The first Syrian-Emirati investment forum in Damascus. Prospects for Cooperation and Partnership
The activities of the first Syrian-Emirati Investment Forum, organized by the Syrian Investment Commission, began today, Monday, 11/5/2026, with the aim of discussing the prospects of investment and economic cooperation between the two brotherly countries, at the Ebla Al-Sham Hotel, southeast of Damascus.
Slogan: Syria's return to the Arab economic movement
In a speech at the start of the forum, Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar stressed that the UAE has been able
to build a development model in work that is not only based on the economy, but also on efficiency and creating an environment in which people feel that effort and thought are capable of doing the impossible.
" Our relationship with the UAE is based on mutual respect and deep ties, and we are united by the common belief that real development begins with the common vision between the two countries
Today's forum reflects the return of trust and normal communication between the brothers and the return of Syria to the heart of the Arab and global economic movement.
Al-Hilali: Syria opens its doors for investment
In a speech during the forum, the Director General of the Syrian Investment Authority, Talal Al-Hilali, said that Syria welcomes Emirati investors and invites them to actively participate in building Syria's new economic future.
Al-Hilali pointed out that the UAE has achieved qualitative economic and investment leaps that have made it a role model at the Arab and global levels, thanks to the speed of achievement, the possession of knowledge and the ability to create an attractive environment for investment, and Syria is embarking on a new path that requires real cooperation to achieve the desired economic development.
He explained that the Syrian Investment Commission has worked during the past period to develop the investment environment by simplifying procedures, activating the investment law, facilitating licenses, in addition to activating the single window to provide services to investors in all governorates, and accelerating approvals and the completion of projects on the ground.
He said: "Syria today is not only opening its doors to invest money, but also to attract partners who believe in the future and contribute to its industry, and we especially welcome Emirati investors who share a heritage of deep brotherly relations and possess the experience and ability to qualify them to be real partners in the process of development and reconstruction."
UAE Minister of Commerce: The Stage Requires Enhanced Cooperation
In his speech, the UAE Minister of Commerce, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, stressed that the Syrian capital has a special place in the hearts of Emiratis due to the common ties and historical relations between the two countries, and our goal is to improve bilateral relations in various investment and trade fields to serve the common interests between the two countries.
The UAE Minister of Commerce said: "The next phase requires strengthening cooperation, strengthening ties based on real partnership, integration and comprehensive development, and working to crystallize joint projects based on mutual interests, and achieving real added value for the economies of the two countries."
He explained that the organization of this forum, with its various sessions and wide participation from the public and private sectors in the two countries, confirms our common belief that economic integration and direct dialogue are the best path to achieve growth, enhance competitiveness, and create quality opportunities capable of achieving prosperity.
Al-Salhani sets the goals of the Syrian Sovereign Fund
Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani announced in his speech at the forum that the Syrian Sovereign Fund for Development does not aim to achieve immediate profits, but rather to build strategic and sustainable projects that serve future generations.
Minister Al-Salhani said: "The Fund's mission goes beyond direct profit to focus on sustainable return and self-development, which requires adherence to the highest international standards of governance and transparency, and adherence to clear principles in the management of investment policies."
He pointed out that this commitment is not just a passing promise, but a guarantee of honesty and credibility, and it is the basis through which strategic partnerships can be created with major international institutions, in order to achieve the required investment impact and pave the way towards real sustainable development.
Objectives of the Forum
The forum aims to discuss the prospects of investment and economic cooperation between the two brotherly countries, and expand the areas of partnership in the development and productive sectors, in a way that contributes to supporting investment opportunities and the exchange of experiences between Syria and the UAE.
The forum will include dialogue sessions with the participation of officials and investors from both sides, which aim to provide a direct space for discussion on cooperation and investment opportunities, and potential partnerships between companies in the fields of trade and investment, education, financial services, tourism, real estate, urban development, agriculture, food security, energy, aviation, logistics, healthcare, technology, and digital transformation.
The Emirati delegation participating in the forum also includes UAE Minister of Commerce Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, Omar Habtoor Al Deri, and a number of Emirati and Syrian businessmen residing in the UAE, from various investment and economic sectors.