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Syrian President al-Sharaa Tours Gulf States, Securing Billions in Investments Amid Reconstruction Efforts
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa completed a two-day tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates starting April 21, focusing on bilateral relations and mutual interests. Gulf states have pledged billions in investments following U.S. sanctions relief on Syria. Economic data shows stalled growth, declining GDP per capita, and rising inflation amid public protests.
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Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates over two days beginning on April 21, 2026. The Syrian presidency described the trip as focused on strengthening bilateral relations and discussing issues of mutual interest. FDD reported that the diplomacy centered on economics as Damascus faces mounting pressure.
Gulf states pledged billions of dollars in investments to Syria following President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria. 7 billion to Syria. Qatar announced an investment package worth $11 billion to Syria.
Syria’s reconstruction needs are estimated at roughly $216 billion. Syrian Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh said that the SST designation is the country’s last milestone to unlocking foreign investment. The United States designated Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism in 1979, and the United States will review Syria’s SST status in December 2025.
3 percent compared to 2024, according to the Syrian Center for Policy Research. Syria’s real GDP per capita declined by about 6 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, the same center reported. 4 percent in November 2025 compared to November 2024.
A small demonstration took place in Damascus on April 17, 2026, highlighting worsening social and economic conditions and calling for greater transparency regarding the country’s economic situation. Protesters demonstrated outside the Ministry of Electricity in Damascus earlier in 2026. U.S.
Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy Thomas Barrack floated the idea that overland routes through Syria could help offset disruption caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. During the war, Iraq began exporting crude oil by tanker trucks transiting through Syria to the Port of Baniyas on Syria’s Mediterranean coast.
