the country’s energy independence and paving the way for potential hydrocarbon exports.

Infrastructure, the backbone of trade flows

Thanks to its geographical position, Syria is destined to become a major regional trade hub. It is therefore crucial to rehabilitate and modernize land, sea, and air transport infrastructure to ensure the smooth flow of goods and people.

It is in this context that the country signed an agreement of $800 million with DP World, the Emirati logistics heavyweight, to expand the Port of Tartus. Latakia is also being developed, with the Syrian government signing a $262 million agreement with CMA CGM to modernize its port. As for Damascus International Airport, Qatar has committed to modernize it with a $4 billion investment.

On another level, a $2 billion agreement was signed to develop a metro line linking the eastern and western districts of the Syrian capital.

Real Estate: everything must be rebuilt

At the Syrian-Saudi Forum of July 2025, nearly $3 billion were allocated to the real estate and construction sectors. Saudi Arabia, in partnership with Khashoggi Holding and Radiant Structures, announced the construction of a plant capable of producing more than 6,000 tons of cement per day which is the amount needed to build a 15-story residential tower.

A $2 billion partnership with the Italian company UBAKO was likewise signed to build the “Damascus Towers,” a complex of several dozen residential high-rises, to rival the skyscrapers of New York and Dubai.

In a country devastated by years of war, Syria faces a severe housing shortage that will only grow as refugees return. This surge in demand creates pressing urban planning challenges. The government must follow a rigorous development plan that integrates housing, infrastructure, public services, and thorough city planning to create livable urban spaces.

Next article: Digital and Banking Modernization (4/4)