The Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum 2025, held in the Syrian capital, Damascus, witnessed the signing of 47 agreements and memoranda of understanding worth a total of approximately 24 billion Saudi riyals (equivalent to $6.4 billion). The forum, attended by Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara, saw broad participation from the public and private sectors in both countries, aimed at strengthening economic relations and exploring opportunities for joint investment cooperation.
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid al-Falih announced during the forum that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had directed the establishment of a joint Saudi-Syrian Business Council with high-level membership from businessmen and leaders, making the Saudi private sector a key partner for Syria in the next phase. Businessman Mohammed bin Abdullah Abu Nayan was chosen to chair the council.
A Saudi delegation comprising more than 100 private sector companies and 20 government agencies participated in the forum, with the aim of launching a new investment era between the two countries. In his opening remarks, Syrian Minister of Industry Nidal al-Shaar emphasized that the historical relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia form a solid foundation for launching strategic partnerships that benefit both peoples. He highlighted the Syrian government’s commitment to enhancing the investment environment and providing facilities and support to investors.
Al-Falih explained that the signed agreements covered several vital sectors. Agreements were signed in the infrastructure and real estate development sector worth more than 11 billion riyals ($2.9 billion), including the establishment of three new cement factories with Saudi funding. Agreements in the communications and information technology sector, valued at approximately 4 billion riyals ($1.06 billion), were also signed with major Saudi companies such as STC and Elm, with the aim of developing the digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and building advanced artificial intelligence systems.
In the agriculture sector, the two sides discussed cooperation in modern agricultural production projects, food supply chains, and model farms. The forum also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Tadawul Group and the Damascus Securities Exchange to enhance financial cooperation and launch joint investment funds. Al-Falih pointed out that the value of direct investments by Syrian investors in Saudi Arabia currently amounts to approximately 10 billion riyals ($2.66 billion), while the Kingdom is looking to expand its investments in Syria in the fields of energy, industry, real estate, financial services, health, education, and communications.
Al-Falih emphasized that these agreements fall within the framework of the Kingdom’s vision to develop strategic partnerships with Syria and achieve economic integration. He praised the recent amendments to the Syrian investment law, which provided investors with additional guarantees and incentives, stressing that this step represents the beginning of a new era of economic cooperation and joint growth between the two countries.
