Delegation of Syrian Entrepreneurs Headed to Riyadh for Business Meeting
Saudi Arabia has significantly increased its reconstruction aid and private sector investments in Syria, focusing on various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and banking. This renewed engagement was evident in a series of major initiatives and agreements solidified in 2025.
One of the key events was the Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum held in July 2025 in Damascus. The forum, which took place at the presidential palace, consolidated investments worth over $6.4 billion across 47 agreements. The event also introduced travel licenses for investors and businesspeople from both countries, aiming to facilitate commerce and investment.
Trade between the two countries has experienced a significant surge. In the first five months of 2025, trade increased by 80% compared to the previous year, reaching about SR900 million (roughly $240 million). By the end of the year, it is expected to surpass SR2 billion (around $530 million)—the highest trade volume in 13 years. Saudi investments in Syria have risen dramatically, from SR1.7 billion in 2003-2015 to an estimated SR24 billion in 2025 (~$6.4 billion).
A landmark Investment Protection Agreement was signed between Syria and Saudi Arabia in August 2025. This accord aims to promote and protect mutual investments and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy and deepen regional cooperation. The agreement supports Syrian economic recovery and reflects Saudi Arabia’s vital partner status in Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction effort.
Saudi Arabia's investments include infrastructure projects like a $20 million cement facility near Damascus and a $100 million retail tower, backed by Saudi firms. Energy has attracted major attention, with plans to rebuild Syria’s power and oil production sectors. Saudi Arabia’s approach is part of broader regional involvement, alongside Qatar and others, with Qatar signing a $7 billion power deal with Damascus in parallel.
The political and strategic dimensions of Saudi support for Syria’s reconstruction are also noteworthy. Saudi Arabia’s economic commitment underscores its political support for the interim Syrian government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. The support also serves as a counterpoint to Israeli military actions in Syria and regional power dynamics involving Iran.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s reconstruction aid and private sector investments in Syria concentrate on infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and banking with multi-billion-dollar commitments through official forums and agreements. These efforts represent early-stage steps against a broader, highly costly reconstruction challenge.
- Saudi Arabia's reconstruction aid and investments in Syria, totaling over $6.4 billion, focus on sectors such as energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and banking.
- The first five months of trade between Saudi Arabia and Syria in 2025 saw an 80% increase compared to the previous year, reaching about SR900 million (roughly $240 million).
- The Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum, held in Damascus in July 2025, facilitated 47 agreements and introduced travel licenses for businesspeople from both countries.
- The Investment Protection Agreement signed between Syria and Saudi Arabia in August 2025 aims to promote and protect mutual investments, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
- Among Saudi Arabia's investments in Syria are a $20 million cement facility near Damascus and a $100 million retail tower, supported by Saudi firms.
- In addition to economic investments, the political and strategic dimensions of Saudi Arabia's support for Syria's reconstruction underscore its political backing for the interim Syrian government.
- Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Syria’s reconstruction, alongside Qatar and others, serves as a counterpoint to regional power dynamics involving Iran and Israeli military actions in Syria.
