- The Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum 2025 marked the signing of 47 agreements worth $6.4 billion, launching a new phase of economic cooperation.
- Saudi Arabia announced the creation of a joint business council, led by Mohammed Abunayyan, to strengthen private sector engagement.
- The deals cover strategic sectors such as infrastructure, telecom, agriculture, and finance.
The Syrian capital, Damascus, witnessed the signing of 47 agreements and memorandums of understanding with a total value of approximately SAR 24 billion (USD 6.4 billion), during the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum 2025, which kicked off with broad participation from representatives of both public and private sectors from the two countries.
During the forum’s opening session, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih announced that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had directed the establishment of a Joint Saudi-Syrian Business Council, bringing together a select group of top business leaders to drive a strategic economic partnership led by the private sector.
High-Level Saudi Delegation
On Wednesday, Damascus welcomed a high-ranking Saudi delegation headed by the Minister of Investment, including representatives from over 100 private companies and 20 government entities. The visit, based on directives from the Crown Prince, aimed to launch a new era of investment cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Syria.
Syrian Minister of Industry Nidal Al-Shaar emphasized the significance of the visit, noting that the deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties between Syria and Saudi Arabia form a strong foundation for building effective strategic partnerships that serve the interests of both peoples and enhance opportunities for investment and development.
Launch of Joint Business Council
Al-Falih confirmed that the newly established business council will be led by prominent businessman Mohammed bin Abdullah Abunayyan, along with a team of leading Saudi investors. The council aims to accelerate economic cooperation and facilitate the execution of joint projects.
Key Agreements and Sectors
The signed agreements cover major initiatives across critical sectors, including:
- Infrastructure and Real Estate Development: Deals exceeding SAR 11 billion, including plans to build three new cement factories in Syria with Saudi funding to support local self-sufficiency and construction needs.
- Telecommunications and IT: Strategic partnerships with major Saudi firms such as STC and Elm to develop Syria’s digital infrastructure, boost cybersecurity, and establish AI and programming academies. Estimated value: SAR 4 billion.
- Agriculture: Plans for modern farming projects, grain and organic production, model farms, and food processing industries, focusing on knowledge exchange and advanced agricultural technologies.
- Financial Services: A memorandum of understanding between Saudi Tadawul Group and the Damascus Securities Exchange to enhance collaboration in fintech, dual listings, data sharing, and the launch of new investment funds.
Additionally, a major real estate project in Homs, led by Saudi-based Bayt Alebaa, was announced.
Growing Economic Integration
Minister Al-Falih noted that Syrian direct investments in Saudi Arabia have reached around SAR 10 billion, highlighting the growing economic interdependence and the momentum toward a mutually beneficial strategic partnership.
He also praised the Syrian government’s reform efforts to improve the investment climate — most notably the amendment to the Investment Law in June, which enhanced transparency, provided greater investor guarantees, and simplified procedures. He further pointed to the imminent activation of the Saudi-Syrian Investment Protection Agreement.
A Promising Future
The forum concluded with the official signing of agreements and a detailed presentation of investment opportunities in Syria. Minister Al-Falih emphasized that these initiatives mark the beginning of a promising new phase of cooperation and economic integration, backed by strong political will from both leaderships, and paving the way for transformational investments and strategic partnerships in the near future.
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