In a significant step toward economic recovery, Syria and Saudi Arabia finalized several major investment agreements on Saturday, committing billions of dollars in collaborative projects designed to strengthen Syria’s telecommunications, aviation, and infrastructure sectors. These accords include an ambitious telecom initiative to enhance regional connectivity, the establishment of a low-cost joint airline, and plans for an international airport in Syria’s northern city of Aleppo.
The war-torn Syrian economy, greatly weakened after years of devastation that resulted in nearly half a million deaths and widespread infrastructure collapse, is now cautiously reopening to foreign investments. This shift has been facilitated by the removal of most Western sanctions following a regime change that saw the ouster of former President Bashar Assad in late 2024, enabling capital inflows and international business engagement.
Abdulsalam Haykal, Syria's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, revealed details about the telecommunications project, which is allocated close to $1 billion in investment. The initiative will unfold in two phases over a period ranging from eighteen months to two years. Haykal explained that the project — named SilkLink — aims to position Syria as a strategic hub in global telecommunications by laying down thousands of kilometers of fiber optic cables to improve internet connectivity linking Asia and Europe.
Saudi Telecom Company (STC Group) will spearhead the telecom project, as confirmed by Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih, underlining the depth of Saudi participation in Syria's economic revitalization.
Further enhancing bilateral cooperation, the Syrian Energy Ministry entered into an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power, an established entity in power generation and water desalination. This collaboration is expected to facilitate advancements in Syria's water infrastructure, a critical component in supporting both domestic needs and industrial activities.
Among the investment deals is the formation of Flynas Syria, a new budget airline created through joint efforts by the two nations. While financial specifics of this venture remain undisclosed, it highlights a strategic thrust to reinvigorate Syria's aviation sector by providing affordable air travel options domestically and possibly internationally.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia is undertaking the establishment of an investment fund tasked with upgrading and developing Aleppo’s international airport to accommodate up to 12 million travelers annually. This project represents a pivotal infrastructure undertaking aimed at boosting the region’s accessibility and economic potential.
These initiatives follow a prior announcement in July when Syria and Saudi Arabia declared 47 investment agreements collectively worth more than $6 billion, underscoring a growing momentum in cross-border economic engagement.