The First Syrian-Emirati Investment Forum: Multi-Billion Dollar Investments and Anticipated Economic Revival

Under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the activities of the third day of the First Syrian-Emirati Investment Forum were held at the People's Palace in Damascus. A delegation from the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Industry participated in the event, headed by Dr. Mazen Deirwan, Chairman of the Federation, and attended by Mr. Mohamed Ayman Al-Molawi (Secretary of the Federation and Chairman of the Damascus and its Countryside Chamber of Industry), Mr. Imad Taha Al-Qasim (Board Member of the Federation and Chairman of the Aleppo Chamber of Industry), board member Mr. Iyad Beitinjaneh, Mr. Abdullah Al-Zayed (Secretary of the Damascus Chamber of Industry), and Mr. Khaldoun Dado (Director of the Federation).{C}

Following the opening remarks by Dr. Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar, Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry, and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, a panel discussion was held. The panel featured Dr. Mazen Deirwan, Chairman of the Federation; Mr. Talal Al-Hilali, Head of the Syrian Investment Authority; Emirati businessman Mr. Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar Properties; and Mr. Abdel Kader Sankari, Chairman of Sankari Investment Group. The discussion was moderated by prominent media personality Loubna Bouza.{C}

During the panel, Mr. Mohamed Alabbar announced Emaar's intention to enter the Syrian real estate sector with projects valued at approximately $19 billion. He highlighted Syria's immense wealth across various sectors, particularly in industry, trade, and tourism, noting that the country could potentially increase its tourist arrivals to 8 million within 5 years, which would positively impact the economic landscape.{C}

Mr. Abdel Kader Sankari announced that the United Arab Emirates has committed to restoring the Umayyad Mosque and its surrounding areas in Old Damascus, given its profound archaeological, humanitarian, and Islamic significance worldwide. He also highlighted the humanitarian and charitable projects being executed in Syria by the "Hand" Foundation, which he chairs.{C}

For his part, Mr. Talal Al-Hilali called on investors to seize opportunities in Syria immediately, emphasizing the vast investment prospects available across all sectors, alongside the streamlined procedures, tax incentives, and legal frameworks designed to promote a safe investment environment and protect investors' rights.

Dr. Mazen Deirwan focused on the deep-rooted heritage of Syrian industry, noting its resilience and adaptability to all circumstances, as well as the proven capability of Syrian professionals to innovate. He revealed that more than 4,000 new industrial licenses were issued during 2025 and that all plots in the Adra Industrial City have been fully exhausted. He added that an expansion plan for Adra City will be launched soon to accommodate more companies and investors, praising the attractive tax and investment laws that meet the ambitions of any investor looking to enter the Syrian market

13/5/2026