Syria and Saudi Arabia on Saturday signed a series of economic agreements, including plans for a joint low-cost airline and a $1 billion telecommunications development project, as Damascus intensifies efforts to rebuild after years of conflict.
The agreements come as Syria seeks to attract regional investment following the political transition that saw Islamist authorities take power after the removal of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key backer of Syria’s reconstruction push, alongside other Gulf states.
Talal Al Hilali, head of the Syrian Investment Authority, said the deals include the launch of a Syrian–Saudi low-cost carrier aimed at strengthening regional and international air links. The aviation agreement also covers the development of a new international airport in Aleppo and the redevelopment of the city’s existing airport.
In telecommunications, Al Hilali announced the SilkLink project, which will focus on upgrading Syria’s digital and communications infrastructure. Syrian Telecommunications Minister Abdulsalam Haykal said the project would be implemented with an investment of around $1 billion.
Syria’s ability to attract foreign capital had long been restricted by international sanctions imposed during the Assad era. However, the full removal of remaining US sanctions late last year has cleared the way for renewed investment and reconstruction initiatives.
Additional agreements signed on Saturday include cooperation on water desalination and development projects. Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al Falih also announced the launch of an investment fund for major projects in Syria, with participation from the Saudi private sector.
The latest deals build on earlier commitments. In July last year, Saudi Arabia and Syria signed investment agreements worth $6.4 billion, followed by further deals exceeding $14 billion covering transport, real estate, and airport infrastructure.
